How This Album Found Me
Ok so, when we were asked in class if we knew what genre of music we wanted to do, for some reason disco music popped into my head so I decided to roll with it. I love fun, vibrant music to dance to like disco music, so I figured I could have fun with this as well and maybe even find a new favorite genre of music. Based off all of my mom’s stories she has told me, I just knew she would have liked disco music at some point, lo and behold I was right. She said that her and her sisters used to listen to it all the time, and that it is still one of her favorite genres of music. I has asked her if she had a favorite artist and Donna Summer was her immediate answer. She told me so many fun stories of memories she has listening to records from Donna Summer and gave me some of her and her sister’s favorite songs. She told me to listen to the record “On the Radio” and that it was her absolute favorite one by her. All of her other favorite songs like “Last Dance’ and “No More Tears” are also from this album which are very good so I decided to make it my focus for this assignment. Donna Summer’s title as the “Queen of Disco” is not something taken lightly because she is that girl.
How I Listened
I decided to listen to this album digitally and streamed it on Spotify. I decided to stream it because it was the fastest and most efficient way for me to get the full immersive experience.
Joy and Exhilaration
Listening to Donna Summer’s groundbreaking disco hits on “On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I and II” is a transportive, electrifying experience that stirs feelings of uncontrollable joy and exhilaration within me. From the releasing melody of “MacArthur Park,” to the infectious grooves of “Last Dance” and “She Works Hard for the Money,” Summer’s powerful vocals and the music’s power create a euphoric, liberating energy in my soul. The anthem of this time period, “Last Dance” provides me with a release, allowing me to let go of my inhibitions and dance freely, symbolizing self-expression. The song’s chorus and euphoric melody create a sense of unity and empowerment, inviting me to embrace my inner strength and celebrate all of the moments life has to offer. Her songs possess a thrilling spirit that compels me lose myself in the music and the dance floor. I feel like there should be a disco ball above me when I am listening to this. Donna Summer’s unbeatable ability to blend showstopping production, irresistible hooks, and her captivating vocal abilities results in an album of disco classics that feeds my soul and ignites feelings of joy, exhilaration, and delight. For me, music is all about how the actual music sounds, and this album most definitely executes that to the highest extent.
Escapism
When I put on Donna Summer’s greatest hits, I’m instantly transported away from all my daily BS and worries. “Sunset Park” and “Enough is Enough” featuring Barbara Streisand takes me on this wild ride through all its dramatic ups and downs, and I just get lost in that hypnotic beat and Summer’s incredible voice/vocal talents. “Hot Stuff” is like an instant ticket to some glamorous disco – suddenly I’m there under the disco ball in the 70s and nothing matters except moving to that killer groove. “I Feel Love” though- that one’s something else entirely. The synthesizers and Summer’s vocals make me feel like I’m floating somewhere far above all my problems. Even when she’s telling stories in songs like “On the Radio,” I get completely wrapped up in these perfect little musical worlds she creates instead of stressing about my own stuff.
Adjustments to Algorithmic Recommender Systems
I think that there could be a few adjustments to algorithmic recommender systems to help people find and enjoy this album as much as I did. For example, the system could analyze the user’s current mood or the mood of the music they are currently listening to. If a user is feeling down or nostalgic, the algorithm could suggest the album as a potential mood-booster. Another adjustment could be developing playlists that highlight specific themes or moods associated with this album, such as “Disco Fever” or “Power Ballads.” This will help users discover the album and its individual tracks within a curated group.
