Top 10 Shalamar Songs

Shalamar Songs

Our Top 10 Shalamar Songs list looks at a popular r&b act from the late70s and 80s. If you grew up in a house with r&b music fans, you most likely have listened to Shalamar. You most likely heard quite a few of their songs on the radio. If you listen to r&b music, you can still hear their songs on the radio today. Their music is timeless so you will hear at least some of their songs on the radio now. The group sold over 25 million albums. Shalamar was originally a studio group.

The group consisted of members Jeffrey Daniel, Jody Watley and Gary Mumford. They worked on one album together before he left the group. Gerald Brown worked with them on the second album. He was replaced with Howard Hewett as the lead singer. Some of their hits include “Dead Giveaway,” “The Second Time Around,” “Take That to the Bank,” “I Can Make You Feel Good,” “A Night to Remember, “This Is for the Lover in You,” “Dancing in the Sheets” as well as others.

Uptown Festival was released in 1977. The album peaked at number 22 on the r&b charts and number 48 on the Billboard 200 charts. The album features the singles “Uptown Festival” and “Ooo Baby Baby.” The album was credited to Shalamar, and featured Gary Mumford. The album consisted of studio musicians. Things changed for the group once their second album was released. Gary Mumford was no longer a member of the group. He left for personal reasons. Gerald Brown joined the group for their second album. Disco Gardens came out in 1978.

The album peaked at number 52 on the r&b charts and number 171 on the Hot 200 charts. The album features the single “Take That to the Bank.” Gerald Brown left the group after this album was released. He left over money issues. Howard Hewett joined Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel on the third album. Big Fun came out in 1979. The album peaked at number four on the r&b charts and number 23 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “The Second Time Around,” “Right in the Socket” and “I Owe You One.” “The Second Time Around” sold over one million copies. The album sold over 600,000 copies.

Three for Love was released in 1980. The album peaked at number eight on the r&b charts and number 40 on the Hot 200 charts. It features the singles “Somewhere There’s a Love,” “Make That Move” and “This Is for the Lover in You.” “Make That Move” sold over 500,000 copies. The album sold over 800,000 copies. Go For It was released in 1981. The album peaked at number 18 on the r&b charts and number 115 on the Billboard 200 charts. The album features the single “Sweeter As the Days Go By.” Friends came out in 1982. The album peaked at number one on the r&b charts and number 35 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “A Night to Remember,” “I Can Make You Feel Good,” “There It Is” and “Friends.” The album went platinum.

The Look came out in 1983. The album peaked at number 13 on the r&b charts and number 79 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Dead Giveaway,” “Over and Over,” “Disappearing Act” and “You Can Count on Me.” The album went gold. Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel left the group after this album. She wanted to write and sing more and he wanted to dance more. She pursued a solo act and had some success in the late 80s. Jeffrey Daniel went on to host a TV show. Howard Hewett stayed with the group and recorded the next album.

Heartbreak was released in 1984. Micki Free and Delisa Davis are on this album. The album peaked at number 32 on the r&b charts and number 90 on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Dancing in the Sheets,” “Amnesia,” “My Girl Loves Me” and “Don’t Get Stopped in Beverly Hills.” The album went gold. This is the last album Howard Hewett appeared on before he pursued his solo career. Circumstantial Evidence was released in 1987. Sydney Justin replaced Howard Hewett as the lead singer. The album peaked at number 29 on the r&b charts. It features the singles “Circumstantial Evidence” and “Games.” Wake Up came out in 1990. The album features the single “Come Together.”

Shalamar had a lot group changes throughout the years. They have a lot of hits together despite the member changes. They didn’t all get along with each other, but they never let that stop them from recording the hits we remember. They have recorded some of the most memorable music is r&b history. They were an underrated r&b group at the height of their fame. They had to compete for r&b fans because they were out when Rose Royce, DeBarge, Change, Cheryl Lynn, Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle, Loose Ends, Stephanie Mills, Midnight Star, Atlantic Starr, The Whispers, Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Stevie Wonder, Rick James, New Edition, Prince, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston as well as other artist were at the heights of their fame. Our Top 10 Shalamar Songs list is a chance to give them the flowers they deserve.

