A Decade Later: Janice Robinson & David Morales Bring Back the Love
By Danni Levy
Back in 1995, Janice Robinson’s powerhouse vocals on Livin’ Joy’s Dreamer stormed to No.1 in the UK, becoming a platinum-selling anthem that still lights up dancefloors nearly three decades on. Since then, Janice has shared stages with Tina Turner, penned timeless lyrics, and had a viral comeback moment on The X Factor in 2018, reminding the world why her voice remains one of dance music’s most recognisable.
Now, Robinson has reunited with international DJ legend David Morales to reimagine their 2015 collaboration There Must Be Love. The new 2025 version, released on Morales’ own DIRIDIM Records on October 10th, blends his signature house production with Janice’s unmistakable vocals — delivering a track that feels fresher, bolder, and made for today’s dance floors, without losing sight of its timeless message.
We sat down with Janice to talk legacy, goosebumps, and why the world needs more love than ever.
Dreamer hit No.1 back in ’95 — when you hear it now in clubs, do you still get goosebumps or is it more like seeing an old mate down the pub?
I still get goosebumps, every single time. Dreamer isn’t just a record for me — it’s a message. When I wrote those lyrics, I wanted to lift people higher no matter where they were in life. To know that 30 years later it still moves people on the dance floor — that’s the magic. It’s like visiting an old friend, but one that still gives me chills.
That track became one of the UK’s most recognisable club bangers. Did you realise at the time you were laying down a song that would still be blasting out nearly three decades later?
Honestly, no one can predict that kind of legacy. I just knew I was writing from my heart. I’ve always believed music should heal, inspire, and elevate the listener. The fact that Dreamer continues to do that across generations is a blessing I don’t take for granted.
You’ve gone from Livin’ Joy to sharing stages with Tina Turner to a viral comeback on The X Factor. Which of those chapters feels the most “pinch me” moment?
All of them in their own way! Being on tour with Tina Turner taught me so many lessons and that is why I am still standing today . Being her farewell opening act on her US tour was life-changing she poured into me with all her power and grace. The X Factor was a rebirth for me, because it introduced me to a brand-new generation. And Dreamer itself — well, that was the beginning of this wild, beautiful journey. Each moment has been a divine reminder that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
How did it feel stepping out on The X Factor stage in 2018, belting Dreamer to a whole new audience who maybe weren’t even born when it first hit No.1?
It was surreal and emotional. I felt like a messenger carrying a song from the past into the present to inspire a whole new crowd. When I saw those young faces singing along, it reminded me why I do this — love and hope never go out of style.
You and David Morales first teamed up on There Must Be Love back in 2015. What made now the right moment to revisit and revamp it for 2025?
Because the world needs that message now more than ever. Love is the answer, and the music is the vehicle. After everything we’ve all been through, I wanted to give people a reminder that love is still the most powerful force we have.
Morales is a bona fide house music pioneer. What’s the creative chemistry like when the two of you get back in the studio together?
Electric. David and I both come from a place of deep respect for music as a spiritual force. When we’re together, it’s not just beats and melodies — it’s energy. He brings that legendary house foundation, and I bring the voice and the words. Together, we create something that feels timeless.
The 2025 version drops on DIRIDIM Records. How does this new mix differ from the 2015 release — what’s changed, and what’s stayed true?
What’s stayed true is the message — there must be love. That will never change. But musically, this version feels fresher, bolder, and designed for today’s dance floors. It’s like the 2015 version was the seed, and this one is the full bloom.
Dance music has shifted a lot since the 90s — festivals, streaming, TikTok trends. Do you think club anthems still land the same way with a new generation?
Absolutely. The platforms may change, but the need for songs that unite people on a dance floor will never go away. Young people still crave that euphoric moment when the beat drops and everyone feels connected. That’s why songs like Dreamer still work today — they carry truth, and truth is timeless.
You’ve defo lived the highs of the charts and the big stages. What keeps you hungry to keep putting out new music today?
I wake up every day grateful that I can still be a messenger of love and hope. Inspiring people for over 30 years has been the honour of my life. As long as my words and voice can help someone through a dark moment or lift them higher, I’ll keep going. That’s my purpose.
If you had to choose — would you rather see Dreamer climb back to the top of the charts in 2025, or There Must Be Love finally get its moment in the UK No.1 spot?
That’s tough! Dreamer has already had her crown, so I would love to see There Must Be Love reach No.1. The world needs that message now, and I’d be overjoyed to see it resonate on that level. But honestly — if either song is touching lives, that’s the real victory.