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| Introduction This new album is 40 years in the making. I wrote these songs starting in my high school years, roughly recording them to cassette. I continued this prolific period of songwriting and instrumental recording through 1991, cataloging over 380 unique songs/works. Many of the songs were love songs. Lyrics were weak but the music worked well (albeit formulaic). These songs were ultimately shelved as I had no way at the time while in college to record the true vision of their power and scope. At the same time, I was highly influenced by big sound performances: East Carolina University (ECU) Wind Ensemble, ECU Symphony Orchestra, along with catching musicals at ECU Theatre and Dance and in NYC (Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, and Sunset Blvd). So these songs all wanted that big sound much like in large musical ballads. I even flirted with using some of these songs in a new musical of my own (would have been called, “The School of Music”) and retelling the tales we all experienced. That project also got shelved. |  |
Album Content and Structure
In this album, I ultimately chose 22 songs written in 1986-87 (during my freshman/sophomore years at Chowan College) and between 1988-1993 (undergraduate and start of grad school at ECU). However, I knew I’d have to rewrite many of the lyrics. Song titles mostly remained the same. With my own studio and all the gear I finally could afford, I was able to produce what these songs deserved (and no AI production assistance). I rewrote the lyrics (but still kept 80s nostalgia and innocence). It was three straight months, cutting through the holidays, of rewriting and recording in time for a 2026 pre-Valentine’s Day release. The songs were organized into 3 sections:
ACT I: Declaration of Love and Devotion
ACT II: Reflection and Recommitment
ACT III: Memory and Renewal
Genres and Instrumentation
There is a ton of piano playing on this album, with many piano ballads and other songs utilizing the instrument. Additionally, I utilized live drumming in many tracks, utilizing an electric kit that triggers many acoustic kits I can customize. On other tracks, vintage drum machines such as the Roland TR-909 and LinnDrum LM-2 (made famous by Prince) were used to create that well-known 80s sound. Many vintage synths were also used including the Yamaha DX-7, Korg Trinity, Roland Juno-106, Jupiter-8, D-50, and Korg Triton. Modern sound libraries from EastWest were used to bring orchestral richness to certain tracks, along with real-life mixed chorus and gospel elements.
There are large orchestral/piano ballads, 80s/90s R&B-fused love songs, and even several that give off that 80s boy-band vibe with tight harmonies.
The song, “The Train” uses a sample of an actual Amtrak passenger train at the beginning and end of the song.
Lyrics
As these songs were originally written when I was in my late teens and early 20s, my songwriting skills were not well-developed. While I don’t consider myself a strong songwriter today, I think my abilities have improved, and I wanted to reimagine the lyrics while still trying to capture the innocence of my youth and the typical 80s. So, you can expect sappy lyrics at times, but these are songs shaped by my youth but unpologetically romantic love songs released just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Most song titles have remained the same. Some lyrics were kept, but most were replaced. The original songs were inspired by many things: early relationships, love songs of that time period and my attempts to mimic them. However, the new lyrics were a love letter to my wife of over 33 years (of whom I met in college).
Post Production
The album contains 22 total tracks. No AI was used in music production. I had more tracks in mind, but was running short on time to rework the remaining six, and liked the idea of 22, as that’s the age of our daughter at the time of release (small “Easter egg” if you will). It was mixed and mastered to have a warmth to it, as if it were recorded to analog tape, as was typical in the 80s. A limited edition physical version is in a 2-CD set, with the first 8 tracks on disc 1 and the remaining tracks on disc 2 housed in a folded full-color 4-panel wallet packaging.
All music written, programmed, performed, engineered, mastered, and © 1986-1993 by MBD.
ACT I: Declaration of Love and Devotion
- Wonder of the World (1988)
Style: 80s pop, with slight international vibe
Emotional notes: romantic celebration and awe of one I love, deep attraction to someone who is endlessly captivating.
Production notes: synth pad and other keyboards, live drums mix with drum machine, slightly orchestral; ethnic sounds - Fire In My Heart (1987)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: devotion, unconditional love, commitment
Production notes: piano (verse), strings/orchestra (chorus), live drums, vocal harmonies, big chorus. - With Our Love (1986)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: about stability and finding peace through shared love, and about feeling stronger/confident as a couple.
Production notes: piano (verse), live drums, orchestral strings and horns (chorus), timpani/harp/cymbals (chorus), vocal harmonies, big chorus and huge ending chorus with gospel soloist and choir. Song starts simple and ends huge. - I Only Have Eyes For You (1988)
Style: latin-tinged, bossa-nova hint 80s pop
Emotional notes: longing for loved one during physical separation, devotion and loyalty.
Production notes: electric piano, lite latin percussion, synth pad (chorus), vocal harmonies, live drums. Song is consistent throughout (no large swells). - The Train (1986)
Style: 80s soft pop multi-tempo (starts slow with intro, ends fast)
Emotional notes: bittersweet story of love and separation, expresses unspoken feelings, longing to be together again.