#10 – Dead Giveaway

The first song on our Top 10 Shalamar Songs list is “Dead Giveaway” from the album The Look. The song has a pop beat. The flirty song is about a woman who won’t admit how she feels about a man she loves. He is convinced that she wants him, but she’s afraid to admit it. He can tell by looking at her that she wants to be with him just as much as he wants her. He thinks her face is a “dead giveaway” about her feelings for him. He was determined to get her to admit how she feels about him. He plans on going to her so she can tell him how she feels about him.

The music is hypnotic. As soon as you hear the first few notes on this track, you know it’s an 80s song. The beat has a classic sound without sounding too dated. There is a guitar solo that gives the song a rock edge. The synthesizer and drums are infectious. The track is well produced. The music is enough to get the party started without drowning out Howard Hewett’s voice. The music is just as good as the vocals. Speaking of Howard Hewett, he sounds incredible on this track. He sings in time with the beat. He sounds like he’s having fun on the track. Howard Hewett is a little hard to understand at some points in the song, but that doesn’t hurt the song. Howard Hewett and Jody Watley sound great in the background. They support each other well.

# 9 – Just One Of The Guys

The next song on our Top 10 Shalamar Songs list is “Just One of the Guys” from the Just One of the Guys Soundtrack. The song has a pop beat. The bouncy track is from the movie of the same name. The song doesn’t really fit with the theme of the movie, but that doesn’t stop it from being an excellent song. This is one of the tracks Howard Hewett recorded without Jeffrey Daniels and Jody Watley. They left the group before this song was recorded. He record with the new Shalamar members. Micki Free and Delisa Davis were the new members of the group.

The track combines pop with rock music. The song has a similar musical theme as “Dead Giveaway.” The music has an 80s sound to it. The melody is a little similar to Prince’s song “1999.” The drum and synthesizers sound similar to Prince’s song. The movie was filmed in the 80s so it fit for that, but the lyrics don’t fit for the movie as we mentioned earlier. This song may not resonate with your everyday life, but that won’t stop you from enjoying it. The only thing the song and the movie have in common is the title. Shalamar’s sound is a little different without Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley.

The new members of the group don’t stand out in this song the way Jody Watley did in their previous songs. She might not always sing lead, but you can feel her presence in their songs. The new members take a back seat to Howard Hewett. In fact, he sounds like he’s singing alone. His voice is easy on the ears so that’s not a problem. You get a chance to listen to his voice. He sings with a little grit in his voice once he gets to the chorus of the track. Speaking of the chorus, it’s impossible to listen to the song without singing it with him. The chorus is very catchy and it will stay in your head after it’s finished.

# 8 – Take That To The Bank

The expressive song is from the album Disco Gardens. The song has a disco beat. The loyal song is about a man who tries to convince the woman in his life that he will be faithful to her. He lets her know that she can take what he says to the bank. He wants to assure his insecure lover that he will be there for her. If you’re in a relationship and you’re having your doubts about the other person, you can let them hear this song. The expression tells you what you need to know. The expression is used to let you know that something is completely accurate.

Howard Hewett wasn’t in the group when this song was recorded. He joined the group after the song was recorded. Gerald Brown and Jody Watley sang lead on the song. Gerald Brown’s sound is different from Howard Hewett’s sound. His voice is deeper than Howard Hewett’s voice. His voice is similar to Jermaine Jackson’s voice. Jody Watley is the anchor on the track because she sings the bulk of the song. Her voice blends better with Howard Hewett. Her voice is also stronger with the beat than Gerald Brown’s. She can be heard easier over the music. With that said, this is a good disco track to listen to by the group.

