Let's play Games... 🫦

Desire's new album "Games People Play" is out now! | MC #91

I don't eat
I don't sleep
I do nothing but think of you
I don't eat
I don't sleep
I do nothing but think of you

You keep me under your spell
You keep me under your spell
You keep me under your spell
You keep me under your spell
You keep me under your spell
You keep me under your spell

- Hey
- Yeah?
- I was wondering... Do you know the difference between love and obsession?
- No
- And what's the difference between obsession and desire?
- I don't know
- Do you think this feeling could last forever?
- You mean like... Forever ever? Forever ever? Forever ever? Forever ever? Sure!
- God, I hope so
- Me too!

Does this sound familiar? Do you recognize the song?

Over a decade ago, after I saw the iconic "Drive" movie with Ryan Gosling and fell in love with the synthwave genre, it was completely stuck on repeat on my beloved SanDisk mp3 player. To this day "Under Your Spell" by Desire is one of my absolute favorite songs that make the soundtrack of my life. So naturally, when I heard today’s news that Desire have just dropped a new album "Games People Play", it instantly made my day better!

If you’ve been with my newsletter for a while, you might remember that back in 2021, I wrote A brief history of Synthwave 🌐, where I explored the genre’s evolution, spotlighting key moments, like the "Drive" movie, which featured Desire’s track "Under Your Spell". The "Drive" soundtrack was pivotal in pushing synthwave into the mainstream, solidifying its dreamy, cinematic allure. Now, more than a decade later, Desire continues to evolve while staying true to the evocative, cinematic magic that made them unforgettable.

This synth-driven duo consisting of Megan Louise, a Canadian singer with an unmistakable breathy vocal style, and Johnny Jewel, the mastermind producer (Chromatics, Glass Candy, Italians Do It Better label) have crafted a new synth-filled set of tracks. "Games People Play" dives into love, deception, and the power dynamics we all get caught up in.

If, like me, you’ve been craving synths, nostalgic melodies, and neon-lit vibes wrapped in danceable, pulsating beats, let me tell you - the "Games People Play" album delivers it all.

Let’s dive into some of the most standout songs from this album!

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"Darkside" 🔮

This one feels tailor-made for a late-night drive, preferably through a city drenched in neon. Its vocals are haunting, the synth-scapes are hypnotic and shadowy, and it has this characteristic cinematic intensity to it all. What’s not to like here?

Italians Do It Better presents “Darkside”, the new slow burning single from Desire. It’s nocturnal synthwave in their classic cinema sound. Megan Louise’s voice levitates over heavy 808 drums pivoting between sultry Dream Pop & spoken word. Our heroine serenades us while the impressionistic haze of Johnny Jewel’s production casts it’s spell. It feels like the opening titles to a Neo-noire film...Games People Play.

“The song is about the invisible line we draw between our outer reality and our inner world. The darkside is a meatphor for the unmasked internal space that we rarely share with strangers. A secret realm that never sees the light of day. On the endless hunt for love, we crave a deeper connection that can only come with truth. The mirror sees you… on the darkside. Crash into the starlight.”

Listen on Spotify

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"Drama Queen" 👸

This one caught me off guard with its piano house-fueled disco energy and bold, unfiltered attitude. It’s high-energy, fierce, and impossible to ignore. Be ready to get your feet moving and your heart racing.

Listen on Spotify

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"Dangerous Drug" 💊

And then there’s “Dangerous Drug”! A slow-burning track that lingers long after it ends. It’s intoxicating and filled with that signature Desire magic that makes you crave more.

Listen on Spotify

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So, what do you think? Are you into synthwave, or is this album your first deep dive into the genre? And if you’ve already listened, what’s your favorite track? Hit reply - I’d love to hear your thoughts!

And how about a quick vote?

As always, thank you for reading, listening, and sharing these little music journeys with me. Wishing you an amazing weekend filled with good vibes, great tunes, and maybe even a late-night drive with the perfect soundtrack 🏎️🏙️💜🎶✨

Until next time!