Released: August 1979
On this, their third album, Shalamar finally arrives. They hit on their classic lineup of lead singer Howard Hewett; with co-lead Jody Watley; and Jeffrey Daniel, who would occasionally get a lead as well.
“The Right Time for Us” stands as testament that Shalamar was indeed ready to kick some musical ass. Watley gets the lead vocal here while Hewett and Daniel chime in with vigorous asides. Shalamar had a knack for making sure the backing vocalists were never lost in the mix.
“Take Me To The River” is an absolutely silly song in the best way possible. It’s kinda like Shalamar decided to make a disco-pop P-Funk song. The group basically talks about meeting the goddess Venus and hoping she takes them to the river of love. You can imagine what freakiness then ensues. This ain’t no gospel song. No sir.
Also, in doing research for this, I was delightfully surprised to learn Obie Benson and Lawrence Payton of the Four Tops wrote this song.
“Right In The Socket” is a motherbleepin’ work out. If anyone accuses disco of not having musicianship take them to this song. The band earns their money on this one as they groove this mother all the way out. Watley again has the lead, but the most exciting moments are when the group is singing, “right there in the socket” as if they’re being electrocuted.
The vocal arrangements were top-notch at this point.
And the percussion is so busy, I love it. You might miss it, but pay attention to all the clinks and clanks and conga slaps buried beneath the thumping bass.
Alright, enough with the album cuts, Shalamar also delivered a straight-up pop classic in the effortless “The Second Time Around”. The song would be their only #1 R&B single and their only top 10 pop hit. Well deserved on both counts. (The song also topped the dance charts).
As was becoming a Shalamar staple, the lyrics were clever and the hooks abundant. You try not singing along as they pop off “not like the first time, not like the first time, not like the first time, talking ‘bout the second time”.
Also, these were some smooth motherbleepers.
Speaking of clever hooks, the catchiest earworm on “I Owe You One” isn’t even the title. It’s an impeccable oooh… ooooh…. crooned by Shalamar. Surprisingly, the song did poorly in the US (#60 R&B; missed the pop charts entirely), but gave the group their second Top 20 hit in the UK (#13). There would be many more hits for Shalamar in Britain.
The group still doesn’t quite have the ballad game locked up, but we’re getting closer. “Let's Find The Time For Love” is their best effort yet in that department.
“Girl” is an insanely stupid song that gets far more mileage than it should. A testament to a dynamite singer like Hewett and the energy from a band as you can truly imagine the fun they had recording this track.
I listen to it just imagining big smiles and fingers poppin’ all around.
Guess that’s why they called this album Big Fun.
ALBUM GRADE: B
On this album, Shalamar established a firm baseline of at least solid whenever they recorded a song. And could be counted on to give you some really good, even great ones.
The album reached #4 R&B and #23 pop going gold. Fortunately Shalamar’s run of greatness was just getting started and only got better.
SONG SCORES
The Right Time for Us: 7/10
Take Me To The River: 7.5/10
Right In The Socket: 8/10
The Second Time Around: 9/10
I Owe You One: 7.5/10
Let's Find The Time For Love: 6.5/10
Girl: 7/10