Starpoint - Keep On It

​Today Marks The 45th Anniversary of Starpoint’s Sophomore Studio Album “Keep On It “ Originally Released on May 1, 1981.

“Keep On It” is the second studio album by by Crownsville, Maryland R&B, Funk band Starpoint released in 1981 on Chocolate City Records.

The album reached #31 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes charts, and at #138 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes charts.

Three songs were released as singles from the album, "Keep It On", "I Just Want to Be Your Lover", and "I Want You Closer".

"Keep It On" reached #28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles charts.

"I Just Want to Be Your Lover" failed to chart on the U.S. Billboard charts .

"I Want You Closer" reached #67 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles charts.

Tracklisting:

1. I Just Want To Be Your Lover

2. For You

3. Interlude

4. Keep On It

5. I Want You Closer

6. Baby Let Me Do It

7. We're Into Love

8. Starpoint's Here Tonight

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology . ©

Steve Arrington - The Jammin' National Anthem

​Today Marks The 39th Anniversary of Steve Arrington’s 4th Studio Album “The Jammin' National Anthem” Originally Released on May 1, 1986.

“The Jammin' National Anthem” is the fourth studio album and the second solo album by R&B, Funk singer Steve Arrington released in 1986 on Atlantic Records.

The album reached # 32 on the U.S. Billboard Top Pop Albums chart.

Two songs were released as singles from the album, the title track "The Jammin' National Anthem" and Homeboy".

"The Jammin' National Anthem" reached #42 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles charts.

“Homeboy" reached #28 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles charts.

Tracklist

1. The Jammin' National Anthem

2. Holiday

3. Teenage Jazz

4. One Of A Kind Paradise

5. Everybody's Got To Be Free

6. Homeboy

7. Like It Loud (Theme From The Coming Of The New Age)

8. Have A Heart

9. Prologue

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Starpoint - Starpoint

​Today Marks The 46th Anniversary of Starpoint’s Debut Self-titled Album “Starpoint” Originally Released on May 1, 1980.

“Starpoint” is the debut studio album by Crownsville, Maryland R&B, Funk band Starpoint released in 1980 on Chocolate City Records.

The album reached #62 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes charts.

Four songs were released as singles from the album, "Get Ready, Get Down", "I Just Wanna Dance with You", "Gonna Lift You Up", and "You're My Sunny Day".

"I Just Wanna Dance with You" reached #19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, and at #26 on the U.S. Dance Club Songs charts.

The other three songs "Get Ready, Get Down", "Gonna Lift You Up", and "You're My Sunny Day" all failed to chart on the U.S. Billboard charts.

Tracklisting:

1. Gonna Lift You Up

2. Let Me Love You

3. Never Find A Better Love

4. Don't Leave Me

5. I Just Wanna Dance With You

6. You're My Sunny Day

7. Get Ready, Get Down

8. Girl I'm Up For Your Lovin'

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. ©

Side Effect- All Aboard

​Today Marks The 44th Anniversary of Side Effect’s 8th Studio Album “All Aboard” Originally Released on May 1, 1982.

“All Aboard” is the eighth studio album by R&B group Side Effect. Released in 1982 on Elektra Records..

The album consists of nine tracks that blend upbeat dance numbers with smoother ballads.

The album was the group’s last and final album for Elektra Records.

Tracklisting:

1. I'm Likin' What You Do to Me

2. Scatman

3. Music Is My Way of Life

4. Forever My Love

5. You Can Do It

6. Attitudes

7. Take Me as I Am

8. My WayI Want To...

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. ©

The Ohio Players - Contradiction

​Today Marks The 50th Anniversary of The Ohio Players’ 11th Studio Album “Contradiction” Originally Released on May 1, 1976

“Contradiction” is the eleventh studio album by The Ohio Players, and the fourth album recorded for Mercury Records released in 1976.

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and at #12 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

The album released two singles, “Who'd She Coo?" and “Far East Mississippi".

“Who'd She Coo? peaked at #1 on the Billboard The Hot R&B Songs chart and at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Far East Mississippi” peaked #26 on the Hot R&B Songs chart.

The band recorded Contradiction at three different recording studios, each session utilizing Barry Mraz as their engineer. The album cover depicts a nude woman feeding a horse a shiny red apple. While the horse is identified by name and breed in the liner notes (an Anglo-Trakehner stallion named Wasyl), the model is uncredited.

It is the fifth and last Ohio Players album to be announced also as a quadraphonic (four-channel stereo) release in the 8-track tape format. However, it was never actually released as no known copies have surfaced even among collectors, and there is no evidence the remix was ever performed. Contradiction was one of three Ohio Players albums released in 1976. 

