If you spent any time in a dance club during the late '80s, chances are you heard Dino's "Summergirls" blasting through the speakers. While songs like "I Like It" and "24/7" helped establish him as one of freestyle's biggest stars, there's something about "Summergirls" that perfectly captures the carefree feeling of summer nights, neon lights, and packed dance floors.
Released in 1989 from his album Swingin', "Summergirls" wasn't one of Dino's biggest chart hits, but for freestyle fans, it became a favorite. It had everything that made the genre so addictive, an irresistible dance beat, shimmering keyboards, smooth vocals, and a chorus that stuck with you long after the song ended. It was the kind of track that made you want to roll the windows down, head to the beach, or spend the night dancing with your friends.
Dino was one of the few freestyle artists who successfully crossed into the pop mainstream. While acts like Exposé, Sweet Sensation, and Stevie B. dominated radio, Dino carved out his own lane with polished production and a voice that was just as comfortable delivering romantic ballads as it was upbeat club anthems.
Listening to "Summergirls" today instantly transports me back to an era when summers felt endless. It reminds me of cruising around with the radio turned up, weekend trips to the mall, and those magical nights when all you needed was great music and good company. That's one of the things I love most about freestyle- it has a way of preserving memories better than almost any other genre.
If you've never given "Summergirls" a listen, now is the perfect time. And if you already know it, turn it up and let it remind you why freestyle music still holds such a special place in so many hearts.
