The Twelve Inch 179 : Waltz Darling : Dance-Pop/Worldbeat/British Soul - 1989

This week’s mixtape slows things down to a lush 100 BPM. Slower tempos were all over the ‘80s, and two weeks ago we explored the early decade’s synth-funk sounds. Now we’re diving into the late ‘80s, with polished dance-pop from Malcolm McLaren, Roxette, Ellis, Beggs & Howard, and Milli Vanilli.

It was also the era of New Age and worldbeat, riding the wave of Enigma’s Sadeness—included here in its Hot Trax remix—followed by Deep Forest’s Sweet Lullaby in full 12-inch form.

The second half shifts toward British soul and R’n’B with Soul II Soul, Innocence, and Joanna Law. There’s a touch of Madchester with Flowered Up, some ethno-pop via Les Rita Mitsouko, and Dr. Alban’s brilliant Hello Africa to close it out.

Press play and float.