Burning The Ground Exclusive
Released in 1987, “Dreamin’” was the debut single from Miami-based dance-pop and freestyle group Will to Power, the project led by producer, DJ, and songwriter Bob Rosenberg. The track would go on to become a regional sensation in South Florida before breaking nationally—establishing Rosenberg’s reputation and setting the stage for Will to Power’s later chart-topping success.
A Song from the Heart
Behind its shimmering synths and club-ready rhythm lies a deeply personal story. Rosenberg wrote “Dreamin’” as a tribute to his twin sister Robin, who had passed away. The song’s yearning tone and heartfelt lyrics capture the emotional complexity of loss, remembrance, and faith in something beyond the tangible. This emotional core gives “Dreamin’” a depth not always found in freestyle music—transforming it from a simple dance record into something profoundly human.
Originally released locally on Rosenberg’s own Thrust Records, “Dreamin’” became an underground hit on Miami radio stations like Power 96. Its sustained popularity in the region—reportedly remaining on Power 96’s playlist for more than 30 weeks—caught the attention of Epic Records, who reissued the track nationally in 1987.
Sound and Production
“Dreamin’” perfectly embodies the sound of late-’80s freestyle: crisp drum programming, layered synth melodies, and emotionally expressive vocals. Rosenberg handled much of the production himself, assisted by Derrick Rahming, Fro Sosa, and Keith Morrison.
Background vocals were performed by two of the original members of Exposé, Alejandra “Ale” Lorenzo and Laurie Miller. Their smooth harmonies and emotive delivery elevate the song, blending beautifully with Rosenberg’s lead vocal and adding warmth to its wistful tone.
Several remixes accompanied the release, including the Extended Mix and Manhattan Mix, which amplified the song’s dancefloor appeal without losing its emotional edge.
Chart Success
While not a massive Top 40 hit, “Dreamin’” performed well enough to signal that Will to Power was a group to watch. It reached #15 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Play chart and #1 on the Dance Singles Sales chart, while peaking at #50 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In the freestyle community, however, “Dreamin’” was far more than a chart entry—it was an anthem. Its success marked a turning point for Miami’s local dance scene, helping to bring regional freestyle acts to national attention.
Themes and Emotion
The song’s lyrics speak of longing, disbelief, and the thin line between dreams and reality: a voice calling out for connection even when it seems lost. Lines like “Tell me that I’m dreamin’, don’t you stop me from believin’” resonate as both romantic and spiritual—an expression of love, hope, and grief intertwined.
Knowing the story behind the song, listeners can hear it as Rosenberg’s personal way of keeping his sister’s memory alive. Yet it also works universally: anyone who has lost someone or held onto a fading connection can relate to its message.
Legacy
“Dreamin’” remains a cornerstone of Will to Power’s catalog and a defining record of the freestyle era. Its blend of heartfelt storytelling and club-ready production captures the dual nature of so much late-’80s dance music—music that could make you move while breaking your heart just a little.
The record also paved the way for greater things: Will to Power’s self-titled debut album followed in 1988, spawning their #1 pop hit “Baby, I Love Your Way / Freebird Medley.” But “Dreamin’” stands apart as the moment where Rosenberg’s vision—personal, melodic, and distinctly Miami—first came to life.
Final Thoughts
“Dreamin’” by Will to Power is more than a freestyle classic—it’s a love letter, a memory, and a dream preserved in vinyl grooves. Beneath the glossy synths and driving beat lies something rare in dance music: sincerity. Decades later, it still moves both the heart and the feet, proving that sometimes the best songs are born from both loss and hope.
SIDE A:
Dreamin’ (Manhattan Mix) 7:20
Dreamin’ (Instrumental) 4:09
SIDE B:
Dreamin’ (New Mix) 7:40
Dreamin’ (Dub) 3:46
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | #50 | 1987 |
| US Billboard Dance Music / Club Play | #15 | 1987 |
| US Billboard Hot Black Singles | #40 | 1987 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49 06830
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: Freestyle
CREDITS:
- Engineer [Re-mix Engineer] – Steve Peck
- Mastered By – Vlado Meller
- Written-By, Arranged By, Producer [Produced By] – Bob Rosenberg
NOTES:
Mastered at CBS
From the LP “Will To Power”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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