With Daft Punk calling it quits after 30 years, my mind is on the group that gave us the French touch. Over the years, songs like “One More Time” and “Around the World” brought on the beats. “Digital Love” and “Technologic” brought on the robot phase. And then 2013 came along, and Daft Punk reinvented itself once again.

My co-worker came running over to a group of us excitedly sharing that “the new Daft Punk is here!” I took a listen to Random Access Memories and was immediately taken aback. The robotic tendencies had diminished, and a new soulful persona emerged. “Get Lucky” led the way. It had a paradoxical blend of throwback vibes and new musicality as evidenced by the co-writing duties from Nile Rodgers and Pharrell. For me, this one surpassed all the great Daft Punk dance tracks that came before it.

“Like the legend of the Phoenix. All ends with beginnings. What keeps the planets spinning. The force from the beginning.”