Album Review: DansePlus (2014) – A Canadian Electro Odyssey
Released in late 2013 by Sony Music, DansePlus is a high-energy compilation that captures the pulse of electronic music just as it was evolving into something bigger. With DJ Marky D at the helm for this DJ mix, the album dives deep into genres like Electro, Synth-pop, and Eurodance—styles that feel both nostalgic and fresh all at once. It’s not groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to be. This record is about vibes, beats, and those moments on the dancefloor when you forget everything else.
The tracklist reads like a playlist of early 2010s hits with some remix magic sprinkled in. Standouts? Let’s talk about “Summertime Sadness (Cedric Gervais Remix)” and “Blurred Lines.” The remix of Lana Del Rey’s moody ballad feels reimagined here—it trades melancholy for euphoria, layering synths over an irresistible beat. You can’t help but move to it. Meanwhile, Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” needs no introduction, but hearing it dropped mid-mix reminds you why it dominated radios back then. Its funky bassline and cheeky vibe are infectious, even if you’ve heard it a thousand times before.
One thing I appreciate about DansePlus is how seamless the transitions feel. DJ Marky D does a solid job blending these tracks together without losing their individual charm. Sure, there are predictable choices like “We Can’t Stop” and “Wake Me Up,” but they fit perfectly within the flow of the mix. And while some might argue the inclusion of songs like “Mirrors” leans too pop-heavy, it actually adds emotional depth to what could’ve been a one-dimensional party album.
What sticks with me most isn’t just the music itself—it’s the feeling of hearing tracks like “Inner Ninja” or “Hold On” unexpectedly woven into the mix. These lesser-known gems bring personality to the project, giving listeners something new to discover amidst the chart-toppers. Plus, who wouldn’t want to shout “I’M AN INNER NINJA!” during a workout or late-night drive?
If I had to nitpick, the album occasionally feels safe—like it’s playing it too cool to take risks. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. DansePlus doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it celebrates what makes electronic music so damn fun. It’s a snapshot of a specific time when EDM was exploding globally, and Canada decided to throw its hat in the ring.
Final thought: Listening to DansePlus feels like finding an old USB stick from 2013 and realizing your teenage self made the ultimate party playlist. Except this time, someone else did the work for you—and they nailed it. Who knew nostalgia could sound so good?
