In the ’80s the whole of Europe was dancing to Sandra’s songs. Italo disco tune “Maria Magdalena”, from her solo debut album The Long Play (1985), led a string of dance hits anchored by the singer’s alluring vocals. Close collaborator Michael Cretu lent a hand with writing and production, and steered her towards rockier and new age textures. But Sandra also drew attention to urgent issues: “Johnny Wanna Live” is a moving ballad for animal rights. And with later cuts like 2012’s “Maybe Tonight”, the artist revisits her synth-pop roots—bringing ’80s disco vibes to the new millennium.