Michael Sembello

17.9K Listeners

Artist Bio

Michael Sembello, a name synonymous with 80s pop exuberance, carved a unique niche in the music landscape, transitioning from a sought-after session guitarist to a solo artist celebrated for his infectious energy and innovative sound. Before achieving mainstream recognition, Sembello honed his craft as a guitarist, contributing to recordings by a diverse range of artists, demonstrating his versatility across genres. This period served as an invaluable training ground, shaping his musical sensibilities and solidifying his technical prowess. Sembello's breakthrough arrived with "Maniac," a track he co-wrote and performed for the iconic film *Flashdance*. While "Maniac" isn't available on our site, that success opened doors, leading to his own solo career and the opportunity to showcase his songwriting and vocal talents. His music often blended elements of pop, rock, and funk, creating a sound that was both commercially appealing and creatively adventurous. His distinctive vocal style, characterized by its soulful delivery and impressive range, further set him apart from his contemporaries. Although he's best known for his contributions to film soundtracks, Sembello's discography contains many hidden gems. Tracks like First Time showcase his ability to craft memorable melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics. He explored diverse themes, from the complexities of relationships to the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. "Automatic Man" isn't featured here, but his willingness to experiment with different musical styles is apparent across his work. Songs like Lay Back are prime examples of his pop sensibilities. Beyond his upbeat anthems, Sembello also demonstrated a capacity for introspection, as heard in Gravity. His songs often possessed a deeper layer of meaning beneath their catchy hooks, inviting listeners to contemplate life's challenges and triumphs. While he may be remembered for his contributions to the 80s pop scene, Michael Sembello's artistry extends far beyond that singular association. His diverse musical background, his distinctive vocal style, and his willingness to experiment make him a compelling figure in the history of popular music. He further showcases his unique sound in songs like The Harder Love Falls and It's Over, demonstrating his range as a songwriter and performer. To explore even more of his catalog, don't miss tracks like Talk. He continues to create music, cementing his legacy as a versatile and innovative artist.

Popular Albums

Popular Songs

Most popular songs by Michael Sembello
Track Number	Song	Release Date	Album
01	Maniac	Apr 11, 1983	Bossa Nova Hotel
02	Lay Back	Sep 1, 1983	Bossa Nova Hotel
03	Superman	Sep 1, 1983	Bossa Nova Hotel
04	Talk	Sep 1, 1983	Bossa Nova Hotel
05	Rub the Stone	Jan 1, 1997	Backwards in Time
06	Tear Down the Walls	Jan 1, 1986	Without Walls
07	Wonder Where You Are	Jan 1, 1986	Without Walls
08	Gremlins... Mega Madness	Jan 1, 1984	Gremlins (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
09	Just A Little Bit	N/A	Mid-Summer Blossoms
10	Cowboy	Sep 1, 1983	Bossa Nova Hotel
11	It’s Over	Sep 1, 1983	Bossa Nova Hotel
12	First Time	Sep 1, 1983	Bossa Nova Hotel
13	Cadillac	Sep 1, 1983	Bossa Nova Hotel
14	Automatic Man	Sep 1, 1983	Bossa Nova Hotel
15	Summer Lovers	Jan 1, 1982	Summer Lovers (Original Soundtrack from the Filmways Motion Picture)
16	Rock Until You Drop	Apr 29, 2016	The Monster Squad
17	Where Are We Now	Jan 1, 1992	Caravan of Dreams
18	Heavy Weather	Jan 1, 1992	Caravan of Dreams
19	The Harder Love Falls	Jan 1, 1992	Caravan of Dreams
20	Burn It Up	Jan 1, 1986	Without Walls