# 7 – Make That Move

The courageous song is from the album Three for Love. The song has a disco and r&b beat. The risk taking song is about taking a chance at love. He is someone who doesn’t want to take the risk because he’s afraid of being rejected. He wonders why he doesn’t take the risk. He thought she was an answer from above. She showed him that he should take the risk and “make that move.” He tells the listeners that everyone needs someone to love. He chooses her to be the one he loves. The song is the type of track that tells you that you only live once. You have to take a chance when it comes to love.

The party is getting started when the music begins on this track. If you grew up in a house with people who listened to r&b music, you have heard this track at least once or twice in your life. The song mixes disco and r&b music. The song has a late 70s early 80s vibe, but it will still get you on the dance floor. Howard Hewett is back on the track. The chemistry is back with the trio. Gerald Brown had a decent voice, but he didn’t have the same chemistry with group that Howard Hewett did. Howard Hewett and Jody Watley’s vocals set the song on fire. Jody Watley commands you to sing the chorus.

# 6 – Dancing In The Sheets

The energetic song is from the albums The Footloose Soundtrack and The Heartbreak. The song has a dance, r&b and freestyle sound. The sexy song is about him wanting a woman to come home and be intimate with him. He used dancing metaphors to express how he wanted to take her home with him. The song is meant for the movie, but it’s independent from it. You can enjoy this song without watching the film. The man who wrote the song wanted to write a track that was similar to the hit song “Dancing in the Streets.” He wanted a song that sounded suggestive enough that a reverend wouldn’t approve of the track. In the movie, the leading lady’s father doesn’t approve of music with suggestive lyrics.

If the melody sounds familiar to you, then you are not alone. The melody of the track sounds like Prince’s song “1999.” “Just One of the Guys” also sounds similar to the track. The music is very catchy and does its job. The job is to get people to move in their seats or on the dance floor. This is another track that doesn’t feature Jody Watley or Jeffrey Daniel. Howard Hewett recorded this track with the new members of Shalamar. He sings the song alone. He sings the lead and backing vocals. He commands the song. You can forget the other members are in the group because he sings alone. Micki Free is playing the guitar on the track so he does have something to do in the song.

# 5 – I Can Make You Feel Good

The next song on our Top 10 Shalamar Songs list is “I Can Make You Feel Good” from the album Friends. The song has a post disco and funk sound. The playful song is about a man who knows that the woman he wants has been hurt in her previous relationship. He lets her know that he’s not going to be like the others. He won’t waste her time. He doesn’t want to wait for her to decide if she wants to be with him. He wants to be with her right away. This is the perfect song to listen to if you want to convince someone you love that you will make them feel good. This track should convince the person to bring down the walls and let you in their heart.

This track was recorded just as the disco era was ending so it still has some of that disco magic attached to it. The song also has some funk mixed in it to give the song some style. We challenge you to sit still while the song is playing. We have a feeling that you will lose the challenge. The music is energetic and will have you moving as soon as it starts. “I Can Make You Feel Good” features the terrific trio. The group went through member changes throughout the years, but this one features Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley. Howard Hewett proves he could sing the alphabet and make it sound romantic. His tenor vocals will send chills up and down your spine. Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel do an excellent job supporting him in the background.

# 4 – I Don’t Want to Be the Last to Know

The questionable song is from the album Friends. The song has an r&b beat. The dramatic song is about a couple who have problems. They are constantly arguing with each other. The person wants to know where the relationship is headed. If they are done, the person wants to know the truth from their lover. The person doesn’t want to hear the news from an outsider. If you have problems with your partner, you want to hear the news from them. It’s worse to hear the news from someone else and that’s exactly what Shalamar explains in the song. It’s disrespectful to find out from someone else that your relationship is over.

The slow jams are exactly where Shalamar shines the most. They are the type of group that can handle up-tempo songs as well as ballads. They shine like diamonds on their soulful ballads. The music is pretty and is perfect for Quiet Storm radio. The music sounds like bedroom music even though the track is about a relationship ending. Jody Watley opens the track. This is the first song on our list that features Jody Watley singing the majority of the song. Howard Hewett is on board as well, but he is in the supporting role of the song. The chemistry between their voices is unmistakable. Their voices were made for each other. Jody Watley and Howard Hewett’s vocals are exquisite on the song. The only thing missing from the song was a long note. Howard Hewett does very good runs towards the end of the song. This underrated song definitely deserves more airplay on Quiet Storm radio.

