Dana Jean Phoenix - Synth City

Dana Jean Phoenix has been slowly taking over my playlists since I've listened to her sophomore album Le Mirage; her beautiful and sensual voice powered by retro electronics has transported me back to an era that I never had the pleasure of being part of. It has to be more than a coincidence, some might call it fate, that as soon as I discovered Phoenix she announced a brand new album shortly after titled Synth City. My enthusiasm was high and after giving the album a couple of thorough listens I still am infatuated with Phoenix's performance. 

It seems to me as if Dana Jean Phoenix understands the importance of the first track on her albums. Whether it was the title track of Le Mirage that seduced me or the dreamy synths of 'Summer Breakup' from her debut album Drrty Shooz that put me in a trance, the first songs on all her albums made me want to explore everything else the album was offering. That pattern has not changed as Phoenix begins Synth City with another retro pop banger titled 'I.O.U.'. Her wonderfully gorgeous voice and friendly dance beats would make Madonna and Cyndi Lauper proud. 

A majority of Synth City is bolstered by amazing dreamy synths in songs such as 'Unicorn (Magic)', 'Into the Future', and on the ever lovely 'Look To Your Heart'. That being said Phoenix intermingles dance tracks such as 'Neon Sprites' and 'Miss You Myself'. I also believe that if Michael Jackson rose from the grave and listened to 'Losing Your Grip' he would be ecstatic. 

Dana Jean Phoenix also brought along some of the best synthwave artists in the field to help produce the album. While it would be difficult and even a little boring to list each producer and which tracks they've produced (all that information which can be found on Bandcamp), I can at least tell you the names of the producers. Those included are: The Northern Lights, The Amazing Mr S., Till Wild, Timecop1983, Robots With Rayguns, London Lazers, and Highway Superstars. I give high respects to all of these wonderful beings for lending their talent to Synth City. 

There is a competition for Miss Universe out there, but if ever there were to be a competition for Miss Synthwave there is no doubt in my mind that Dana Jean Phoenix would be handed over the tiara and title without any arguments. She has a beautiful voice, powerful beats, and she has the flare and attitude that made the 80s everlasting. Give it up for the Queen of Synthwave - she's struck again and her hot streak will not stop anytime soon. 
May 06 2017