Track-listing

1. "Contradiction" 

2. "Precious Love”

3. "Little Lady Maria"

4. "Far East Mississippi"

5. "Who'd She Coo?"

6. "My Life"

7. "Tell the Truth"

8. "My Ladies Run Me Crazy"

9. "Bi-Centennial"

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. ©

Herbie Hancock - Crossings

​Today Marks The 54th Anniversary of Herbie Hancock’s 10th Studio Album “Crossings” Originally Released on May 1, 1972.

“Crossings” is the tenth studio album by jazz-funk pianist Herbie Hancock, released in 1972 on Warner Bros. Records.

The album peaked at #10 on the U.S. Billboard Jazz Album charts.

The album is lauded as a pioneering, spacey fusion of avant-garde jazz, funk, and African rhythms. Its three long tracks, including the 25-minute "Sleeping Giant," are described as immersive, cerebral, and ahead of their time.

Tracklisting:

The album consists of just three expansive tracks:

1. “Sleeping Giant" (24:50): Occupying all of Side A, this five-part suite is called a "stunning ritual journey". It moves from abstract African-influenced percussion into intense jazz-funk sections.

2. "Quasar" (7:27): Described as "tense and mysterious," featuring a futuristic wordless soprano melody and wild Moog effects.

3. "Water Torture" (13:54): A "sublimely trippy" and "menacing" piece that uses electronics and horns to mimic the sensation of waterflow.

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. ©

Hamilton Bohannon - Phase II

​Today Marks The 49th Anniversary of Hamilton Bohannon’s 7th Studio Album “Phase II” Originally Released on May 1, 1977.

“Phase II” is the seventh studio by drummer/percussionist Hamilton Bohannon released in 1977 on Mercury Records.

The album reached #46 on the U.S. Billboard Soul LP's charts.

The song “Bohannon Disco Symphony” was released as the lead single from the album, The song reached #67 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart.

The album features guest appearances by former bandmates Ray Parker Jr. and Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin.

Standout Tracks:

“Just Doing My Thang": Widely considered the album's high point, featuring punchy arrangements and strong background vocals.

"Andrea": A lushly orchestrated, midtempo opener dedicated to his wife.

"Bohannon's Disco Symphony": A captivating groover that incorporates pseudo-Romantic piano into the funk mix.

Tracklisting:

1. Andrea

2. But What Is A Dream

3. Daddy's Little Son

4. Bohannon's Disco Symphony

5. Isn't It A Beautiful Morning

6. Just Doing My Thing

7. Moving Fast

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

Graham Central Station - Mirror

​Today May 1st Marks The 50th Anniversary of Graham Central Station’s 4th Studio Album “Mirror” Originally Released on May 1, 1976.

 

Mirror is the fourth album by Graham Central Station, released in 1976.

 

The album peaked at #7 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #46 on the US Billboard Pop Albums chart.

 

Two singles were released from the album “Love (Covers a Multitude of Sins)” and “Entrow”

 

Love (Covers a Multitude of Sins) peaked at #14 on the US Billboard R&B Singles Chart.

 

Entrow reached #21 on the US Billboard R&B Singles Chart.

 

Track-listing

 

1. Entrow

2.  Love (Covers a Multitude of Sins)

3. Mirror

4. Do Yah

5. Save Me

6. I Got a Reason

7. Priscilla

8. Forever

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.©

George Duke - Don’t Let Go

​Today Marks The 48th Anniversary of George Duke’s 11th Studio Album “Don't Let Go” Originally Released on May 1, 1978.

“Don't Let Go” is the eleventh studio album by American Jazz, funk keyboardist and record producer George Duke released in 1978 through Epic Records.

The album peaked at #5 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs charts, and at #39 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes charts.

Two songs were released from the album “Dukey Stick" and “ Movin’ On”.

"Dukey Stick" peaked at #4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles charts.

“Movin' On” reached #68 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles charts.

The album features guest appearances from Duke's frequent collaborators, guitarist Charles "Icarus" Johnson, bassist Byron Miller, drummer Leon "Ndugu" Chancler and percussionist Sheila Escovedo with guest appearances from Josie James and Napoleon Murphy Brock on lead vocals, Petsye Powell and Pattie Brooks on backing vocals, Roland Bautista and Wah Wah Watson on guitars, and Carol Shive and Judy Geist on violins.

The album was produced by George Duke. The album’s recording sessions took place at Paramount Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California.

