Strings of Life

Born in Detroit, May began exploring electronic music at early age. His high school friends were Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson.{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Dane |date=2024-02-05 |title=Belleville Three: Metro Detroit’s techno music pioneers |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2024/02/05/belleville-three-metro-detroits-techno-music-pioneers/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=WDIV |language=en}} They were commonly known as the Belleville Three.

In 1987, May started his production career with the release of "Nude Photo", a single co-written by Thomas Barnett. The single helped kickstart the Detroit techno music scene. A year later he followed it with the release of "Strings of Life," which was named by Frankie Knuckles after May gave him a demo tape.{{cite web|title=Interview: Derrick May - The Secret of Techno (archived) |url=http://www.techno.de/mixmag/interviews/DerrickMay1.html |work=Mixmag |access-date=July 25, 2012 |year=1997 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430083215/http://www.techno.de/mixmag/interviews/DerrickMay1.html |archive-date=April 30, 2013 }} It "hit Britain in an especially big way during the country's 1987-1988 house explosion."{{cite web|last=Bush|first=John|title=Derrick May|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/derrick-may-mn0000205313|publisher=Allmusic|access-date=July 25, 2012}}

"Strings of Life" is based on a piano sequence by May's friend Michael James. He dropped in for a visit at May's house and sat down to play a piano ballad he had been working on called, "Lightning Strikes Twice". This piece went into May's sequencer and was kept there until May decided to listen to it all the way through. He found some portions which interested him, and he started to work with it. The song was originally at 80 BPM before May increased the tempo, chopped it up into loops, and added percussion and string samples.

According to May, the track "just exploded. It was like something you can't imagine, the kind of power and energy people got off that record when it was first heard. Mike Dunn says he has no idea how people can accept a record that doesn't have a bassline."

In 1989, the song was remixed by Juan Atkins and released as "Strings of Life '89". It peaked at number 74 in the United Kingdom.

{{Quote box|width=22%|align=right|quote="I remember playing this when it first came out in 1986/87 – long before the summer of love explosion in '88. I played it at Pyramid at Heaven and was probably the first person to play this in England. The crowd went crazy. A couple of days later I played at a straight club and it cleared the floor."|source=—Mark Moore talking to Music Week about the song.{{cite magazine|first= |last= |title= Jock On His Box: Mark Moore |magazine= Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert) |date= December 23, 1995 |page= 5 |accessdate= May 15, 2021 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-12-23.pdf}}}}

Through the years, many DJs have named "Strings of Life" one of their favourite songs. American DJ Pierre said to Music Week "This is the ultimate strings song. The arrangement is brilliant and has a piano string breakdown which established the breakdown that many people use today. It was one of the first songs to put percussion to the forefront."{{cite magazine|first= |last= |title= Jock On His Box: DJ Pierre |magazine= Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert) |date= April 22, 1995 |page= 5 |accessdate= May 6, 2021 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-04-22.pdf}} American DJ Carl Craig commented, "I got this when it came out in 1988. It's a great party record. Spiritually, I don't know whether it would have anything for me at home but, when I hear it at a club, I trip out."{{cite magazine|first= |last= |title= Jock On His Box: Carl Craig |magazine= Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert) |date= July 1, 1995 |page= 5 |accessdate= May 10, 2021 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-07-01.pdf}} English house music DJ, DJ Paulette told, "I love this because of the moment when the piano comes in — it's like watching the sun rising. I play both mixes, but for playing clubs I like this one [the Ashley Beedle Mix] because of the beat."{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1996/Music-Week-1996-04-20.pdf|first=|last=|title=Jock On Her Box|work=Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)|date=April 20, 1996|page=5|accessdate=August 15, 2021}}

{{Quote box|width=22%|align=right|quote="This is special because it's a seminal dance track. It reminds me of when I first DJed at Sunrise. Another DJ was doing the last set and it wasn't going down too well, people were getting agitated and throwing things at him; he refused to play and I went back on and this was the first track — it got the best response I've ever had as a DJ. I play it when I do Back To '89 and if I'm in the mood I'll play it at Speed — you have to create a vibe and it takes everyone by surprise.|source=—Fabio talking to Music Week about the song.{{cite magazine|first= |last= |title= Jock On His Box: Mark Moore |magazine= Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert) |date= December 23, 1995 |page= 5 |accessdate= May 15, 2021 |url= https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-12-23.pdf}}}}

