Michael Sembello, Maniac | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 183^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Maniac” by Michael Sembello.

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 183^rd edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2023), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Maniac”, performed by 🎙 Michael Sembello.

“She’s a maniac, maniac on the floor / And she’s dancing like she’s never danced before.” Ooh-wee, 🎙 Michael Sembello! 🎵 “Maniac” was a huge song back in 1983 – an understatement.  A no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, this highlight from Flashdance, which also appeared as the fifth track from Sembello’s album,  💿 Bossa Nova Hotel, was nominated for a 🏆 Grammy and an Academy Award. Sembello penned “Maniac” alongside 🎼 ✍ Dennis Matkosky while Sembello produced alongside 🎛 Phil Ramone.

“Maniac” possesses a winning formula through and through. The production is characteristic of the 1980s.  The groove is driving – electrifying from the opening tip.  The palette of sounds includes synth drums (Carlos Vega), keys (Matkosky), and guitar and synth bass by Sembello.  The guitar solo exemplifies the pop/rock sensibilities of the era.  Vocally, Michael is exuberant, infusing ample personality into the tuneful melodic lines. “Locking rhythms to the beat of heart / Changing movement into light,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “She has danced into the danger zone / When the dancer becomes the dance.” Maniac, indeed! But just know, via the second verse, “It’s a push-shove world, but there’s always a chance / If the hunger stays the night.” WORD… I think.  🎵 “Maniac”, a big, cheesy 80s joint, remains among the most memorable songs of all-time four decades after its arrival.

🎙 Michael Sembello • 💿 Bossa Nova Hotel • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 1983

Michael Sembello, Maniac: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 183 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Warner; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]