Cast your mind back to 2008/09; 80s synth pop revivalism was at its height and it seemed every act was trying on a shiny synth style in an increasingly desperate attempt to hit big on the chart - enter 'Ladyhawke'.

'Ladyhawke' is the stage name of Phillipa Margaret "Pip" Brown, a New Zealand singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. 

Against the 80s synth pop revivalism background, the chances of a new act, who themselves fully embraced the 80s pop aesthetic, was either going to be a huge success or greeted with a collective shrug of indifference by the record buying public. 

The name 'Ladyhawke' is taken from the 1985 film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer as star-crossed lovers with animal alter egos (a hawk and a wolf, respectively). 

Whilst a great name, there is no doubt it caused confused for many, suggesting metal-rock rather than 80's synth-pop - but just one listen to the hook laden pop classic track  'Paris Is Burning' sorts the matter out. 

Driven by a Gary Numan Cars-influenced verse, the song bursts into one of those indelible pop choruses that will have you singing for days (or in my case, years).

And like lots of great pop, the meaning of the song is not immediately obvious. 

It could just be about a crazy weekend in Paris, but the line where she asks ’Is it love or just Paris?’ is probably the clue. 

If you like Paris (& I do), your going to love this!

Comments:

@sarahl9398

Such a dreamy song. Music from that time period, and being in my late teens then, made for an incomparable experience. ❤️

@emmanuelromero6344

Today 14 years ago, this song was uploaded here. Greetings from Mexico! I really love Ladyhawke's songs as the same with Pnau, Empire of the Sun, The Presets, etc; as well. With this song I met Ladyhawke's songs. But unfortunately, I rediscovered her songs 12 or 13 years later. Thanks for all, Ladyhawke. Paris is still burning!

@Insigma83

I love the off beat drumming, the third and fourth chords in the chorus and the fact that she actually plays all her own instruments in the studio, but tours with a band. The girl's got talent

@trulyhuman6227

Can't believe she doesn't have more subscribers, such a good artist.

@stephanielea8871

I had the pleasure of meeting ladyhawke a few years ago. She’s such a lovely person, she’s amazing live too

@Brahams

This might be one of my favorites songs of all time.

@stellaviolens

Fantastic Bristol gig by Ladyhawke. This finished the main set and was best received by the crowd. I was doing all the moves to Paris is Burning as the tears rolled down.

@garibaldi54

How did I miss her last year, I've only heard 4 of her songs and they all kick ass!

@Huliatt

oh GOD, I love the 80's feel to it, both in the music and the video! this is my absolute fave track right now!!

@tarantino300

I heard it on the radio on my way home, and been singing it all day!

@Cheeatow

Such a great tune! Loving LadyHawke!

@lightskinboi06

Wow! How is she able to still sound modern but be so retro at the same time!? Amazing!

@majesticalps

LADYHAWKE is flaming HOT!!!!!!!!! And she's awesomely talented!!!!!!!!! <3 <3 TOTAL AWESOMENESS.  Hope she goes big in US cuz she deserves it!

@jesperkryger

Great, great song. Absolutely love it.

@DaftSwank

This is awesome. I love artists that work towards tunes with hooky catchy melodies. She very favorably reminds me a bit of a hipsterized Debbie Gibson and her vocals are quite Bananarama-esque. I am lovin' me some Ladyhawke!!!!!

@kerrbear18

Ladyhawke is phenomenal!!! So in love with her quirkiness.

@aviationdesign

This summer my girlfriend and i will go to Paris! Guess what song we're going to listen... :)))) We love this track so much! Keep it loud!

@gingedss

It is a great piece of pop that is a rare combination of words...but it is rare to find an artist who can do pop that still has character...remember the Sugababes when they first appeared they had so much potential too, lets hope she can hold on to what she has...

@novayorker

i love this song...she's amazing.

@Andreazzzzzzz

Has reawaken my memories of being in Paris - Superb! The french version is even better!

@FlashFace

Ladyhawke is so cool.  I love her to bits!  What a song!  WOW!!!!!!!!!!