Something Special (Expanded Edition)

Album review

Something Special, released in late 1976 and featuring an interesting fold-over sleeve, proved to be the Sylvers' best-selling album, reaching number 13 R&B and remaining in the charts for nearly half a year, despite the fact that the band had already scored the previous year with their best-known song, "Boogie Fever." Still, this is a strong set, dominated by the smoothly arranged, wholesome R&B songs that this large family band was known for. Two songs peeled off the LP and onto the singles charts: "Hot Line" is an innocent, dirty-sweet crush of a song wrapped in strings with Motown overtones, while "High School Dance" keeps the traditional Sylvers sound but pulls a few funky tricks out of its bag as well, including a full-horn arrangement. But they're not done yet, as they move on to the well-intentioned (but weak) "Disco Showdown." Elsewhere, the storm is tempered by a handful of ballads as the boys take on "That's What Love Is Made Of" and the girls reciprocate with the very fine "Got to Have You (For My Very Own)."
At the end of the day, Something Special emerges as a fine LP, albeit one with limited staying power. Is the band proficient? Yes, they are. Is the LP well done? Yes, it is. But, like the Jackson 5, the Osmonds, or even the Carpenters to some extent, family appeal is utterly charming in small doses, but wears out its welcome long before both sides play through.

© Amy Hanson /TiVo