As an ’80s kid, Jem and the Holograms was my first real introduction to pop music that wasn’t shaped by my parents’ record collection. Madonna, Meat Loaf, and Michael Jackson were household staples—but Jem was mine. Just mine.

That’s one of the reasons her music still means so much to me today, 40 years after the animated icon debuted. All it takes is one song to completely change the mood I’m in and take me bak to a time of glamor, glitter, fashion, and fun.

So, when Hasbro began releasing reimagined versions of the classic songs from the animated series—with original vocalist Britta Phillips back behind the microphone—I couldn’t have been happier.

Now, with the release of their second Jem and the Holograms EP, they’ve proven that Jem’s music really is magic.

The latest release from Hasbro Pulse and The Orchard features four newly recorded classics: ｢Music Is Magic｣, the recently released ｢Who Is He Kissing?｣, ｢Twilight in Paris｣, and ｢It Depends on the Mood I’m In｣—one of my personal favorites, originally featured on the cassette packaged with the Glitter ‘n Gold Jem doll.

Expertly crafted by a female-led creative team, each of these reimagined classics has breathed new life into songs that are still beloved decades after the original run.

Always one of Jem’s most infectious tracks, ｢Music Is Magic｣ absolutely glistens on this release. Retaining that unmistakable ’80s glitter-rock glamour, the new production has been accessorized with contemporary synths that give it a fresh, tailor-made look, poised to become the sugar-pop anthem of the summer.

Released last week, ｢Who Is He Kissing?｣ leans into the noir atmosphere hinted at in the original music video segment. Rich synthesizers and cinematic textures transform the song into something that could easily serve as the opening theme to a glamorous spy thriller. The result is elegant, suspenseful, and surprisingly emotional. 

Though it may sound blasphemous, ｢Twilight in Paris｣ has never ranked among my favorite Jem songs. It’s undeniably catchy and charming, but it never grabbed me the way ｢Let the Music Play｣ or ｢Come on In (The Water’s Fine)｣ did. 

That said, this reimagining completely changed my mind. The beat lands with more punch, the production feels fuller and more confident, and the whole track bursts with an irresistible energy that the original only hinted at. It’s an absolute bop—one that practically demands to be played at full volume.

Saving the best for last, ｢It Depends on the Mood I’m In｣ is, without question, the strongest of the reimagined tracks released so far (and yes, I know I say that every time—but this time I truly, truly mean it). Every element just clicks. Britta Phillips’ vocals are as captivating as ever, while the updated production strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia and modern pop, with just enough glam-rock shimmer and hologram swagger to remind you exactly why this song deserves a place among Jem’s very best.

If this EP proves anything, it’s that Jem’s music still has plenty of life left in it. If this is the standard this creative team has set, I’m more than ready for the next collection.

You can download / stream the Music is Magic EP on all major services including Qobuz which offers 24-Bit/48 kHz stereo download in multiple formats including Apple Lossless. 

There will (hopefully) be more Jem and the Holograms soon so… 

Stay Tuned!