Production notes: piano, electric piano, live drums, timpani (chorus), synth strings, vocal harmonies, Amtrak train sound samples at start and end. - Give and Take (1990)
Style: R&B late 80s/early 90s boy band ballad (like Color Me Badd)
Emotional notes: about balanced relationship, mutual support, giving equally
Production notes: vintage Roland TR-909 drum machine; synth pads; piano solo, tight harmonies. - Running To You (1988)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: finding guidance and warmth in a loved one’s presence after a period of longing and separation.
Production notes: piano, strings (verse), vocal harmonies and bigger chorus all with live drums; typical 80s synth solo in mid section. - Every Night (1990)
Style: 80s/early 90s R&B slow-jam ballad
Emotional notes: all-consumed in love with her; romantic longing, emotional dependence
Production notes: vintage drum machine, electric piano, rhythm guitar, tight vocal harmonies (chorus), simple rap lyrics after each chorus.
ACT II: Reflection and Recommitment - Never Gonna Let You Go (1990)
Style: 80s drum machine, Madonna “Vogue”-style inspired
Emotional notes: commitment, certainty of love, joy of a relationship
Production notes: rhythm guitar, horn section, vintage LinnDrum, vintage TR-909 drum machine, synth strings, pop organ, electric piano, vocal harmonies (chorus). - Making Promises (1988)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad in 3/4 time
Emotional notes: commitment, choosing hope and faith in love together through shared promises.
Production notes: orchestral strings and horns, timpani (chorus), cymbal rolls/crashes (chorus), grand piano, live drums, vocal harmonies; fairly big chorus. - Slip Away (1988)
Style: laid back 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: intimate kind of love rooted in reassurance, commitment
Production notes: light repeated vintage drum machine rhythm; synth pads; vocal harmonies; grand piano. - Reconsider (1988)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: centers on belief of relationship a couple has built together. Centers on belief the relationship is worth saving.
Production notes: piano, synth strings, live drums, vocal harmonies - Forever In My Arms (1987)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: tender plea for closeness and lasting commitment. Centers on reassurance and deep romantic devotion.
Production notes: piano, live drums, vocal harmonies (chorus), orchestral strings and horns (chorus), timpani/cymbal rolls/cymbal crashes (chorus), huge chorus. Song has soft verse sections with piano/drums/bass but with huge chorus sections. Short sax solo in mid section. - You Can Have Everything (1991)
Style: early 90s dance pop/boy band R&B pop
Emotional notes: longing, emotional honesty, give anything for love.
Production notes: vintage LinnDrum LM-2 drum machine, synth pad, tight vocal harmonies (chorus), rhythm guitar (chorus), sax solo in mid section. - Show My Love (1987)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: about choosing emotional openness, commitment after holding feelings back. Letting go of hesitation and finding courage to express love.
Production notes: piano, live drums, vocal harmonies, orchestral strings and horns (chorus), timpani/cymbal rolls and crashes (chorus), big chorus. Song has quiet verses and big chorus with big orchestral sound and vocal harmonies. - Cry When You’re Away From Me (1987)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: reflects emotional strain of repeated separation in a loving relationship. Expresses longing and difficulty of saying goodbye.
Production notes: grand piano, live drums, vocal harmonies, orchestral strings and horns (chorus), timpani/cymbal rolls (chorus), big chorus. Song has quiet verses and big chorus sections.
ACT III: Memory and Renewal - First Slow Dance (1993)
Style: 80s soft pop slow dance ballad
Emotional notes: emotional, nervous excitement of first slow dance experience.
Production notes: acoustic guitar, brushes on drum kit, strings, electric piano, vocal harmony (chorus). - Your Eyes (1986)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: genuine love, focused attraction to eyes of loved ones
Production notes: piano, orchestral strings, vocal harmonies, live drums, timpani/cymbal rolls (chorus), big chorus. - Come Running (1986)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: inspired love, comfort in presence of loved one
Production notes: piano, live drums, orchestral strings and horns (chorus), harp/cymbal rolls (chorus) vocal harmonies (chorus). - I Can’t Live Without You (1987)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional notes: complete emotional reliance/deep devotion to partner. Love provides light, strength and meaning.
Production notes: grand piano, orchestral strings and horns (chorus), live drums, vocal harmonies, fairly big chorus. - Sensuous (1988)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad
Emotional note: reflects deep, intimate attaction and emotional connection; love is both consuming yet calming.
Production note: electric piano, synth pad, basic live drums, light percussion, basic vocal harmonies throughout. - Shared Love (1988)
Style: 80s soft pop ballad influenced by Mr. Mister “Broken Wings” rhythm
Emotional notes: healing, reassuring love that brings comfort and renewal, restoring hope
Production notes: orchestral strings and horns (chorus), vocal harmonies, live drums, rhythm guitar, timpani/cymbal rolls (latter chorus), men’s/women’s chorus (final chorus), gospel soloist (final chorus). Huge 2nd and 3rd chorus (the latter part of the song has a huge sound that tapers after climax). Verses are soft with shaker pattern, synth pad and simple beat.
I’m so happy that these songs finally found their way out of a box and into the world, in a way that I truly wanted them to sound. Some are intimate, some huge, and many have frission-inducing sound. I hope you find a favorite or two that connects with people you love.
–Michael Barrett Dixon, February 4, 2026.