In 1996, clubbing magazine Mixmag ranked the song number 17 in their list of "100 Greatest Dance Singles of All Time".{{cite web|url=http://ravehistory.homestead.com/100greatest.html|title=The 100 Greatest Dance Singles of All Time|publisher=ravehistory.homestead.com|access-date=March 22, 2017}} In 1997, American songwriter, record producer, DJ and singer Robert Owens featured "Strings of Life" in his all-time top 10 list. He explained, "Derrick May takes me back to the Music Box days and the type of people that went ouf during that period. It's good to remember your roots and nice to pull something out to remind you. This is an all-time classic. I play it anywhere. The remixes came out and kinda killed it, so l put it away for six months. But it will always resurface."{{cite magazine|first=|last=|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1997/Music-Week-1997-04-26.pdf|title=Jock On His Box|magazine=Music Week, in RM|date=April 26, 1997|page=5|accessdate=August 16, 2022}} In 1998, DJ Magazine ranked the song number 25 on its list of "Top 100 Club Tunes".{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/lists/DJ-Magazine-Top-100-Club-Tunes-1998/7390?page=2|title=DJ Magazine Top 100 Club Tunes (1998)|publisher=discogs.com|access-date=March 22, 2017}}

BBC Radio's 2008 listeners & DJs poll, "The Greatest Ever Dance Record", ranked "Strings of Life" number four, after Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", James Brown's "Sex Machine" and Donna Summer's "I Feel Love".{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7507218.stm|title=Billie Jean voted top dance song |publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|access-date=March 22, 2017}} In 2011, The Guardian featured the song on its "A History of Modern Music: Dance".{{cite web|title=A history of modern music: Dance|url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2011/jun/15/dance-music-playlist-download|website=The Guardian|access-date=March 22, 2017}} In 2013, Mixmag ranked it number 28 on their "50 Greatest Dance Tracks of All Time".{{cite web|url=http://mixmag.net/read/what-is-the-greatest-dance-track-of-all-time-features|title=What is the greatest dance track of all time?|access-date=March 22, 2017|work=mixmag.net}} In 2014, Complex included it on its list of "Songs Every Dance Music Fan Should Know, Vol. 1", noting, "It's amazing that a record that encapsulates piano and orchestral samples but has no bassline (or need for one) can still resonate today."{{cite magazine|title= Songs Every Dance Music Fan Should Know, Vol. 1 |magazine= Complex |date= November 5, 2014 |access-date= April 8, 2020 |url= https://www.complex.com/music/2014/11/songs-every-dance-music-fan-should-know-vol-1/}} In 2015, LA Weekly ranked it number one on its "The 20 Best EDM and Dance Music Tracks in History",{{cite web|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/the-20-best-dance-music-tracks-in-history-6251507/2|title=The 20 Best EDM and Dance Music Tracks in History|access-date=March 22, 2017|work=laweekly.com}} while Time Out's 2015 list of "The 20 Best House Tracks Ever" included it at number 12.{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/music/the-20-best-house-music-songs-ever|title=20 best house tracks ever|publisher=timeout.com|access-date=March 22, 2017}} In 2022, Rolling Stone ranked "Strings of Life" number 33 in its list of "200 Greatest Dance Songs of All Time".{{cite web|first1=Jon|last1=Dolan|first2=Julyssa|last2=Lopez|first3=Michaelangelo|last3=Matos|first4=Claire|last4=Shaffer|title=200 Greatest Dance Songs of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/200-greatest-dance-songs-of-all-time-1372888|work=Rolling Stone|date=July 22, 2022|accessdate=October 30, 2022}} In 2025, Billboard magazine ranked it number 49 in their "The 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time".{{cite web|first1=Andrea|last1=Domanick|first2=Andrew|last2=Unterberger|first3=Elias|last3=Leight|first4=Eric|last4=Renner Brown|first5=Jason|last5=Lipshutz|first6=Joe|last6=Lynch|first7=Kat|last7=Bein|first8=Katie|last8=Bein|first9=Krystal|last9=Rodriguez|first10=Lily|last10=Moayeri|first11=Melinda|last11=Newman|first12=Thomas|last12=Smith|first13=Zei|last13=McCarthy|url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-dance-songs-all-time/|title=The 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time: Staff List|work=Billboard|date=March 28, 2025|access-date=April 6, 2025}}

• 12-inch single, US (1987)

1. "Strings" (Flam-Boy-Ant Mix) – 6:54
2. "Strings of Life" – 7:23
3. "Move It" (Remix) – 5:42
4. "Kaos" (Juice Bar Mix) – 5:50
5. "Untitled" – 3:08

