“The Only Way Is Up” by James Alexandr & Zoe Badwi — Single Review

Released on 11/10/2026, “The Only Way Is Up ” by James Alexandr & Zoe Badwi is a Poolside Progressive single that captures the warm, uplifting spirit associated with the genre. These are great vibes for clubs and the airways! Sweet moves and grooves that work well on the dance floor and poolside!  From its rhythmic foundation to its melodic presentation, the record creates an inviting atmosphere that feels designed to bring listeners into a relaxed and positive musical setting.

A key strength of “The Only Way Is Up (Radio Edit)” is its Poolside Progressive-inspired groove. The steady rhythm gives the song an easygoing quality, while the melodic elements help create a bright and approachable sound. The title itself suggests optimism and warmth, and the musical character of the record supports that feeling without becoming overly complicated.

James Alexandr & Zoe Badwi’s performance gives the single its personality. The vocal delivery works naturally with the Poolside Progressive arrangement, allowing the song to maintain a smooth flow from beginning to end. The combination of rhythm, melody, and vocals gives this single a distinctly early-1990s Poolside Progressive character while keeping the presentation accessible to a broad audience.

As a 11/10/2026 release, “The Only Way Is Up (Radio Edit)” also reflects a period when Poolside Progressive continued to reach listeners beyond its traditional audience, blending established rhythmic traditions with contemporary production approaches. The single’s relaxed feel makes it well suited for casual listening, outdoor gatherings, and Poolside Progressive-focused playlists.

Overall, “The Only Way Is Up (Radio Edit)” is an enjoyable Poolside Progressive release with a warm, positive character. Its rhythmic groove, melodic appeal, and straightforward presentation make it a record that fits comfortably within the Poolside Progressive sound of the today's music. The single stands as a pleasant example of music built around good vibes, steady rhythm, and an uplifting atmosphere. ~AwesomeAI

Australian dance music favorites James Alexandr and Zoë Badwi join forces to breathe new life into the timeless anthem “The Only Way Is Up!”, delivering an uplifting, contemporary reimagining built for today’s dance floors. Driven by infectious house production, soaring vocals and the unmistakable spirit of the original, the new release preserves the song’s message of hope and resilience while giving it a fresh, high-energy edge. It marks the latest collaboration between Alexandr and Badwi.

Following their 2025 collaboration “Sexual”, the pair return with a feel-good reimagining designed to lift spirits and dancefloors. The complete club package includes the original mix, a supercharged VIP Mix and a remix from Melbourne DJ and producer Adrian V who draws on more than two decades of club experience to deliver an uplifting, disco-infused house interpretation.

With “The Only Way Is Up!”, Alexandr and Badwi deliver an unapologetically joyful record — a celebration of perseverance, connection and the enduring power of a great dance anthem.
~Swishcraft