When one of the greats of disco and forerunners in 80’s synth pop releases a new album, you have a pretty good idea of what you’re gonna get. Giorgio Moroder doesn’t let fans down with his first release in 30 years; his career resurged when French dance duo Daft Punk came to Moroder and asked him to collaborate for a song on their last album. Since then the 75-year-old Italian has called in a diverse cast of sidekicks for his new album Deja Vu (RCA).
Pop brat of tomorrow Charli XCX comes in to lead the infectious “Diamonds” and Sia leads on the title track, “Deja Vu” a disco guitar dream; the Kylie Minogue featuring “Right Here, Right Now” topped the dance charts when it was released as the lead single.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the album is how despite his prolonged break from pop music, Moroder manages to seamlessly re-enter the scene and sound effortlessly relevant. Any of the songs on the album could have been made by almost any current EDM DJ selling out crowds; any one making music using synths, four-on-the-floor rhythms or pulsing kick drums can trace their musical lineage directly back to Moroder. When Moroder placed the track “74 Is The New 24” onto the album it’s not a far fetched theory that he did so as a taunt towards younger DJ’s; a declaration of “Look, I’ve still got it, now who’s gonna take it?”
As good as he is, Moroder does fail to hit the target a few occasions. The Britney Spears-accompanied cover of “Tom’s Diner” is a saccharine turd coated in a sheen AutoTuned varnish applied with a fire hose. “Don’t Let Go” really forces listeners to wonder why they keep listening to Mikky Ekko sing the same song every time he steps in front of a microphone and more importantly, why do we keep listening? Even with Matthew Koma delivering his best Maroon 5 impersonation on “Tempted” the track feels a bit tired and unoriginal.
The grandfather of pop music delivers for the most part on Deja Vu, proselytizing doubters and neophytes alike to the way of the beat. Though almost every electronic artist would name Moroder as a major influence, it is clear that he has been changed by his successors as well, borrowing the best pages from each of their books.
Get Deja Vu here:
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