• 12-inch single ('89 Remix), UK (1989)

1. "Strings of Life '89" (Juan's Magic Mix)
2. "Strings of Life" (Original Version)
3. "Nude Photo"

{{Infobox song

| name = Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)

| cover = Soul_Central_Stronger_on_My_Own.jpg

| caption = UK 12-inch cover artwork

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = Soul Central featuring Kathy Brown

| album =

| released = {{start date|2005|1|10}}{{cite magazine|title=New Releases: Singles|magazine=Music Week|page=17|date=January 8, 2005}}

| recorded =

| studio =

| venue =

| genre = House{{cite web|url=https://www.residentadvisor.net/reviews/2624|title=Soul Central: Strings Of Life (Stronger On My Own)|last=Hogwood|first=Ben|magazine=Resident Advisor|date=January 13, 2005|access-date=August 24, 2020}}

| length =

• 8:40 (full vocal)
• 3:40 (radio edit)

| label = Defected

| writer =

• Paul Timothy
• Derrick May
• Jaquie Williams
• Michael James

| producer = Paul Timothy

| chronology = Soul Central

| prev_title =

| prev_year =

| next_title = Need You Now

| next_year = 2006

| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|rqUQikzeKy8|"Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)"}}}}

}}

British house music duo Soul Central covered the song and released it in January 2005 with the subtitle "Stronger on My Own". Vocals were written for this version by Paul Timothy and Jaquie Williams that were provided by American house singer Kathy Brown. The cover reached number six on the UK Singles Chart the week after its release and became a club hit, peaking atop the UK Dance Chart. It additionally reached the top 50 in Australia, Flanders, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

• UK and Australian CD single{{cite AV media notes|title=Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)|others=Soul Central|year=2005|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=Defected Records|id=DFTD094CDS}}{{cite AV media notes|title=Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)|others=Soul Central|year=2005|type=Australian CD single liner notes|publisher=Hussle Recordings|id=HUSSYCD5056}}

1. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (radio edit) – 3:38
2. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (full length vocal) – 8:38
3. "Strings of Life" (Danny Krivit re-edit) – 8:42
4. "Strings of Life" (Martijn ten Velden & Mark Knight Toolroom mix) – 10:11
5. "Strings of Life" (Funky Lowlives mix) – 5:51

• UK 12-inch single{{cite AV media notes|title=Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)|others=Soul Central|year=2005|type=UK 12-inch single sleeve|publisher=Defected Records|id=DFTD094}}

:A1. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (full length vocal)

:AA1. "Strings of Life" (Danny Krivit re-edit)

:AA2. "Strings of Life" (Funky Lowlives mix)

• German maxi-CD single{{cite AV media notes|title=Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)|others=Soul Central|year=2005|type=German maxi-CD single liner notes|publisher=Kontor Recordings|id=K443}}

1. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (radio edit) – 3:40
2. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (full length vocal) – 8:39
3. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (Martijn ten Velden & Mark Knight Toolroom mix) – 10:12
4. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (Michi Lange Plastix mix) – 8:00
5. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (Danny Krivit re-edit) – 8:43
6. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (the video) – 3:38

• US digital download EP{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/strings-of-life-stronger-on-my-own-feat-kathy-brown-ep/44102394|title=Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own) [feat. Kathy Brown] – EP|publisher=Apple Music|access-date=August 10, 2023}}

1. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (radio edit) – 3:37
2. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (full length vocal) – 8:37
3. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (Danny Krivit re-edit) – 8:40
4. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (Martijn ten Velden & Mark Knight Toolroom mix) – 10:09
5. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (Funky Lowlives mix) – 5:49
6. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (Danism remix "Liquid People re-edit") – 6:43
7. "Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own)" (Copyright dub edit) – 5:38

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British electronic artist Kieran Hebden and American jazz drummer Steve Reid covered the song during their improvisational performances in the late 2000s, a live version being released after Reid's passing to raise funds for a foundation started in his name.{{Cite web|date=June 30, 2015|title=Kieran Hebden (Four Tet) & Steve Reid – "Strings Of Life" (Derrick May Cover)|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1812517/kieran-hebden-four-tet-steve-reid-strings-of-life-derrick-may-cover/mp3s/|access-date=July 14, 2020|website=Stereogum}}

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Category:1987 singles

Category:1987 songs

Category:1989 singles

Category:2005 singles

Category:American house music songs

Category:British house music songs

Category:Electro songs

Category:Techno songs