The Best of Sister Sledge (1973-1985)

by Sister Sledge

Overview

Sister Sledge evolved quite a bit during the 12 years documented on this 1992 collection, which traces the Philadelphians' evolution from bubblegum soulsters to sexy but wholesome disco-era darlings to struggling urban-contemporary act. After early numbers like "Mama Never Told Me" and "Love Don't You Go Through No Changes on Me" (both recorded at a time when the sisters were still in their teens and came across as sort of a female Jackson 5), they dive headfirst into disco/soul with "Cream of the Crop" (an underrated, Philly-sounding pearl) and finally hit the big time with the Chic-produced mega-hits "We Are Family" and "He's the Greatest Dancer." One hears Sledge entering the '80s on a high note with "Got to Love Somebody" but by the middle of the decade sounding less inspired on the singles "Frankie" and "Dancing on the Jagged Edge." One of the collection's most disappointing tracks is the reggae remix of "He's Just a Runaway." While it's true that this is the version that became a medium-size hit, the more rock-ish version found on All American Girls packs a much greater punch. But despite a few weak spots here and there, this is a gem-laden CD that paints a generally impressive picture of the group. ~ Alex Henderson

Product Details

Release Date:	09/01/1992
Label:	Rhino
UPC:	0081227106027
Rank:	7000

Tracks

1. Mama Never Told Me
2. Love Don't You Go Through No Changes on Me
3. Cream of the Crop
4. Blockbuster Boy
5. He's the Greatest Dancer
6. We Are Family
7. Lost in Music
8. Got to Love Somebody
9. Reach Your Peak
10. Pretty Baby
11. All American Girls
12. He's Just a Runaway (A Tribute to Bob Marley)
13. My Guy
14. All the Man I Need
15. B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Baby)
16. Gotta Get Back to Love
17. Frankie
18. Dancing on the Jagged Edge

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Sister Sledge   Primary Artist
David Simmons   Primary Artist,Vocals
Debbie Sledge   Vocals
Chic Strings   Violin
Raymond Jones   Keyboards,Piano (Electric)
Andy Schwartz   Piano,Keyboards
Alfa Anderson   Vocals (Background)
Bob Millikan   Trombone
Bernard Edwards   Conductor,Guitar (Bass)
Bob Marley   Featured Artist
Robert Sabino   Piano
Eddie Daniels   Saxophone
Luther Vandross   Vocals (Background)
Joni Sledge   Vocals
Kathy Sledge   Vocals
Nile Rodgers   Conductor,Guitar
Norma Jean Wright   Vocals (Background)
Michelle Cobbs   Vocals (Background)
Meco Monardo   Sax (Tenor)
Diva Gray   Vocals (Background)
Fonzi Thornton   Vocals (Background)
David Lasley   Vocals (Background)
Sammy Figueroa   Percussion
Kim Sledge   Vocals
Tony Thompson   Drums
Luci Martin   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

David Paul Bryant   Composer
Tony "Champagne" Silvester   Producer
Sylvester Levay   Composer,Producer
Michael Kunze   Composer,Producer
Denise Rich   Composer
Joy Denny   Composer
Patrick Grant   Composer
Allee Willis   Composer
Andy Taylor   Producer
Bert DeCoteaux   Producer
Bernard Edwards   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Bobby Eli   Composer
David Bryant   Composer
Michael Gore   Composer
David Simmons   Performer
Anthony Bell   Composer,Producer
Dennis Herring   Composer
Dean Pitchford   Composer
Len Barry   Composer
Joni Sledge   Composer
Kathy Sledge   Composer
Narada Michael Walden   Composer,Producer
Tom Kelly   Composer
Tom Shapiro   Composer
George Duke   Producer
Gwen Guthrie   Composer
Sister Sledge   Producer
Phil Hurtt   Composer,Producer
Michael Garvin   Composer
Nile Rodgers   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Silvester Levay   Producer
Richard Rodgers   Composer
Smokey Robinson   Composer
Tony Silvester   Producer
Kerry Hatch   Composer
LeBaron Taylor   Producer
Barry Lee   Composer
Lisa Walden   Composer
Lorelei McBroom   Composer