Showcase / New Horizons

For almost as long as I can remember,the only representation of the Sylvers music has been compilation albums that recycle the same songs and one import CD reissue of the groups 1981 album 'Concept several years back. One of the Sylvers albums I was always wishing would be released on CD was 'New Horizons'. Yet I gave up on the idea of any of the Sylvers 1970's music actually appearing on CD until one day several months ago this appeared and BLAM 'New Horizons' was part of it! In terms of Sylvers history this represents where they were at this time,in a similar place to their contemporaries The Jacksons in terms of demanding well earned creative independence. And winning. It also represents the height of their success commercially as well. Both of the albums in this set are absolute dynamos. But each one is a strong progression from one to the other,even though yet another Sylvers album Something Special lies in between them. The "Showcase" album really represents the ideal balance of what the Sylvers did well. Songs such as "Cotton Candy","Ain't No Good In Good-Bye" and even the the smash hit "Boogie Fever" all have a mixture of soul,sass and youth that defined the Sylvers sound. Of course the ballads "The Roulette Wheel of Love" and ""Storybook Girl" contain those wonderful Sylvers harmonies and wonderfully crafted melodies. On the fan faring funk of "Free Style" along with the harder grooves of the powerful "Clap Your Hands To The Music" and "Ain't Nothin' But A Party" find the group sinking their teeth into the heavy heavy duty funk grooves. Of course this album was produced and arranged by Freddie Perren,one of the masterminds behind the Jackson 5's early production team. 'New Horizons' is a record that gets better every time I hear it. Every song is very much a winner and,as the liner notes state,has it's own message lyrically. The complexly arranged title song opens the album in a harmonically rich dancefloor friendly mode even as it extolls the virtues of not letting ones future dreams escape you. "Dressed To Kill" and Leon's chunky,bass heavy "Charisma" are two of the most high octane funk numbers the Sylvers ever threw down,all made with Sly Stone very much in mind. The Angie-sung "Lovin' Me Back" is a beautifully human love ballad where Leon's "Another Day To Love" is another similarly beautiful slower composition on the album. The dance friendly "The Party Maker","Any Way You Want Me" and "You Bring The Sunshine Back Into My Life" find the group making pop soul records that are a little more mature than before. "Take A Hand" is a very Philly style humanitarian message song and the album concludes with the instrumentally amazing "Star Fire",featuring the jazzy funk production of Wayne Henderson very prominantly with the entire group involved on the singing and writing. Taken together both of these albums represent the creative height of the Sylvers career. 'New Horizons' in particular was all set to become for the Sylvers what Destiny would be to The Jacksons a year later,a declaration of musical independence from the group and the formulation of a sound that was distinctively theirs. While audiences and even some critics deservedly ate it right up,it seems this album wasn't that big a seller. And that probably contributes to it sinking promptly into oblivion. Though technically album artists,the Sylvers wound up being more of a singles act. Even though their original albums tended to contain nothing but good to excellent quality music. I do have a feeling though that,with this album now exposed to more people outside the domain of the used vinyl piles...which is basically where I discovered it,might revive more interest in this family's musical virtues.

This family group was very good and entertaining. They were always compared to the Jackson 5. That was unfortunate. There muzic was good . Better now that we are older and appreciate it more.Must buy😁😷💿🎵✊🏾

