Customer Reviews

Big Fun

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After two moderately successful albums, Solar's infamous three and producing genius Leon Sylvers, III generates pure magic and together creates one of the best brilliant albums ever made. Now with new member, velvet-voice soul crooner Howard Hewett, the group gets off to a fast start with the mega dance classics "Right in the Socket" and "I Owe You One." Success continues to follow as the group attain their first gold disc and single with the lone R&B chartopper and Top 10 hit, the ever popular "Second Time Around." Another music treat capturing one of R&B's greatest sensations at their best.

This photogenic trio of teen idols made some awesome records. Their music was bubbly and infectious, oozing catching hooks and strong melodies. "Big Fun" was the third album and the first by the lineup we all LOVE - Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniel, and the one and only Miss Jody Watley. While it sounds a bit dated in spots, the album's appeal lies in the way it gels. The tracks are a seamless blend of sleek disco, soul and funk, ranging from the slinky and playful "Take Me to the River" to the sexy, slamming "Right in the Socket." The latter features a young Watley working it out, and only hints at the bigger things that came later for her. The only thing that could be better would have been the inclusion of the oringial album mix. The first verse is altogether omitted. (Those dedicated Shalamar fans know what I'm talking about - "Blackouts don't mean a thing to me..." and you know the rest.) Nonetheless, it's still 7 minutes of dance floor delight. The obvious pearl here is the full-length version of "Second Time Around," Shalamar's best best single. This song is still hypnotic over two decades later. Howard's interpretation makes you believe it really is better "the second time around." This excellent album has some filler here and there, but overall it's a great listen that is appealing as a whole. This is the best place to start for anyone interested in Shalamar.

The full version of 'The 2nd Time Around' should get credits for the rated 5stars. With co of 'Right In The Socket' there's no doubt about it this is one of ten disco classics. Shalamar and Solar at its best.

I had been looking for this album/cd for more than 20 years. This is one great cd from start to finish and for all of the Shalamar fans out there, this is one that you should have in your collection.
Big Fun is the title and it lives up to it.. From straight up funk to the signature slow ballad, Shalamar shows why they were one of my favorite groups in the late 70's through the early 80's

Check out the groovy 3rd cd (and 1st decent cd/lp by Shalamar) that was about to make history with the arrival of vocalist from Arkon, Ohio named Howard Hewitt. He was as soulful and as real as the group's former lead singer, Gerald Brown, yet more commercial sounding. "The Second Time Around" hit #1 on the R&B charts as well as #8 on the pop charts and became the greatest song at the end of the disco era, besides Michael Jackson's "Rock With You!" Although it was the band's lead single and a one of the cult Shalamar songs, there were a few other songs that were better such as the soulful ballad (one of many successful quiet grooves) "Lets Find The Time For Love," the groovy "I Owe You One," and the motown influenced, "Girl!" "Right In The Socket" was a jam for all to really get down to, but the intro was long because this is not the original version that was originally on the 1979 lp release. It was the 12 inch disco version that replaced the original 4 minute version (the original included Jeffrey Daniel's and Howard Hewitt's brief solo intro that lead to Jody's first verse), but it was still decent. Right Stuff records were smart enough to not include the crappy 1989 remix version that is found on Shalamar's anthology cd. The only song I did'nt care for too much was "The Right Time For Us" which I found like a predictable disco disappointment and I actually bought it off itunes by accident. The Parliament-tish "Take Me To The River" (co-written and produced by Four Top's Obie Benson) displayed a funkier side of Shalamar with the "out of this world" lyrics that nobody would expect from Howard Hewitt plus that slick bassline and nasty guitar licks. All in all, this is a classic R&B cd for all Shalamar fans and fans of disco to own. This marks the beginning of the classic Shalamar period (1979 to 1983)!

Most of the dance and disco compilations over the years have featured Shalamar's hits like "Right In The Socket" and "The Second Time Around."
The only problem is that they featured radio edits. Well, this reissue of the 1979 album gives nice generous club mixes, that are the original Solar 12" singles. Here are the track listings and info:

01)THE RIGHT TIME FOR US (5:55) 124 BPM
02)TAKE ME TO THE RIVER (5:00) 89 BPM
03)RIGHT IN THE SOCKET (6:48) 121 BPM
04)THE SECOND TIME AROUND (7:12)114 BPM
05)I OWE YOU ONE (5:10) 110 BPM
06)LET'S FIND THE TIME FOR LOVE (4:39)--Ballad
07)GIRL (5:21) 128 BPM

08)RIGHT IN THE SOCKET (RADIO EDIT/3:41)
09)THE SECOND TIME AROUND (RADIO EDIT/3:41)

The songs recall a time when disco was adding touches of Funk and R&B (or you could say R&B and Funk were adding touches of Disco), it was a glorious time period for dance music. Jody Watley's vocals remain timeless on this disc. Check out "I Owe You One," a pure slice of disco heaven, with big strings, horns and catchy percussion. The remastering here is very well done.