Today's Interlude: Bare Bones Commander

Here's another tune I came across recently. I credit Kelly Rowland for reviving electro-dance music in the States, and especially with introducing David Guetta to the American public. I may be blowing her role out of proportion but I definitely feel like she has played a major part in the current explosion of electronic pop. 

Commander was one of those songs I turned my nose up at the first time I heard it but then somehow ended up stepping to while walking down the street on my way to work. In this live performance, Kelly's taken the "charge" out of the music leaving behind a pure, organic sound. Stripping down the track to just an acoustic guitar and vocals is a refreshing take on this particular club banger, especially since it allows you to really appreciate Kelly's prowess as a singer as well as the melody itself. 

Wepa! Gloria's back

With all the new music coming around this summer, how could I not mention the Latin queen Gloria Estefan? Being a child of the 80s myself, Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine rank high among my earliest memories of music and that, if nothing else, is one of the reasons I get really excited when I hear about any new music from this particular artist. 

That said, I have to confess that I was more than a little disappointed when I heard this track for the first time. I can't explain why, but it just didn't strike that chord with me the way listening to her music usually does. However, after a couple of consecutive playings, I have to say it has grown on me. It's catchy and fun to dance to. Guess there is some truth to the line from the song that says the rhythm will make you wanna move it like they do in South Beach. 

Comments on Youtube expressed mixed feelings about the tune. Like some of the commenters, I didn't quite recognise Gloria at first, but, upon further listening I realised she has remained true to form: the track draws from traditional Latino-Caribbean rhythms with an added modern edge, making for a potentially great party song. And, even though I still have some reservations about the song (don't ask me why), I'm not ready to write it off as a bad tune just yet (maybe it's just my language nerd side being flim flammed by the use of three languages in the lyrics? Dunno). 

Give it a listen and let me know what you think.

Dobet Gnahore - Samahani

A gut-wrenching, soul-stirring, goose-prickle-raising apology from the heart. Merci Dobet pour cette chanson émouvante!