Gloria Gaynor - Happy Tears (2025) (Hi-Res)

Born to sing, Gloria Gaynor’s passion and persistence have kept her going through thick and thin. Famously recognized as one of the Queens of Disco alongside other legends like Donna Summer, Gaynor went from singing in local nightclubs around Newark, New Jersey, to signing a deal with Columbia Records in 1971.

A dream come true, Gaynor would then go on to find success with a list of singles like 1974’s “Never Can Say Goodbye” and 1975’s “(If You Want It) Do It Yourself,” but the biggest jolt into the limelight came in 1978 with the massive “I Will Survive.” A song that has personified Gaynor’s life and career, in 1987, she suffered a significant spine injury after falling backward over a monitor while performing. Something which immobilized her from the waist down, through resilience and hope, amazingly, Gaynor was able to walk upright and be pain-free over two decades after the injury.

All part of her inspiring story, jumping into 2019, Gaynor celebrated life and music with her sensational Gospel album, Testimony. A record which won her a Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, Gaynor is showing no signs of slowing down as she returns in 2025 with her new EP Happy Tears. Eighty-one years of age and feeling great, Gaynor’s Happy Tears arrives on June 6, 2025, through GLOLO, finding Gaynor returning to Dance/Disco-styled music. An ever-busy lady who has been making music for decades, with Happy Tears, she proves once more that her powerful voice is still highly capable of transporting emotions straight to your heart.

Beginning with the strong “Fida Known,” this catchy and thriving piece of art spreads a positive, upbeat message. The empowering anthem “When I See You” continues this feeling with a sensation of light, strength, and love. This is while the title track “Happy Tears” gets you moving along right away with its rhythmic arrangements and addictive vocals, thanks to a stunning backup choir and Gaynor herself.

Moving on, with a stamna and head held high, Gaynor then shows you how to be “Invincible”. Along with Sam Tinnesz, they take to the dance floor with this catchy, danceable song that is nothing less than delightful. This leads us to “Reaching For The Gold,” yet another song spreading love, positive vibes, confidence, and power.

Simply put, Gloria Gaynor is a fantastic performer, and her voice is absolutely breathtaking. With that in mind, it is highly recommended to check out the Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive film, initially released in 2023, which offers more insight into her life and career. In the end, each song on Happy Tears is filled with compassion and strength wrapped in amazing arrangements. Let this motivating music fill you up from head to toe, because Cryptic Rock gives Happy Tears 5 out of 5 stars

- Nina Mende

Tracklist
01. Gloria Gaynor - Fida Known (3:17)
02. Gloria Gaynor - When I See You (3:42)
03. Gloria Gaynor - Happy Tears (3:17)
04. Sam Tinnesz, Gloria Gaynor - Invincible (3:45)
05. Gloria Gaynor - Reaching for the Gold (2:41)