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Shalamar - Big Fun & Three for love - The Sound of Los Angeles Records

This CD contains two Shalamar albums from 1979 and 1980, their third and fourth. For me this album stands the test of time, possibly because it does contain some very big hits, but even some of the album tracks still sound pretty strong. This is all the more surprising because there were some parts of the package that were put together for the market at the time, though Howard Hewitt has proven subsequently that he has a great voice, as has Jody Watley.

From the first album tracks like 'Right in the socket', 'Right time for us' and 'I owe you one' are still hugely successful on the retro 70's scene, Jody's voice being particularly strong on the former. 'Second Time around', of which there are two cuts on here, was an enormous hit and Howard excels in the vocal. All these tracks invoke an era of happy uplifting disco music. 'Lets find time for love' is an excellent soulful ballad with Howard and Jody's vocals interplaying. 'Girl' is also a good cut, melodic and midtempo but a tad less disco, but from what I can remember was not a single, though I may be wrong.

The second album showcased here was less popular but opens with the a great track 'Full of fire'. 'Make that move' was also top ten, and 'this is for the lover in you' also charted.

'Attention to my baby' is a nice stepper. 'Somewhere there's a love' is another beautiful ballad and it is clear to see that at this point, and perhaps even before this, that Solar had to include some more soulful material, rather than the more formulaic disco. 'Some things never change' however was pure Solar disco.

A fine release bringing back the sounds you all know and love but also introducing or reintroducing some good soulful cuts.

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