Billie Ray Martin is best known for her international smash "Your Loving Arms." This song broke her through big time in the world of dance and has been recognized as one of the best dance tracks of the last decade. She has scored a few more hits since then, but has been relatively quiet for a few years now. That silence is broken with her new single "Undisco Me." Fans of her earlier work will be in for a shock, though. This new track is nothing like her old material and some may be turned off by it. I personally applaud Billie Ray for trying something new and exploring the musical landscape that is out there. Others may not be as giving because, in Billie own words, "It ain't the same drum machine."
In its original version, "Undisco Me" is a very sparse electronic blast. It's very reminiscent of classic Giorgio Moroder tracks from the late seventies and early eighties. Billie Ray's vocals are as fresh and mesmerizing as ever and they fit well with this languid lazy beat. The remixes offered here do not stray far from this original mix. The Edison Vocal Mix adds some extra beats and drums but is still not really something one could stomp their feet to. The rhythm never picks up the pace and the slow mechanical beats eventually verge on monotony. Peter Jurgens actually speeds up the tempo on his remix. The beats feel a bit more danceable but still very technologic. This is a good choice for the early evening because it offers enough drums and beats to get people on the floor moving. The Acid Jacks Remix piles on the synthesizers but unfortunately loses most of Billie Ray's vocal performance. The beats are heavy and the bass is pumping finally, but the special effects are distracting and a bit too loud for my tastes. The Patchworkz Remix ends the package with yet another electronic throwback to the eighties, again with an emphasis on the keyboards and drums but with Billie's vocals being used in a way that is actually interesting, not just as samples.
If you were looking for or expecting a pumping house jam or circuit-styled remixes, you will be rather disappointed. Billie Ray Martin has moved beyond those styles and is charting new territory with "Undisco Me." While being void of any tribal beats or hardcore drums, the retro-electro vibe fits well here, though many of these mixes will not be very useful to many DJs out there. Stick with the Peter Jurgens Remix for maximum floor potential. Otherwise, just load up and enjoy the new sound of a familiar voice. Hopefully Tommy Boy Silver Label will be getting Billie Ray back in the studio to do a full album so we can see what other new tricks she has waiting to unleash on us.