Tracklisting

1. We Give Our Love

2. Morning Sun

3. Percussion Interlude

4. Dukey Stick

5. Starting Again

6. Yeah, We Going

7. The Way I Feel (featuring Josie James)

8. Movin' On

9. Don't Let Go (featuring Napoleon Murphy Brock)

10. Preface

11. The Future 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. ©

B.T. Express - Function at the Junction

​Today Marks The 49th Anniversary of B.T.Express’s 4th Studio Album “Function at the Junction” Originally Released on May 1, 1977.

“Function at the Junction” is the fourth studio album by Brooklyn, New York’s funk/disco band B. T. Express. It was released in 1977 on Columbia Records.

 

The album peaked at #39 on the US Billboard R&B Soul chart and at #111 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape charts.

 

The song "Funky Music (Don't Laugh at My Funk)" was released as the album’s lead single it failed to reach the U.S. Billboard charts.

 

The album was produced by Jeff Lane.

 

Tracklisting

 

1. Funky Music

2. Expose Yourself

3. Scratch My Itch

4. Eyes

5. We Got It Together

6. Sunshine

7. The Door To My Mind

8. Star Gazer

9. How Big Can You Dream

 

By Romie Rome For Musique Funkology.©

Central Line - Choice

​Today Marks The 42nd Anniversary of Central Line’s 2nd Studio Album “Choice” Originally Released on May 1, 1984.

“Choice” is the second studio album by London, England soul, funk band Central Line released in 1984 on Mercury Records.

 

The album upon it's released fail to chart in the United States

 

Three songs were released as singles from the album, “Surprise Surprise”, "Time for Some Fun", "Lovely Day" and "Betcha Gonna".

 

"Surprise Surprise" reached #48 on the UK singles charts.

 

"Time for Some Fun" reached # 39 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs charts, and at #49 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles charts.

 

"Lovely Day" failed to chart in the United States, but reached #81 on the UK singles charts.

 

"Betcha Gonna" failed to chart in both the United States and in the United Kingdom.

 

The band disbanded in August 1984.

 

Tracklist

 

1. Time For Some Fun

2. Betcha Gonna

3. How About You

4. Lost In Love

5. Bad Floyd

6. Nature Boy

7. Man At The Top

8. Surprise Surprise

9. You've Said Enough

10. Lovely Day

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.©

B.T. Express - Energy to Burn

​Today Marks The 50th Anniversary of B.T. Express’ 3rd Studio Album “Energy to Burn” Originally Released on May 1, 1976.

“Energy to Burn” is the third album by Brooklyn, New York’s funk/disco band B. T. Express. It was released in 1976 via Roadshow/Columbia Records.

 

The album peaked at #11 on the US Billboard R&B Soul chart and at #45 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape charts.

 

Two singles were released from the album, "Can't Stop Groovin' Now, Wanna Do It Some More" and the album’s title track "Energy to Burn".

 

"Can't Stop Groovin' Now, Wanna Do It Some More" peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart,  #52 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #11 on the US Billboard  Dance Club Songs chart.

 

The album’s title track "Energy to Burn" reached #37 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles charts.

 

Track-listing

 

1.  Depend On Yourself

2. Can't Stop Groovin' Now, Wanna Do It Some More

3. Now That We Found Love

4. Energy To Burn

5. Time Tunnel

6. Make Your Body Move

7. Herbs

8. Energy Level

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.©

Average White Band - Shine

​Today Marks The 46th Anniversary of The Average White Band’s 8th Studio Album “Shine” Originally Released on May 1, 1980.

“Shine” is the eighth studio album by Scottish funk and R&B band The Average White Band released in 1980 on RCA Records.

 

The album reached #38 on the U.S. Billboard Soul LP's chart, and at #116 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes charts.

 

Three songs were released as singles from the album, "Let's Go Round Again", "For You, for Love", and "Into the Night".

 

"Let's Go Round Again" reached #24 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, #40 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, and at #53 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

 

"For You, for Love"  reached #60 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles charts.

 

"Into the Night" failed to chart in the United States on the U.S. Billboard charts as well as the United Kingdom’s UK singles charts.

 

The song "Whatcha' Gonna Do for Me" was another fan favorite from the album.

 

Track Listing:

 

1. Our Time Has Come

2. For You, for Love

3. Let's Go Round Again

4. Whatcha' Gonna Do for Me

5. Into the Night

6. Catch Me (Before I Have to Testify)

7. Help Is on the Way

8. If Love Only Lasts for One Night

9. Shine

10. Wasn't I Your Friend (Included on some versions)

 

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology. ©