Miami Sound Machine, Dr. Beat | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 59^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Dr. Beat” by Miami Sound Machine.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 59^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Dr. Beat”, performed by Miami Sound Machine. 

“Emergency! Paging Dr. Beat! Emergency!” And thus begins “Dr. Beat” with its corny but irresistible, tongue-in-cheek intro.  “Dr. Beat” appears on Eyes of Innocence, the 1984, English language debut album by Latin-pop band, Miami Sound Machine. The electrifying, utterly infectious record kicks off Eyes of Innocence with a bang.  Of course, with Gloria Estefan on vocals, the expectation is sheer excellence! Enrique Elias Garcia composed “Dr. Beat” while Emilio Estefan, Jr. (Gloria’s talented hubby) produced it.

“Deep inside of me / I just can’t control my feet / When I hear the beat.” Woo! Better yet, OW! Just like in the playful intro, Estefan brings the heat vocally.  She exhibits plenty of personality, which sells “Dr. Beat.”  What does she need help doing? Why, dancing, of course! “I just don’t know, don’t know / How I’m gonna deal with you,” Estefan sings, adding, “Won’t you help me, Dr. Beat?” Even with the ‘fever’ experienced, Gloria dances it out! She gets a lift from the sensational instrumental.  Here, the percussion hits hard from the onset.  The synths are picturesque – characteristic of the 80s.  Furthermore, Miami Sound Machine catches the ear with its marvelous rhythm guitar and exuberant, articulated horns.  “Dr. Beat” is just what the doctor ordered back in 1984.  And guess what, his prescription has yet to expire 40 years later!

Miami Sound Machine // Eyes of Innocence // Sony Music Entertainment // 1984

Miami Sound Machine, Dr. Beat: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 59 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom via  Pixabay]