Dan Hartman’s I Can Dream About You first appeared in the 1984 movie Streets of Fire, although in the movie the song was performed by a fictional group and performed by another singer. It was released as a single for the movie soundtrack with Hartman singing it, and later became the title of Hartman’s seventh album in 1984. The song reached #6 on Billboards’ Top 100 and elevated Hartman to a typically 80’s star with a mullet haircut, leather jacket and all. Just like the movie had neon lights, blonde villains and foggy scenarios and the song had the reverby snare sound. Everything undeniably from the 1980s decade. See the movie trailer:
More Dan Hartman songs
A Young prodigy, Hartman started playing at 13 years old and, throughout his career he performed various genres from pop to rock including disco.
With the band Edgar Winter Group Dan Hartman played rock songs like Frankenstein
Dan Hartman with Edgar Winter Group
Still before his biggest hit I Can Dream About You, Hartman made a disco hit called Instant Replay.
Dan Hartman Career
Talk nerdy to me: music theory trivia on I can dream about you
For beginner music producers, “I Can Dream About You” offers a masterclass in how harmony and rhythm interact to create a captivating musical experience. The song’s harmonic structure is built around cyclical chord progressions that are both simple and emotionally resonant, such as the prominent use of IV-I and vi-IV movements, which evoke a sense of longing and resolution. This harmonic foundation is enriched by lush synth pads that add warmth and depth, while the subtle shifts in chord voicings keep the arrangement dynamic. On the rhythmic side, the track features a syncopated groove in the drums, with the iconic 80s-style reverb-heavy snare punctuating the downbeats, creating a spacious yet driving feel. The bassline locks tightly with the kick drum, offering a steady pulse that grounds the song while adding melodic interest with occasional rhythmic accents. The interplay between these elements demonstrates how rhythm can complement harmony, with rhythmic motifs enhancing the tension and release embedded in the harmonic structure. By deconstructing these aspects, beginner producers can gain insights into crafting songs where rhythm and harmony work seamlessly to engage listeners and create a lasting impact.
Dan Hartman Career
Hartman died in 1994, at 43 years old, at his house in Connecticut due to a brain tumor. He not only sang but wrote and produced many songs for movie soundtracks, like I Can Dream About You. One of the highest moments in his career came with a Grammy nomination for writing the song Living in America, performed by James Brown for the movie Rocky IV. The song became Bown’s biggest-selling record at the time, in 1985.
James Brown – Living in America (written by Dan Hartman)
The first song featured in this project is an oldie but goldie one. Oddly enough it is here because I listened to it on a radio station that gives attention to the classics, something uncommon here in Brazil.
As always here goes the full 2024 playlist:
To open the 2024 playlist click here. To open the entre series playlist click here
