Powerlight (1983)

Overall****EW&F enjoyed immense popularity upon releasing their 1981 "Raise" album; fueled by their mega-hit single "Let's Groove". Unfortunately, their was hint of more trouble as early as February 1982 when the group released "Wanna Be WIth You" as a single. This song possessed excellent lead vocals, tight vocal harmonies, golden brass, futuristic technology and earned itself a Grammy win (tied along with "Whip It" by the Dazz Band) for Best R&B Single with Vocal Accompaniment in 1983. For whatever reason, its highest chart positions didn't reflect any of this. The same can be said for the "Powerlight" album. "Fall In Love With Me" started this album out strongly (especially Bautista's guitar solo), hard funk, luscious ballads, swing and the near perfection of "Miracles" followed, but for some reason "Powerlight" didn't turn too many heads.

The context of this album was message-based, distancing itself from other Schlock on the air-waves at that time, one can even say that the timing was off, but nevertheless, good music is good music, no matter when it's released. Hopefully the truth about the disinterest in Powerlight may come to light, but until then, mostly hardcore EW&F fans will continue to enjoy the ingenious work it possesses.