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
You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.
This song was one of the first songs I ever choreographed a dance to as a teenager, one of the girls in my dance class (I was the only boy) had the cassette maxi single, and she was making a MESS of things because she couldn’t keep track of which remix she was using! Eventually I kind of gently persuaded her to use the Manhattan Mix (and I showed her how to find it) and then I convinced her to let me help with the choreography. We were in a competition with another group within our class and I’m happy… Read more »
Thanks a lot, this did not come out on cd!
can you post company B Signed In Your Book Of Love? Tanks god bless you.
Wow Paul, this was an anthem. Interesting history, I remember hearing it back in 1986 and then later it was everywhere in 1987. The song is very wistful and atmospheric, actually fits in well in the Halloween setting. The local station played a lot of freestyle… 102.5 KDON, lots of underground stuff that often found life on major labels. Really, looking back at it, it was a groundbreaking station.
Thanks, Joey! You’re absolutely right — “Dreamin’” really was an anthem, and it’s got that haunting, wistful quality that fits perfectly with the season. I love hearing about KDON spinning all that early freestyle; those local stations were so important in breaking records like this before the majors caught on. Sounds like you were tuned in right at the heart of it!
What an eloquent write-up Dj Paul. I absolutely love how you give so much backstory and history, I always end up learning something new about the songs I’ve enjoyed for so long. Also love how you even brought up the Exposé connection here! Dreamin’ has always felt like a “different” kind of freestyle track to me, standing off to the side a bit compared to so many of its contemporaries. I think it’s due to the emotional story behind its creation – listeners can feel it without even knowing the whole story. You really nailed it in your description of… Read more »
Thank you so much, JP — that really means a lot! I couldn’t agree more about “Dreamin’” feeling a little different from other freestyle tracks of the era. There’s definitely something deeper and more emotional running through it, and I think that’s what makes it so timeless. I’m glad you enjoyed the Exposé connection too — such a cool bit of Miami music history. And yes, back-to-back freestyle days felt like the right move for this week! 😊
Hey Paul lol You Pulled A Freestyle Rabbit Out Of The Hat On This Smoking Freestyle Gem!! I’m Still Dreamin’ About This Rip!! Thanks Paul!!
Haha, thanks so much!🤣 I’m glad this one hit the spot — sometimes it’s fun to pull a surprise freestyle gem out of the hat. Appreciate you listening and sharing the love!
Fact: Bob Rosenberg’s mother, producer and singer of Will To Power, was named Gloria Mann.
She was a pop singer who had two Top 40 hits in the mid-1950s.
On the Sound Records label, the songs were: Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine) and Teen Age Prayer.
That’s absolutely right, Ruben — great trivia! Gloria Mann was Bob Rosenberg’s mother, and it’s amazing to see that musical talent ran in the family. Her 1950s hits are such a cool piece of pop history, and it makes the Will to Power story even more special knowing that connection. Thanks for sharing that!
Thanks Paul…
I would have thought this would have went closer to a number 1 for club play and not just 15.
Also, I really enjoy reading all the info you publish for each release.
A lot of it is unknown and very informative.
Thanks so much! I agree — it’s surprising that “Dreamin’” didn’t climb even higher on the club chart. It definitely had the sound and energy of a #1 dance track. I really appreciate your kind words, too — I love digging into the background details on these records, especially the ones that deserve more recognition. Glad you’re enjoying the posts!
Fantastic Paul !! The Power Pig 93.3 (they called themselves Stevie B 93 also) in Tampa along with 106.7 in Orlando played the heck out of it back in the day. They were called “the cat” then “xl” 106.7. The clubs Scatz,The Breakfast Club and J.J. Whispers and other clubs around Orlando played so much freestyle. Thanks for the great write up and I can’t believe the female backups were original Expose’ members. What a story! It’s just too bad that the big named record companies got a hold of freestyle music and just ruined it. Great work and thanks!
The upside of Freestyle going mainstream is that it gave enough “spill-over” momentum for excellent Freestyle artists in the 90s like Rockell, La Rissa, Angelina, Collage, K5, ….
