Beat Box

Fall’s Hottest Dance Tracks

Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the heat on our nation’s gay dance floors will be turning down.  If anything, clubs are working overtime to keep the floors burning.  Here are the top scorchers being played, all available in stores this fall.

The Power of Music
Kristine W
(Fly Again)

Our favorite dance diva’s latest cd has already proven its power on the dance scene with its first four singles – “Walk Away”, “The Boss”, “Never”, and “Love is the Look” –  all landing the top spot on the Billboard dance charts.  Her latest single, “Be Alright”, follows Miss W’s tried-and-true formula of thumping bass, soaring vocals, hands-in-the-air chorus – and for that, it will likely to be her fifth #1.  A slew of the music world’s heaviest hitters lend their talents to the 16-track album including Grammy-nominated producers Love To Infinity and Hex Hector, guitar legend George Lynch, and even rapper, Big Daddy Kane. In an industry of one hit wonders, Kristine reigns supreme as dance music’s leading diva, not only for her incredible music, but for her staying power.

Remixed, Remade, Reloaded
William Umana
(Harlequin)

The veteran producer has a formidable track record when it comes to delivering fiery cuts to some of the biggest disc jocks in the dance scene today.  William Umana’s biting productions with artists like Jeanie Tracy and Ceevox have been a staple on Manny’s, Tracy’s and Peter Rauhofer’s dance floors for years.  At long last, Umana comes out with his first compilation cd.  The 13-track album proves well worth the wait with blazing tracks like Alan T’s “Electrika Salsa”, Nina Flower’s “Locas… In Da House” and the hottest tribal beat-stomper of the season, Lexyss “Declaration”.

Lessons Learned
Barton
(.netspheres)

On the surface, Barton’s music may sound like dance music, but there’s a lot more going on both musically and lyrically for those who listen deeper.  The euro-based out-artist doesn’t rely on common clichés.  He draws from his personal life experience; adding an authenticity that is hard to find in much of today’s pop music.  The first release from Lesson’s Learned, “On the Beach”, hit clubs this summer. Its artful blending of nature metaphors with unforgettable lyrics remains a hit today.  But the best track on the album is yet to be released. “Nothing Lasts Forever”, about the importance of capturing beauty in every experience, will be among the most played tracks of the season.

SINGLE SPOTLIGHT:

Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now

Taborah & Darryl D’Bonneau

(D1 Music)

The disco classic by R&B duo McFadden & Whitehead was a celebration of achievements made by the black liberation movement of the 70’s.  The new millennium is about gay liberation and just in time for DC’s National Equality March (scheduled for October 11) comes a remake by Taborah & Darryl D’Bonneau.  The new version is sharp, fresh, edgy and gay, gay, gay!  It’s a wonderful reminder that when gays unite, no can stop us.  The Josh Harris remix on the maxi single is a particular standout.

Christina Aguilera is giving hunger a powerful voice by becoming the global spokesperson for World Hunger Relief. Aguilera will help raise awareness of the hunger issue this fall by appearing in a new public service announcement, advertising and posters made possible by KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.  She will also get the message out by appearing on the World Hunger Relief web site, FromHungertoHope.com, and in other online hunger relief efforts. Christina Aguilera is one of the most successful recording artists of the past decade, selling more than 42 million records worldwide. Aguilera’s 1999 self-titled debut album spawned three #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Aguilera has won four GRAMMY Awards and one Latin GRAMMY Award. WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency and the United Nations frontline agency for hunger solutions. In 2009, WFP aims to feed 105 million people in 74 countries.