“Freed from Desire” is an infectious and anthemic Eurodance track by Italian singer Gala Rizzatto, released in 1996 as the lead single from her debut album, Come into My Life. Written by Gala herself alongside producers Maurizio Molella and Filippo Andrea Carmeni (Phil Jay), the song became a massive international hit and remains one of the most iconic dance tracks of the 1990s.
The lyrics of “Freed from Desire” convey themes of independence, self-awareness, and rejecting materialism. Musically, the track features a pulsating dance beat, driving bassline, and repetitive synth hook, typical of the Eurodance genre. Gala’s distinctive vocal delivery, with its deep and sultry tone, adds a unique character to the song, making it stand out in the crowded dance music scene of the time.
“Freed from Desire” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 1 in France, and Belgium, while charting in the top 10 in numerous others, including the United Kingdom, where it peaked at No. 2. Its popularity extended beyond the dancefloors, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Over the years, “Freed from Desire” has been widely embraced by fans of dance music and beyond. It has been adopted as a chant at sports events, particularly in football (soccer), where fans create customized versions of the chorus to celebrate their teams and players. This use has further cemented the song’s status as a universal anthem of joy and unity.
In 2016, Gala released an acoustic version of the song for the Laurent Tirard’s romantic comedy film “Up for Love” (original title: Un homme à la hauteur)” – scroll down for video.