Everybody Dance Now: A Review of Michel Haddi's Hollywood Boulevard Album

Dive into the sultry sounds of Michel Haddi's Hollywood Boulevard, a danceable journey that redefines electronic music.

A Photographer's Musical Venture

When one of the best photographers in the world decides to try his hand at music, most would instinctively seek a safe corner to hide. I mean, who wouldn’t be a bit intimidated? But you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you shied away from Michel Haddi's album Hollywood Boulevard. This collection is not just a mere foray into music; it’s a sonically sexy, sultry, and irresistibly danceable experience that echoes the best vibes from the renowned Buddha Bar and Cafe Del Mar compilations from the late Millennium.

Danceable Beats and Soulful Vocals

This isn’t your typical electronic music that feels like a heart attack with 6000 beats per minute. Nope! What Haddi offers is a chill vibe, complete with a sensual rhythm and soulful vocals from a diverse lineup of guest singers. “I wrote all the songs,” Haddi shares, “I don’t sing. I paid different kids to sing on the record.”

Haddi's life partner, Sarah Coldron, plays a pivotal role in the creative process. He refers to her as his muse, stating, “She is the one saying it is good or bad. She is the final say.”

Unique Tracks That Stand Out

Among the standout tracks is “Orale Mi Reina,” which features DJ Chido de la Riviera. This trippy song is sung in Spanish, adorned with the strumming of Spanish guitar. Then there's “Part 2”, which shifts the vibe entirely with contributions from The 420 and Rosy Style, who add their flair with English lyrics and Mexican slang.

You can check out the song “Part 2” here: Part 2.

“Soldado,” another track featuring DJ Chido, is an English rap infused with an intoxicating Arabic riff. If you’re like me and have a soft spot for Arabic sounds, this one hits that sweet spot! Listen to “Soldado” here: Soldado.

Haddi also adores his alternative versions, and “Soldado” gets a fresh rendition from The 420 and Rosy, showcasing their unique interpretations.

Diverse Sounds and Creative Processes

“La Preciosa” delivers a blend of hip-hop and smoky bar vibes, wherein Rosy confidently declares herself the bad girl. If there were a theme song for a hypothetical Beverly Hills Cop 5, this track would undoubtedly fit the bill. The radio edit of “La Preciosa” amps up the energy with a faster beat, allowing Style’s vocals to shine through more vigorously.

And who can resist the poetically titled “War of Love”? This beautifully rendered piece by Mademoiselle Lily, sung in French, resonates deeply with anyone who's ever been in that particular battle of the heart.

Haddi explains his creative approach: “I used a lot of different machines to get the different sounds I wanted, from India, the guitar, etc. I used machines like Suno, and Fadr. People will say it is done by AI, but I use it just as a tool. Like I said, I wrote all the songs. It took me a year.”

Having lived in Los Angeles at Venice Beach for several years, Haddi frequently returns for shoots. He emphasizes that “Fires will never bring down the resilience of Los Angelinos” in the press release for Hollywood Boulevard.

This album coincides with the release of his photographic book The Legend, Hollywood, set to drop in May or June. “In the spirit of giving back, we are dedicating half of all proceeds from downloads on Apple and other streaming services to support the Los Angeles community recovering from the fires,” Haddi states.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What genre is Michel Haddi's album Hollywood Boulevard? The album blends electronic music with elements of hip-hop, soul, and Latin rhythms.
• Who sings on the album Hollywood Boulevard? Various guest singers contribute their vocals, including DJ Chido, Rosy Style, and Mademoiselle Lily.
• What themes are explored in the songs? The songs touch on love, resilience, and personal struggles, all with a danceable beat.
• How can I support the Los Angeles community through this album? Half of all proceeds from downloads will go to support the community recovering from the fires.
• Where can I listen to the album? You can find Hollywood Boulevard on Apple Music and other streaming platforms.

Feel free to shop for your favorite album cover poster at our store and bring a piece of this musical journey into your home! Check it out here.