Being someone who owns every album from The Pointer Sisters that were released in the 80's, but never has never actually listened to any, I figured now was the time to get started. Where better than their 1980 entry, Special Things?
First though, who are The Pointer Sisters?
Sisters June and Bonnie Pointer began singing in clubs as a due in 1969 as, Pointers, a Pair, but grew to a trio when sister Anita was invited to join. Though they signed a deal with Atlantic Records, this resulted in a series of unsuccessful singles.
The girls expanded into a quartet at the end of 1972, when sister, Ruth, joined the lineup. They would then sign with Blue Thumb Records, and release their debut, self title (1973), album. The album peaked at number thirteen on the Billboard charts, with the success being ushered by word of mouth. Additionally, the debut yielded two successful singles, Yes We Can Can, and Wang Dang Doodle.
The Point Sisters would cross over R&B boundaries, reaching success on the country charts with their second album, That's A Plenty (1974). Like its predecessor, the album went certified gold, and spawned additional hits for the girls.
Steppin', was released in 1975, and smashed the number one spot with its first single, How Long (Betcha Got A Chick On The Side). In addition to having a second top twenty single, the album would also peak at number twenty in the Billboard album charts.
Change was on the horizon for The Pointer Sisters, and this began with their 1977 album, Having A Party. Wanting to take a break, June Pointer stepped away from the microphone, only contributing to the title track, and sister Bonnie would depart the group after its release to pursue a solo career. The album was also the last released by label, Blue Thumb.
Planet signed Ruth and Anita to their label, and the two were able to persuade sister June to return. As a trio, they released 1979's Priority. The album fared poorly on the Billboard charts, and both singles released failed on the charts.
1980 was the launch of The Pointer Sisters greatest period of success, and this all started with their decade entry, Special Things. The album spawned their second top ten hit, He's So Shy, as well as the minor hits, Could I Be Dreamin', The Love To Good To Last, and Where Did The Time Go.
As I kicked off the album, my ears were immediately greeted to a familiar Motown sound that I easily would have mistaken for a 70's Jackson's song, were I not hip to the truth of what was actually playing. Special Things definitely had an "old time" vibe of music. R&B with strings, and a bit of funky soul. While I won't say it's my style of music, there were enjoyable moments in and out of it.
I ended up grabbing four track from the album for my shuffle, Could I Be Dreamin', He's So Shy, We've Got The Power, and Special Things. Mind you, I don't know how often these will be listened to versus being skipped when they come around on the playlist. I do that a lot.
My biggest complaint with the CD version of Special Things, is that it's clearly been created using a vinyl transfer, and not a good one at that. I distinctly heard popping and cracking on two tracks, which majorly detracted from the overall listening experience.
As most people know, the 80's were a big era for the girls, and bigger success was coming over the hill soon. 1981's Black & White, gave a little taste with slow hand, and then launched into orbit with 1982's So Excited! Things only got bigger with 1983's Break Out, and this momentum helped push their 1985 Contact to decent success. However, this was also the start of the decline, and sales showed with 1986's Hot Together, and 1988's Serious Slammin'.
The girls released two additional albums in the 1990's, and returned for one final in 2008. These days, while they step out occasionally for a tour or appearance, it's not the original line-up. Sadly, June suffered a stroke in February 2006, and while hospitalized was informed she had cancer, which had spread throughout her body. She passed away just two months later. Bonnie, who suffered from alcoholic liver disease, would also pass away in 2020. Anita has opted to stay out of the limelight.
Ruth Pointer remained the only active original member, bringing in her daughter, Issa, and granddaughter Sadako Johnson, to fill the shoes of her absent siblings. While it's sad that the time of The Pointer Sisters, as the original members, has come and gone, it's interesting how the group lives on. It brings me to an interesting topic, which I won't have time to go into here, on how classic groups have become franchise. Kept alive by new members performing the hits, sometimes with none of the original members present at all. At least the Pointers are keeping it in the family...for now.
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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
March 1, 1980
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THIS WEEK ON THE CHARTS
March 1, 1986 |
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