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Whispers - Headlights/ Whisper in your ear- The Sound of Los Angeles Records

Kicking off in a typical (i.e. general perception of) SOLAR mood with 'Headlights', a chunky extended disco anthem. Although still a healthy regard and retro following for the disco beat I still maintain however that it is the beautiful lush harmonies that a) stand out and b) stand the test of time. Fortunately such tracks were not overlooked and indeed form the mainstay of these two albums from 1978 and 1979.

In fact '(Olivia) Lost and Turned out' was nearly a gold record and beautiful it is to. '(Lets go) all the way' is similarly good with a slightly higher tempo, and lead vocals dominating over a smooth choral arrangement. Completing a trio of vocal excellence is 'You're a Special Part of my Life'.

Back to the disco floor with 'Planets of Life', which also tries to recreate a live performance and never really succeeds with either. A slight variety with a typical Greg Phillinganes hallmark feel also doesn't make it for me either. However the title on the next track 'Disco Melody' is a bit misleading as this is fine soul groover. Closing the first album with 'Children of Tomorrow'

The second featured album from a year later is 'Whisper in your ear'. 'Homemade lovin' kicks of in a melodic steppin vibe, with a Leon Sylvers cut. 'Jump for joy' is I suppose one of the 'disco' cuts but it is far less obvious that was put out a mere year previously.

'If I don't get you're love' is an odd one, less well known writer on this on, different style, bit jazzier maybe, and pleasant enough but not as much panache as the better ballads. 'Whisper in your ear', another top cut and Leon Sylvers again, faster beat and excellent vocals, Soul not Disco I'd say. 'Love at it's best' takes it down again, monologue intro, into pleasant enough ballad.

'Can't do without love' is the killer cut - have to agree with Ralph Tee's excellent notes on that- here as an extended piece and the single edit as a bonus track, still getting plays now. A Curtis Mayfield and Keni Burke song. 'Pretty Lady' is an excellent two step ballad, and closing with another mellow groover 'You'll never get away'

This album has cuts that it would be no shame playing out at upfront Soul venues in the UK. A very fine album, and the Sanctuary 'lifeline' products, particularly The Whispers, make an excellent anthology when put together.

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