Universal Love (LP) - Dr Dawsound (Pop) Dr Dawsound features a bevy of artists for his first album, “Universal Love”, a 12-track upbeat pop record with a retro synth flair, which is accompanied by an instrumental version of the album. Before we dig into the tracks, let’s take a look at our artist.
Based out of Marseille, France, Dr Dawsound produces his tracks from his home studio, which are then mixed by Atlanta-based Daniela Rivera. For his vocalists, Dr Dawsound works with artists from around the world in order to bring his tracks to life.
On “Universal Love”, Dr Dawsound uses club percussion production and rich retro synths to create a soundscape that reminds us a lot of 00s/10s Rhianna—think “Only Girl In The World”, “Please Don’t Stop The Music” and “S&M” era. The mixing is stellar, with each track sounding like it would fit right in with the Top 40 of that era. In focusing on his positive message of invoking the love of the universe to heal a world of sadness, most of his tracks are upbeat, dancey numbers with a pop core, occasionally dipping into EDM or house inspired sounds.
“Stellar Pulse” introduces the soundscape with a Chris Brown-esque male vocalist, introducing the fuzzy analog synths and plucky production. EQ’d and distorted vocal punches add to the ear candy and overall paints on a vast canvas. “Electric heartbeat” dives deeper into 80s synths with a track that was made for the Stranger Things soundtrack. The lyrics themselves also evoke the era, references to neon dreams, circuits, synthesizers, shockwaves and electricity.
Our favorite track, “Amor De Verano”, is a reggaeton inspired cut with a minimalist production that feels right out of the Rhianna songbook, with a lead synth that reminds us of Katy Perry’s “Bon Appetite.” It’s a hip winder for sure and of all the numbers feels the most current. “In My House (Good Vibes)” returns us to EDM with a punchy kick and theatrical female vocal.
“Girl In a Hurry - D.R. Mix” is back to the 80s with a driving beat that gives the feeling of cruising down the highway, while “Blue” feels like it was inspired by the track of the same name from the 90s by Eiffel 65. There’s something about the melodic line that reminds us of the track, but not so much to become distracting.
As we head into the latter half of the album, “Music - D.R. Mix” has an element of danger to it, reminding us of aforementioned “Only Girl In The World”, with a rich production driven by a rhythm guitar. “U (Universal Love) D.R. Mix” is another departure, as the strumming of an acoustic guitar pulls us into a different sound. The track is anthemic in scope and feels very Top 40.
“Little Girl - D.R. Mix” gives us our first break in tempo, slowing things down into a lush mid tempo. The song has a great movement to it, building steady with tension throughout. “Deadline” returns us to our retro EDM vibe mostly reminding us of the aforementioned “S&M”, especially with those distorted c’mons. It’s a sultry track for sure.
“No Gravity - D.R. Mix” gives us our last uptempo dance cut, lead by the punch of a driving kick, there’s a nu disco feel to the track, and definitely a dancefloor spinner. Finally, we conclude with our only ballad, “Perfect Time”, introduced by a lush pad and soulful piano. It’s a great “lighters up” close to a well crafted project, and certainly an impressive one considering it is Dr Dawsound’s first outing.
