THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

895-Livin’ Joy-Dreamer.

1994-Number 18 single. When it was re-issued in 1995, it reached Number 1.

Best Bit-At 1.04. This one really is an amateur mixing DJ’s dream, as it will mix effectively into almost anything.

Livin’ Joy are one of the musical projects of the Italian music producers Paolo Visnadi, and his brother Gianni Visnadi, along with the American vocalist Tameko Star, who joined the group in 1995, following the departure of the original lead singer Janice Robinson in 1994. Prior to forming Livin’ Joy, the Visnadi brothers had already tasted success with their previous project ‘Alex Party,’ working alongside DJ Alex Natale, and the vocalist and songwriter Shanie Campbell. As ‘Alex Party’ they were active between 1993-2000, producing music in the genre of ‘Italian House.’ They released one studio Album, the self titled ‘Alex Party’ in 1996, and seven singles, between 1993-2000. Four of those singles reached the Italian (FIMI) top 40, with ‘Wrap Me Up,’ from 1995, peaking the highest at Number 2, while in the UK, they also achieved four top 40 hits, with ‘Don’t Give Me Your Life,’ charting at Number 2 in 1995. Alongside releasing singles, ‘Alex Party’ also remixed tracks for artists of the calibre of Alison Moyet, Everything but the Girl, and The Shamen.

Livin’ Joy were leading exponents in the genre’s of ‘Eurodance,’ and ‘Italo House.’ Italian House Music is a form of ‘House Music’ that originated in Italy in the late 1980’s, The genre’s main musical characteristic is its use of predominantly electronic piano chords in a more lyrical form than classic ‘Chicago House’ records (see also best songs 981) A good example of ‘Italo House’ is the influential track ‘Ride on Time,’ by Black Box (see also best songs 501.)

The Visnadi brothers formed Livin’ Joy to run alongside Alex Party, issuing one studio Album called ‘Don’t Stop Movin” in 1996. They also released six singles between 1994-1999, with three of those tracks making the top 40 in Italy, with the single ‘Don’t Stop Movin,” making Number 1, although ‘Dreamer’ was never a hit in Italy. In the UK, Livin’ Joy have achieved six top 40 chart entries, including the 1995 re-issue of ‘Dreamer.’ In America on the Billboard ‘Dance Chart,’ ‘Dreamer’ made Number 1, and ‘Don’t Stop Movin” reached Number 3, they have never charted within Billboard Hot 100, top 40.

‘Dreamer’ was one of four singles to appear on Livin’ Joy’s’ debut studio Album ‘Don’t Stop Movin,” from November 1996. The song was co-written by Paolo Visnadi, Gianni Visnadi, and Janice Robinson, with the production being by the Visnadi Brothers. Following the release of ‘Dreamer’ in August 1994, the brothers were unable to reach an agreement with Robinson for a follow up single, so she left Livin’ Joy to pursue a solo career, at which point Tameka Starr was brought in as her replacement on vocals. Tameka Starr’s re-recorded ‘Dreamer’ for the Album, and also sang on all of the other 10 tracks. The original version of ‘Dreamer’ with the Janice Robinson vocal, was added to the Album as a bonus hidden track at the end of the disc.

Prior to joining forces with the Visnadi Brothers, Janice Robinson had toured as a vocalist for the ‘Euro-Dance’ group ‘Snap!’ between 1991-1992, although she never recorded with ‘Snap!’ in the studio. In 2000 Robinson toured America as an opening act for Tina Turner, (see also best songs 752-485 and 192) and then in 2005 she re-recorded ‘Dreamer,’ releasing it as ‘Dreamer 05.’ In total Robinson has released four solo singles between 1999-2015, and has written for artists including Taylor Dayne, and Tevin Campbell. In 2018 Robinson appeared as a contestant on the British reality television music competition ‘The X Factor,’ surprising the judging panel with the revelation that she was the voice, and co-songwriter behind the international Dance track ‘Dreamer.’ Robinson made it through to the live shows, as part of the ‘Over 28’s’ category, eventually finishing in 14th place.

‘Here we lie all alone am I dreaming? Your heart’s smooth my soul is unbelieving. Now you see the me and I’m feeling, I’m feeling. I feel your hands, your lips, the heat of your body, whisper your love to me say that you love me. Please just love me down, and never leave me, I’m a dreamer.’