It’s been a month since music fans suffered the loss of Wayne Lewis, one of the founding members of the iconic R&B group Atlantic Starr. I had been wanting to give the group their flowers on Second Listen Sunday for a while now, but couldn’t decide which album to feature. So, I decided to revisit my birth year and highlight their third album, “Radiant.”
Released on February 3, 1981, “Radiant” featured the group primarily writing the material while also collaborating with legendary Motown producer James Anthony Carmichael. The album’s first single, “When Love Calls,” was written by The Lewis Brothers and showcased a lead vocal by Sharon Bryant. This lively track conveys the importance of seizing love when it presents itself and highlights the potential consequences of indecision.
The lyrics, penned by The Lewis Brothers, illustrate an individual who expresses their affection sincerely and transparently, demonstrating a willingness to do anything for their partner. In contrast, the recipient of this affection hesitates and engages in games, ultimately failing to commit fully to the relationship.
For their next single, “Send For Me,” the Lewis Brothers took a break from writing and let Sam Dees and Ron Kersey take over. Arguably one of Wayne Lewis’s best vocals in the group’s catalog, it’s a heartfelt plea to his significant other, who is contemplating leaving. The song explores themes of love, communication, and the fear of losing someone who holds great significance.
Wayne also expresses confusion and hurt over the potential breakup. They believed everything was fine, but their partner decided to leave in search of themselves. The narrator’s desperation is evident as they fear the misery and loneliness they would experience without their loved one.
Sam Dees wrote the album’s final single, “Am I Dreaming.” In this song, the group explores the feelings of disbelief and uncertainty that arise when someone experiences a love that seems too good to be true. The lyrics capture a sense of confusion as they question the reality of the love they have found.
This duet features David Lewis and Sharon Bryant, both of whom express their doubts and concerns about their newfound love. They wonder whether their happiness is only temporary or if their love is genuine and will last. They yearn for reassurance that what they are experiencing is not just an illusion or a figment of their imagination.
The rest of the album is just as strong as the singles “Think About That” and “Under Pressure,” which feature rigid, gritty, and funky overtones. “My Turn Now” is a stellar solo vocal from Sharon Bryant. I’m thankful that I was able to see the group live in 2023
Working with Carmichael was a great move, as the group continued to churn out hits after this album and solidified their place in R&B royalty.
Final Grade: B+
“Radiant” is available on all streaming platforms.
