Today, 22 years ago in 1988, the album Mother Wit by Betty Wright debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #28 and was on the chart for a total of 30 weeks.
Other debut entries are: The album Guardian Of The Light by George Duke debuted in 1983. This album reached #46 and was on the chart for a total of 7 weeks. The album Style by Cameo debuted in 1983. This album reached #14 and was on the chart for a total of 22 weeks. The album Phyllis Hyman by Phyllis Hyman debuted in 1977. This album reached #49 and was on the chart for a total of 7 weeks.
Today, 23 years ago in 1987, the album All In The Name Of Love by Atlantic Starr debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #4 and was on the chart for a total of 32 weeks.
In the mid 80's Altantic Starr changed their line-up to include the lovely Barbara Weathers. They also refined their sound from r&b funk and soulfoul ballads to a more sleaker pop sound. The change would prove to be right on the money, for Atlantic Starr would go on to become one of the most successful bands of the 80's.
"All In The Name Of Love" would go on to become one of Atlantic Starr's biggest sellers. Starting off with the massive hit, "Always" a slendid pop ballad celebrating that all too banal subject of love. The lead vocals of David Lewis and Barbara Weathers sound absolutely beautiful together and "Always" would go on to become "the wedding" of that period.
Barbara Weather's has a sweet singing voice, that caresses rather than attacks a note. These qualities make her voice ideal for pop duets. Wayne Lewis duets with Barbara on the title track, "All In The Name Of Love" and again, the results are stunning. It's obvious that ballads are Atlantic Starr's forte' and these two alone make the album/cd worth having.
"One Lover At A Time" is a playful, girlish romp (think Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know") that Barbara seems to have been having fun singing. Other hightlights include, "Thankful" an inspirational tune giving thanks to the Creator for all of life's daily blessings. "I'm In Love" is also a worthy ballad, but clearly the duets on the album are the gems here.
"All In The Name Of Love" a must have for any Atlanic Starr fan and highly recommended for all "ballad" lovers.
Other debut entries are: The album Clarke, Duke Project I by George Duke & Stanley Clarke debuted in 1981. This album reached #7 and was on the chart for a total of 27 weeks. The album Power by Lakeside debuted in 1987. This album reached #35 and was on the chart for a total of 27 weeks. The album Galaxian by Jeff Lorber debuted in 1981. This album reached #45 and was on the chart for a total of 6 weeks. The album Street Songs by Rick James debuted in 1981. This album reached #1 and was on the chart for a total of 78 weeks.It lasts on this position for a total of 78 weeks. The album Force Of Nature by Sun debuted in 1981. This album reached #52 and was on the chart for a total of 4 weeks.
Today, 32 years ago in 1978, the album If My Friends Could See Me Now by Linda Clifford debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #9 and was on the chart for a total of 24 weeks.
Other debut entries are: The album Come Play With Me by Grady Harrell debuted in 1989. This album reached #34 and was on the chart for a total of 14 weeks. The album Up The Yellow Brick Road by Salsoul Orchestra debuted in 1978. This album reached #52 and was on the chart for a total of 3 weeks.
Today, 28 years ago in 1982, the album Playing Hard To Get by Vernon Burch debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #50 and was on the chart for a total of 7 weeks.
Other debut entries are: The album Attitudes by Brass Construction debuted in 1982. This album reached #21 and was on the chart for a total of 20 weeks. The album Live On, Dream On by Sun debuted in 1976. This album reached #54 and was on the chart for a total of 5 weeks.
Today, 20 years ago in 1990, the album Johnny Gill by Johnny Gill debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #1 and was on the chart for a total of 67 weeks.It lasts on this position for a total of 67 weeks.
Today, 16 years ago in 1994, the album All-4-one by All 4 One debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #12 and was on the chart for a total of 45 weeks.
Other debut entries are: The album Every Shade Of Love by Jesse Johnson debuted in 1988. This album reached #26 and was on the chart for a total of 22 weeks.
Today, 25 years ago in 1985, the album Thief In The Night by George Duke debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #52 and was on the chart for a total of 6 weeks.
The first release under Duke's multi-million dollar contract with Elektra Records is a hit-or-miss affair. When it's good ("Remembering the Sixties", "Love Mission", "Jam"), it's excellent. When it's so-so ("We're Supposed To Have Fun", the too-much-production title track, and "La La"), it's...well you get the idea. "Ride" and "I Surrender" wouldn't sound out of place on the Footloose soundtrack, while "Why" features a guest vocalist who sounds like he's getting tortured. The beginning of a not-so-great period for Duke.
Today, 32 years ago in 1978, the album So Full Of Love by The O' Jays debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #1 and was on the chart for a total of 29 weeks.It lasts on this position for a total of 29 weeks.
Other debut entries are: The album It's Just Begun by Jimmy Castor debuted in 1972. This album reached #11 and was on the chart for a total of 17 weeks.
Today, 35 years ago in 1975, the album Peach Melba by Melba Moore debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #49 and was on the chart for a total of 5 weeks.
Other debut entries are: The album Sweet Sensation by Stephanie Mills debuted in 1980. This album reached #3 and was on the chart for a total of 52 weeks. The album Paradise by Peabo Bryson debuted in 1980. This album reached #13 and was on the chart for a total of 25 weeks. The album YOU & I by Teddy Pendergrass debuted in 1997. This album reached #24 and was on the chart for a total of 24 weeks. The album Survival by The O' Jays debuted in 1975. This album reached #1 and was on the chart for a total of 23 weeks.It lasts on this position for a total of 23 weeks.
Today, 20 years ago in 1990, the album Soul Exposed by Melba Moore debuted on the billboard Top R&B Albums Chart. It reached #52 and was on the chart for a total of 26 weeks.
Other debut entries are: The album Love Is Gonna Getcha by Patti Austin debuted in 1990. This album reached #45 and was on the chart for a total of 15 weeks. The album The Gap Band by The Gap Band debuted in 1979. This album reached #10 and was on the chart for a total of 26 weeks. The album Champagne by Wilbert Longmire debuted in 1979. This album reached #69 and was on the chart for a total of 2 weeks. The album Lady by One Way debuted in 1984. This album reached #1 and was on the chart for a total of 37 weeks.It lasts on this position for a total of 37 weeks.