That’s a great point! The mainstream wave may have changed the sound a bit, but it definitely created enough momentum for that next generation of freestyle artists in the ’90s — Rockell, La Rissa, Angelina, Collage, K5, and so many others. It kept the scene alive and evolving well beyond its late-’80s peak.
Thanks, Erik! I love hearing that — those Florida stations were so key in pushing freestyle into the mainstream. The Power Pig and XL 106.7 were absolute legends for that sound. And yes, the Exposé connection is such a cool part of the story — it really ties Miami’s dance scene together. I totally get what you mean about the big labels; once they jumped in, some of the raw magic got lost. Appreciate the memories and kind words!
Oh Paul, am I dreamin’? 6hours ago I asked for this song …. and boom , here it is. Thank you Paul. As Jeff already wrote, we are also interested for Fading Away.
Haha, talk about perfect timing! 😊 I guess your “Dreamin’” request really came true. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one — and yes, “Fading Away” is definitely on my radar for a new transfer soon. Stay tuned!
Great song. Remember it well. Happy to see some 80s Freestyle! Thanks a million.
Thanks, Mark! Always great to bring a little 80s freestyle back into the spotlight — such a fun and energetic era. Really glad you’re enjoying it!
You’re on fire, Paul! Gosh, this track certainly brings the heat! I still don’t understand why it didn’t get higher on the pop charts. Even on the dance charts, too. I see it was a massive seller, so then why it didn’t hit number one for club play? I’ll never understand the music business. It’s just better for me to love what I love and not pay attention to what everybody else thinks. It’s just that the happiness I experience over a track, I just want to share this feeling of elation and euphoria! I earnestly hope that when you… Read more »
The Disconet Remix would be very nice. But it is very hard to find (like many Disconet Vinyl). Especially here in Germany the prices are excessively expensive. At discogs you will find only 7 copies…and shipping costs are so high that it’s unfortunately not worth buying.
I’m so happy you’re aware of it. I only mentioned it because with our Paul, you just don’t know. Maybe he has it, but like you said, remix services are very hard to come by and, at times, extremely expensive.
Thanks, Toxicaudio. I love having you here commenting on Paul’s site! You have great ears and tastes!
Have a great night!!
Jeff
Thanks so much, Jeff! I couldn’t agree more — “Dreamin’” absolutely deserved to chart higher. Sometimes the best songs just slip through the cracks, but that’s what makes rediscovering them so rewarding. I love your perspective — it’s all about celebrating the music that moves us, no matter what the charts said back then. And yes, “Fading Away” is definitely on my list for a fresh post! I do have the Disconet remix, and you’re right — that version slams. I’ll make sure it gets the spotlight it deserves soon. Thanks again for the enthusiasm and positive energy — it… Read more »
Wow! Thanks so much, Paul! Another great dance floor filler by WTP! I’ve the stuttering gunshot sounds burned into my head since 1987!…no joke. Little known fact for folks here: The “r-r-r-rhythm” samples in select Fading Away and Say It’s Gonna Rain remixes are from Public Enemy’s “Rebel Without A Pause”. Interesting WTP use the same sample on 2 different (albeit very similar sounding) songs. Thanks again, Paul!!!
Thanks, Fred! I love that detail — I didn’t realize the “r-r-r-rhythm” sample came from Public Enemy’s “Rebel Without a Pause.” That’s such a cool connection, and it totally fits that late-’80s crossover vibe. And yeah, those stuttering gunshots are unforgettable — pure dancefloor energy! Glad you’re enjoying the post!
I think I see what you’re doing here. You’re teasing us with these WTP tracks until you finally make the Big Reveal: Shep’s out of this world mixes of Fading Away.
Or at least, that’s what I hope you’re doing. 🙂
Good eye, David! I actually posted “Fading Away” a while back. I’d love to give it a fresh transfer, but the record’s in storage right now — not sure if I’ll be able to dig it out this week. 😒
Silly me, I should have checked my drive before writing that. I downloaded those mixes when you first posted them. 🙂