It’s been 30 years since the release of ‘Dreamer’, the chart-topping classic cut by Livin’ Joy, hailed as “the house anthem of 1994” by NME. In celebration, the internationally acclaimed, House Gospel Choir take the track to new heights featuring the soul-stirring vocals of the song’s original composer and vocalist, Janice Robinson.

While the original was described as a “hedonistic headcharge of feel-good techno”, the House Gospel Choir’s new sonic expression pays homage to Robinson’s gospel roots. The song is now set to a simple piano motif allowing the power of big collective voices and their uplifting gospel energy shine through.

As Robinson says, “Singing with the House Gospel Choir feels like I am returning to my roots of how I grew up singing gospel music every Sunday. My father was a dynamic Baptist preacher so this moment of Dreamer turning 30 years old and now releasing a new, beautiful version with the incredible House Gospel Choir, is a true Dream come true for me”

Throughout her career, Robinson has toured with Tina Turner, performed as the live singer for Snap! as well as New Kids On The Block, appeared on television shows such as Charmed and her huge comeback on The X Factor in 2018. 

‘Dreamer’ is the second single to be taken from the House Gospel Choir’s forthcoming album, ‘Love Is The Message’ which is released to mark  their 10th anniversary – a  glorious decade of mesmerising harmonies, uplifting house vibes and spreading the word of love, joy, peace and unity.

Released on 9 August, ‘Love Is The Message’ features two other inspired covers of seminal classics; the legendary ‘Promised Land’ featuring the voice of its original creator Joe Smooth and the Sounds of Blackness 1991 essential ‘Optimistic’ with Beverley Knight lending her powerful, soulful vocals. The remainder of the album comprises original material of pure, soulful house bangers, including four tracks which have been produced by main collaborators Rudimental who have created instant classic house anthems  in ‘GLOW’, ‘Shall Not Be Moved’, ‘No Better Friend’ and ‘FIRE’. HGC take it all the way to church to close the album with the rousing, anthemic title track ‘A Vow (Love Is TheMessage)’ and emotive, gospel ballad ‘Glory!’

Listen here.

House Gospel Choir 2024 biog here

‘Love Is The Message’ – Album Tracklisting

1. 1. Promised Land (feat. Joe Smooth)
2. 2. Shall Not Be Moved
3. 3. You
4. 4. Dreamer (feat. Janice Robinson)
5. 5. No Better Friend
6. 6. Glow (feat. Rudimental & Afronaut Zu)
7. 7. Good God
8. 8. Fire
9. 9. Optimistic (feat. Beverly Knight)
10. 10. A Vow (Love Is The Message)
11. 11. Glory 

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.