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Specializing in melodic R&B with an urbane sensibility, the band stood out among the many large black acts of the time. Dismissed by rock critics (former Rolling Stone editor Dave Marsh wrote them off in acerbic fashion as a ‘tedious nine-piece black pop ensemble’), the band struck a lasting chord with black record buyers, reeling off a series of hit singles and albums over the course of more than 10 years. Internal strife eventually stripped the band down to a more commercially viable quintet, but it’s in their earlier incarnation — Wayne Lewis, (keyboards, vocals), David Lewis (guitar, vocals), Jonathan Lewis (trombone), Sharon Bryant (vocals), Clifford Archer (bass), Koran Daniels (saxophones), Joseph Phillips (percussion), Porter Carroll Jr. (drums, vocals) and William Sudderth III (trumpet) — that their light shined brightest.

Formed in White Plains, New York, the band had their earliest successes on the R&B charts under the production aegis of legendary Philadelphia music man Bobby Eli. Eli helmed the group’s first two A&M Records releases, their eponymous 1978 debut and 1979’s Straight to the Point, with the sweaty ‘Stand Up’ being the biggest hit to emerge from the period. Though this first taste of success was promising, the tide really turned when James Anthony Carmichael, who helped The Commodores strike gold and platinum, came in to produce the band’s third release, 1980’s Radiant. An eight-song cycle of effervescent steppers and beautiful ballads reissued on compact disc this spring, the album was both a commercial and creative success, ultimately establishing the act’s musical identity and vision.

The first inkling of the chemistry between Carmichael’s production style and the Lewis brothers’ snappy songwriting was the album’s opener, the star-marking hit single ‘When Love Calls.’ A cool, percussive groove, the song was the perfect showcase for Bryant’s icy, detached vocals. Here is where the singer established herself as a first-rate soloist, setting herself apart from the effective but histrionic approaches of Starpoint’s Renee Diggs or Skyy’s Dunning sisters with an air of sophisticated ease. Bryant’s laid-back timbre fit perfectly into the band’s sound, giving the music a strong centerpiece without taking away from its breathing room. Elsewhere, Wayne Lewis’ churchy, rumbling delivery emerged as the fire to Bryant’s ice, as raucous stompers like ‘Think About That’ and ‘Under Pressure’ proved grit was still part of the generally glossy mix. And nestled somewhere in between was the sparkly change-of-pace number ‘Mystery Girl’, which features a surprisingly solid lead vocal from drummer Carroll and an interesting union of up-tempo funk and soft, fluttering strings.

Though the band knew how to get behind the groove, it was when things slowed down that they really spread their wings. The oft-covered ‘Send For Me’, the album’s other hit single, remains a quiet storm classic and features a fine, thoughtful lead from Wayne Lewis. Airy and expansive without building to a climax, the song’s minimalist approach makes for an engaging affair. The real winner here, however, was ‘Am I Dreaming’, a sumptuous duet between Bryant and David Lewis that stands as one of the best-loved R&B duets of all time. Unlike many pairings, this was no shouting match — the two singers compliment each other beautifully; David Lewis’ attractive tenor seems to tame the edge of Bryant’s no nonsense style. Another late-night radio staple, the song set the stage for the series of duets that would eventually shape the band’s persona for MOR audiences. Bryant also turned in a fine vocal for the quietude that was ‘My Turn Now’, a fitting closer for an album that was so crucial in the band’s ascension.

Atlantic Starr followed up Radiant with 1982’s Brilliance (also reissued on CD) and 1983’s Yours Forever, two smash albums that sealed their standing as a marquee attraction. Regrettably, these would prove to be the swan song for this classic lineup, as conflict led to the exit of several core members, including Bryant. The Lewis brothers and Phillips regrouped, replacing Bryant with Barbara Weathers and going on to their greatest success with crossover hits like ‘Secret Lovers’ and the chart-topping pop ballad ‘Always’. Bryant — who was reported to have been offered tracks that eventually landed on a little album called ‘Control’ by black America’s favorite kid sister — mounted a briefly successful solo career that never really sparkled, notching hit singles with ‘Let Go’ and ‘Foolish Heart.’ Weathers eventually left the fold for a solo career too, and while the band continued to score the occasional pop or R&B hit, their star eventually faded.

For all of the pop success that Atlantic Starr had later in their career, it was the first phase of their existence that stands as their creative zenith. ‘Radiant’ was a key point in the band’s artistic journey, solidifying their audience and turning their fortunes from a flicker to a funky flame. As time progressed, many modern R&B artists covered or sampled nuggets from this prolific period. Erykah Badu did a stellar reimagining of the hit ‘Touch a Four Leaf Clover’ (from ‘Yours Forever’) on Baduizm, short-lived group Ol’ Skool and Xscape scored with a pleasant rendition of ‘Am I Dreaming,’ and Mary J. Blige referenced ‘When Love Calls’ for ‘Willing and Waiting,’ a cut from her album Love & Life. As a result, a whole new generation was introduced to the band’s life outside of the routine Top 40 trappings often associated with their name.

So, as classic albums of the post-disco era continue to work their way back into the consciousness of historians and music lovers alike, Radiant is certainly a work worth revisiting. When you consider its artistry and importance, Radiant remains just that, a soulful signpost in the landscape of one of R&B’s most unforgettable bands.

Reviewed: Atlantic Starr — Radiant (A&M/Vinyl Masterpiece) — Release date: 30 April 2007

1. When Love Calls
2. Does It Matter
3. Think About That
4. Send for Me
5. Mystery Girl
6. Am I Dreaming
7. Under Pressure
8. My Turn Now