Starpoint

ファンク・アルバムとして評価の高い81年のセカンド『KEEP ON IT』、サード『WANTING YOU』、タイトル曲の大ヒットで代表作として知られる82年『ALL NIGHT LONG』などに続き、ようやくこのグループの原点である、80年代ブラック・コンテンポラリーの華々しい幕開けを飾った80年発表のデビュー・アルバムが世界初CD化。

As the 1980s progressed, Starpoint became increasingly high tech: synthesizers and drum machines were a big part of hits like "Object of My Desire" and "What You Been Missin'" (both from 1985). But at the start of the 1980s, the East Coast band still favored a more organic production style; on this 1980 LP, Starpoint sounds like a real band that plays real instruments. At that point, its material was along the lines of Aurra and Steve Arrington-era Slave; in fact, lead vocalist Renee Diggs reminds the listener of Starleana Young (who sang lead with both Slave and Aurra) on funk-dance items like "Get Ready, Get Down," "Let Me Love You," and the single "I Just Wanna Dance With You." This LP isn't in a class with Slave and Aurra's best work, but it's decent and likable. The up-tempo selections are catchy, if obvious and cliched, and the soul ballads (which include "Girl, I'm Up for Your Lovin'" and "Never Find A Better Love") are pleasant even though they aren't remarkable. All things considered, Starpoint is one of the band's more noteworthy releases. ~ Alex Henderson|

As the 1980s progressed, Starpoint became increasingly high tech: synthesizers and drum machines were a big part of hits like "Object of My Desire" and "What You Been Missin'" (both from 1985). But at the start of the 1980s, the East Coast band still favored a more organic production style; on this 1980 LP, Starpoint sounds like a real band that plays real instruments. At that point, its material was along the lines of Aurra and Steve Arrington-era Slave; in fact, lead vocalist Renee Diggs reminds the listener of Starleana Young (who sang lead with both Slave and Aurra) on funk-dance items like "Get Ready, Get Down," "Let Me Love You," and the single "I Just Wanna Dance With You." This LP isn't in a class with Slave and Aurra's best work, but it's decent and likable. The up-tempo selections are catchy, if obvious and cliched, and the soul ballads (which include "Girl, I'm Up for Your Lovin'" and "Never Find A Better Love") are pleasant even though they aren't remarkable. All things considered, Starpoint is one of the band's more noteworthy releases. ~ Alex Henderson