Chicago – This year brought an 80s resurgence like no other. From movies, TV, and fashion, the decade of excess swooped in hard, taking its biggest hit in pop music. Artists like Carly Rae Jepson, Bleachers, The Wombats, and Walk the Moon have been echoing the sounds of Debbie Gibson and Madonna to Hall & Oates, Wham! and The Cars. So hearing that yet another group is channeling 80s may make some roll their eyes. However, PHASES‘ For Life brings new life to the revival. While much of the pop coming leans towards tweens and twenty-somethings, Phases gives us more mature pop, perhaps geared towards those of us who actually lived the 80s the first time around. It is also one the best dance albums of 2015.
The album starts out with with the magical “Silhouette.” It’ll make you want to grab a glass of champagne and dance the night away, in a sequined dress and high heels. Totally 80s, right? It seems some of the band members relive the 80s on a regular basis, from music making to their choice of cars. As Z told us in an interview, her and Jason Boesel both drive old Mercedes, referenced in “Betty Blue,” with the lyrics: “In my 80s Mercedes you can be someone.”
“Spark” will take you back in time, too. You’d think you heard this song before, in your favorite 80s movie, watching young love unfold, under a floating mirror ball, in the school gym, during the most important night of the characters’ lives: prom. Go ahead, chuckle. Remember when everything that happened in high school was so important or the end of the world, and you needed music and your best friend to help you get through it? This is that song.
The clear winner of the album is the single “I’m In Love With My Life.” This was the song of the summer. It was everywhere, from Hulu advertisements to Jessica Alba’s #CleanLikeJess ad campaign. It’s a fun-loving song, that’ll leave you tapping your feet and singing through a smile.
“Part Of Me” brings heavy bass and synths to get your bootie shaking. “Vertigo” and “Lonely Nights”also bring deep beats and more of a modern dance vibe. It’s easy to get lost in “Tell Me,” dancing around in a tizzy, like you’re recreating scenes from Flashdance.
For Life comes with three bonus tracks: “Paradise,” “Tell Me,” and “Forever.” All of which add to making this one of my favorite albums of 2015. This year we’ve seen so many artists recreating the 80s, but this is the first attempt I’ve heard that absolutely nails it. The more I listen to For Life, the more I fall in love with it, and the more I feel like a kid again, hiding away with my walkman, listening to Debbie Gibson, Madonna, and Paula Abdul.
For Life is available for purchase on iTunes. You can can catch PHASES on tour this Fall, and dance the night away. A list of tour dates can be found on the PHASES Facebook page.
Photo by Julia Brokaw
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
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