Rating:
Genre:
R&B
Release Date: 12/07/2004
In the mid-'80s, a lot of downsizing was taking place in
R&B. Many of the large
soul/
funk bands that had emerged in the '70s were going high-tech, which meant cutting way back on horns (or even eliminating them altogether) and emphasizing keyboards and drum machines.
Atlantic Starr, like
Cameo, felt that they had to do some serious downsizing in order to remain competitive. In 1983, they still had nine members; when
As the Band Turns came out two years later, it was down to five. This 1985 release found
Starr unveiling a new quintet lineup that consisted of
Wayne Lewis on lead vocals and keyboards,
David Lewis on lead vocals and guitar,
Jonathan Lewis on keyboards and trombone (mostly keyboards),
Joseph Phillips on percussion, and newcomer
Barbara Weathers (who had replaced
Sharon Bryant) on lead vocals.
As the Band Turns was not only
Starr's first post-
Bryant album -- it was also the first album they had recorded since parting company with producer
James Carmichael (who had produced their last three LPs). This time, the producers included
Wayne and
David Lewis or
Joey Gallo and
Wardell Potts Jr. But despite all those changes,
Starr was still quite recognizable. Most of the material is excellent, and that is true of everything from the dreamy
"Silver Shadow" to the
electro-funk gem
"Freak-A-Ristic." Without question,
Bryant's departure was a major loss for the band. But it wasn't a fatal blow, and
Weathers shows herself to be a talented replacement on
"Silver Shadow," as well as the
ballads "If Your Heart Isn't in It" and
"Secret Lovers" (a major hit). Arguably the last great album that
Atlantic Starr provided in the '80s,
As the Band Turns demonstrated that there could be life after
Sharon Bryant for the East Coast outfit.
~Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
Cart 0 items
Listen