This is a single-disc set that contains two full albums by The Sylvers, the 1975 album "Showcase" and the 1977 album "New Horizons."I purchased both of these albums on vinyl from eBay, but they were very old copies. So I was thrilled to get them both in CD format.About Showcase:It's well-written, well-produced and the vocals are well-arranged. Produced by Freddie Perren (known for his work with the Jackson 5) the album is mainly known for containing the singles "Boogie Fever" and "Cotton Candy", two very popular hits on the R&B charts in that decade. If you were a fan of the Jackson 5's first three albums, especially "ABC", then you will probably like this album, the only one to present all 9 members. Foster Sylers' boy soprano is featured heavily on this album, and he sings lead on "Cotton Candy", "Storybook Girl" and "Clap Your Hands To The Music".Edmund Sylvers takes center stage on "Boogie Fever", while Leon Sylvers III gets his shine on "Ain't No Good In Goodbye". "The Roulette Wheel Of Love" is an all-girl effort with Charmaine Sylvers on lead. Other gems include "group-effort" songs such as "Free Style" and "Ain't Nothing But A Party", both written by Leon.About New Horizons:This album was an attempt to move away from Freddie Perren's mostly-bubblegum style of music. The group wrote and produced the album by themselves, with Leon mostly at the helm. James Sylvers and Ricky Sylvers contribute by playing synthesizer and guitar, respectively. And Leon is the solely-credited bass guitarist on this album.The album is noted for containing the socially-conscious title track. It featured Edmund on lead and contained themes such as rising above one's obstacles and downfalls. Another standout, "Take A Hand," featuring Angie, Pat, Edmund, Leon and Foster sharing leads, speaks about showing love and peace for your neighbors and fellow men.Other strong points include the ballads "Lovin' Me Back" (with Angie Sylvers on lead), and "Another Day To Love" (featuring Leon). There are also very good efforts with the instrument playing on tracks such as "New Horizon", "Dressed To Kill" and "Star Fire".Unfortunately, this album was barely promoted by Capitol Records, who fought against Leon's writing and production. Notably missing is fan-favorite Olympia Sylvers, who left the group after the "Something Special" album. Charmaine left after "Showcase". This does create more lead opportunities for the other sisters, Angie and Pat Sylvers. However, it should be noted that Foster, who was once compared to Michael Jackson, is barely on the album, either due to his voice changing or being too busy with his solo album.These factors contributed to the sales of this album not being as strong as the previous two. But it is still a good album, nonetheless.I am hoping that this record label releases "Something Special" and "Forever Yours" on CD at some point.

The album "Showcase" took me through the second-half of my Senior Year in High School (1976).From Funky Dance Tunes (Boogie Fever - their commercial biggest hit, FreeStyle) to decent ballads (The Roulette Wheel of Love, Storybook Girl) tomid-tempo romantic tunes (Keep On Keepin' On). The family showcase their magical harmonies throughout!Track Listing:01. Cotton Candy - 3:0002. The Roulette Wheel Of Love - 3:2903. Boogie Fever - 3:3004. Storybook Girl - 3:2705. Ain't No Good in Good-Bye - 3:4206. FreeStyle - 3:2707. I Can Be For Real - 3:3908. Clap Your Hands to the Music - 3:3309. Keep On Keeping On (Doin' What You Do) - 3:22 [an excellent cover of a song performed earlier by Billy Griffin & the Miracles on the Don't 'cha Love it album]10. Ain't Nothin' But a Party - 5:25Next on this two-fer is New HorizonsAlthough this album didn't have the success of Showcase, still a competent effort from the Sylvers. The title track "New Horizons" is an excellent tune wherethe Sylvers do what they do best - Harmony!!Track Listing:01. New Horizons - 4:5702. Dressed To Kill - 3:1503. Lovin' Me Back - 3:5104. The Party Maker - 3:3505. Take A Hand - 3:3506. Any Way You Want Me - 2:4107. Another Day To Love - 4:2608. You Bring The Sunshine (Back Into My Life) - 2:4409. Charisma - 3:0810. Star Fire - 5:06Overall, I rate this two-fer from the Sylvers...Five stars! (Worth the price!!)

I had this year's ago waiting for cd to arrive soon.

Boogie Fever Nr 1 in The USA & United Kingdom end of 1976 was a glorious Disco Track, I heard the Song in the high society Discos in Germany in this time other famous disco songs "Ritchie Family" The Best Disco in Town, " Etta Cameron" I'm a woman,"Boney M" Daddy Cool , "The Bee Gees" You Should Be Dancing,