# 3 – The Second Time Around

The tender song is from the album Big Fun. The track has a funk and disco beat. The touching song is about a woman trying to find love “the second time around.” The woman has been hurt in a previous relationship. He wants to convince her that she can fall in love again. He wants her to fall in love with him. He insists he will be good to her. He wanted to deny how he felt about her at first, but his heart wouldn’t let him do it. Once he realized he loved her then he wanted to prove to her that he would do everything to make her happy.

This is the first song by the group to feature Howard Hewett, Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel. The song became a hit for the group and it’s easy to see why this is one of their biggest hits. Everything about the song works. It has the makings of a hit. The music is fantastic. It has a cool midtempo beat that is just enough to get you on the dance floor. You will have a hard time sitting still while this song is on the radio. The melody is similar to the Whispers’ song “And the Beat Goes on.”

What else can we say about Howard Hewett’s amazing vocals? He sounds great on this track. He commands the song with his beautiful voice. He will make you forget that Gerald Brown sang in the group before he did. He vocals are stacked on the track so he sounds like he’s singing the song with someone. Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel do an excellent job of harmonizing in the background. Howard Hewett holds notes in this song. He gets the chance to hold notes for the first time on our list.

# 2 – A Night To Remember

The dreamy song is from the album Friends. The song has a post-disco beat. The reminiscent song is about a couple who want to have “a night to remember.” They are out together and want to make the night special. They want to celebrate being together. They want to thank their exes for treating them they way they did. If they didn’t treat them badly, they might not have met each other. They want to make sure their relationship isn’t like the ones they had in the past. This is the perfect track to listen to when you are having a special evening with the person you love. You can put this song on the radio and see what happens during the rest of the night. You should prepare for a sexy evening.

The instrumentation is something else. The song is busy, but in a good way. The track doesn’t suffer from overcrowding. You hear something different throughout the song. The rhythm supports the melody throughout the track. Howard Hewett and Jody Watley sing this duet effortlessly. They sing back and forth with each other without missing a beat. Everything about their vocal performance clicks. Their voices are made for each other. The song is a masterpiece. This track will make you wish the group recorded more duets on their albums. The song arguably has one of the best choruses in their catalog. This song still gets airplay and it’s easy to see why. This song will stay in your head long after the track is done. This could have easily been number one on our list, but it came to a toss up with this one and the one we picked.

# 1 – This Is For The Lover In You

The number one song on our Top 10 Shalamar Songs list is “This Is for the Lover in You” from the album Three for Love. The song has an r&b beat. The romantic song is self-explanatory. The song is about a man who devotes his love to the love of his life. He wants to give her a ring to show how much he loves her. He plans on proposing to the woman he loves. He talks about how much he loves her and how much she means to him. If you are in love with someone and ready to propose, this song is for you. If you don’t know the right words to say, let this song do the talking. There’ s no way a woman will turn you down after hearing this track. This song will make a perfect wedding song.

The music is gorgeous. This is the slow jam that you will want to use to impress someone you love. The music is slow and romantic. It’s perfect for slow dancing with that special someone. There aren’t enough words to express just how beautiful this song really is. The lyrics will touch your soul and make you believe in love. The song still gets played on r&b radio because it’s a classic jam. You will be hooked to this song the second the first notes start. Howard Hewett poured his heart out on this track. He gave this song his all. He takes you to church with his sweet and tender voice. Howard Hewett remade this song when he went solo. Singer and songwriter Babyface remade the song too. He reunited the members of the group to sing in the song with him. This meant something because the group broke up bitterly and didn’t want to record together again. They recorded the remake separately, but they all appear in it.

Feature Photo: AvidMusicInc, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Shalamar Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022

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