Change were a perfect vehicle for the genius of Jacques Fred Petrus in the 80s and together from 1980 to 1985 they turned out some mighty fine dancers and ballads. The 80s was a great period for both ballads and club orientated tracks – a phenomenon that was killed off in the 90s when the lunatics at the record companies took over the asylum. They are still very much in control now unfortunately so it's more than a pleasure to re-evaluate these classic albums. I am sure that you already know this LP, but if not then you are in for a treat. The opening cut is a typical tapper from the period; the melody is not dissimilar from what Nile Rodgers was doing at the time with Chic, and this is no real surprise is it?! Some may say its dated. Perhaps. I think it towers over anything that is released today. And the more of this sort of material that comes onto the market the better, as far as I am concerned.“Let's Go Together” is, simply put, an 80s masterpiece. This breezy style was a perfect match to anything that Messrs Jam & Lewis were producing at the time. Debra Cooper sounds delicious on this type of groove. Oh how I miss the 80s!!! Her performance on the gorgeous “Mutual Attraction” is, again, exemplary. No wonder Craig T. Cooper made great use of this Lady on his albums in the 80s and 90s. This is summer time soul music; top down, driving along the coast with all speakers blaring. The perfect accompaniment to a hot summer's day. Twenty-two incredible years have past and this song has not aged one day. This, the album version, is far superior to the remix that came out which seemed to strip it of all that made it great and good. Here it is in full remastered 80s perfection. The ballads should not be overlooked either. “You'll Always Be A Part Of Me” is another summery moment which has not dated or deteriorated and reminds me so much of The SOS Band. If only this could be released legitimately on CD!
Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe
The Vibe Scribe
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