The Jackson 5
Debbie, Kathy, Joni, and Kim Sledge (a.k.a. Sister Sledge) began their recording career in 1971 but it would not be until 1979 that enjoyed massive commercial success with the album We Are Family. In the intervening years, they managed less than stellar chart performances although songs like Mama Never Told Me (reminiscent of The Jackson 5's early work) and the club classic Love Don't You Go Through No Changes on Me demonstrated their potential.
That potential would be fully realized thanks to the production of Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of Chic. Fresh off the success of their debut album (Chic), the two masterminds of the Chic sound bestowed a trove of gems upon Sister Sledge for their inaugural collaboration. Coming along for the ride were the Chic Strings, drummer Tony Thompson and backup vocalists including Luther Vandross, Norma Jean Wright, and Alfa Anderson.
We Are Family features four absolute classic disco songs in
We Are Family, He's The Greatest Dancer, Thinking Of You, and Lost In Music. The title track (#1 R&B, #2 Pop) needs no introduction for the casual music listener, but it is nevertheless a breathtaking performance on the part of Bernard Edwards on bass and Kathy Sledge on lead vocals. The full-length album version is the track to seek out to get a full glimpse and taste of the mesmerizing interlock between the two musical elements.Even better than the title track is the first hit single off the album, 'He's the Greatest Dancer" (#1 R&B, #9 Pop). Spotlighting Nile Rodgers's rhythm guitar prowess, the song's lyrics are arguably the best to come out of a Chic production. "Thinking of You" with it's prominent congas, airy feel and sweet harmonies is the single that never was on this album. Finally, "Lost in Music" (#35 R&B) delivered a little edge to an otherwise lovely album. With no time for a 9 to 5 or other responsibilities, the Sisters proudly proclaim their allegiance (addiction?) to the power of music.
The rest of the album is filled with memorable tracks including the quiet storm gem Somebody Loves Me, the catchy Easier to Love fueled by an insidious flute, and the light-dance track One More Time, which leaves You're a Friend to Me as the album's only weak track.
Since We Are Family went multi-platinum and spent 7 weeks at the top of the R&B albums chart and rose to #3 on the pop side, a return engagement between Sister Sledge and Chic was commenced. Although not as a jam-packed with classic tracks as their first collaboration, the gold album Love Somebody Today (#7 R&B, #31 Pop) was still a mostly enjoyable effort.
Got To Love Somebody (#6 R&B, #64 Pop) kicks the album off with an uptempo vibe. Although a little bit lengthy, the track is sustained throughout its near 7 minute run by flourishes of saxophone and a galloping beat. You Fooled Around is a sultry number notable for its use of harp plucks and sleigh bells. I'm A Good Girl is a primarily piano-driven ballad with occasional outbursts of Rodger's always wonderful guitar.
The album's best track (lyrically and musically) is Pretty Baby. Featuring unified vocals from the Sisters detailing the love of a sacrificing mother for her once-young daughter who is now a strong, beautiful lady. Easy Street and Reach Your Peak (#21 R&B) aren't anything you haven't heard before, but they maintain a delightful groove that makes them well worth a listen. The album finishes in a rather lackluster fashion with the drab ballad How To Love and the too-long and uninteresting Let's Go on Vacation.
Perhaps sensing the full onslaught of the anti-disco movement, Sister Sledge dumped Edwards and Rodgers as producers for their next album All American Girls. However, the move did not stop an ever increasing commercial slide. But for two wonderful albums, the union of Sister Sledge and Chic created some outstanding music. You don't have to be cruisin' with your favorite gang on the outskirts of 'Frisco to know that.
