Luke Tangerine – You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)

Unstoppable Luke Tangerine strikes again. This time, this prolific synthwave artist returns with “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record),” a Dead Or Alive cover featuring Carlos Ucedda’s guest appearance. It’s their second collaboration after a very successful single, “I Adore You.” Together, they teamed up once again to breathe some fresh air into the timeless classic. For those who somehow missed my previous reviews about Luke Tangerine‘s work, this Frankfurt-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer relies upon synthwave sound with regular leanings towards synth-pop, leftfield, new wave, and electronic music. His rendition of “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” isn’t an exception either, as he incorporates all the vital sonic ingredients of each of these genres. However, he also included some synth rock, art rock, indie rock, and alternative rock to spice things up a little bit, and he ultimately succeeded in his intentions to further improve one of the greatest hits of the eighties. 

If you pay close attention to Luke Tangerine‘s music, you’ll notice that he pays attention to everything. He thinks about tiny details, nuances, and other sonic maneuvers as much as he considers the main instrumentations. That’s the case here as well, as he simultaneously keeps the primary core of the song while equally incorporating his signature moves. Therefore, you’ll hear all the significant segments that make “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” such a crucial staple of many playlists over almost four decades, but at the same time, he invested so many fresh ideas that make his rendition even more appealing than the original version. Besides Dead Or Alive’s foundations, Luke Tangerine placed the entire arsenal of magnificent sonic weaponry, so characteristic of his previous works. Therefore, you’ll notice profoundly complex synth sequences, chord progressions, harmonies, melodies, themes, and leads straight away, while the equally hearable semi-distorted low-ends fill all the gaps. You’ll also hear the guitars delivering another layer of distortion through accentuations, leads, and riffs. At the same time, the energetic, complex rhythmic structure based upon punchy snare, robust kick, and synthy hi-hats keeps groove and pace, but also reigns control over the remainder of the instrumentations. Everything sounds top-notch from scratch to finish, proving Luke Tangerine is one of the most prolific and clever composers who can even reinvent classics like “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).”

In the meantime, Carlos Uceda delivers astonishing vocal harmonies to the table that guide listeners throughout the entire track with perfect balance between low, mid, and high notes. The adequate dominance of high-pitched vocals suits this version so well that you will spin the track over again. This rendition of “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” proves Luke Tangerine and Carlos Uceda are the dream team that should collaborate much more often. They ultimately nailed this cover song in my book. It’s one of those renditions that will immediately find its way to your synthwave playlist. The single is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!