Go for It

Shalamar’s 1981 Go For It has been somewhat overshadowed by their Friends album which contained several huge crossover hits and was recorded at the same time, which is a shame because while lacking its own “Night To Remember” or “I Can Make You Feel Good,” this collection of warm, rich, Leon Sylvers soul/post-disco productions definitely has its own subtle charms. These include song-defining, slippery synthetic basslines, a constant head-nodding easy swing to the grooves, the casual simmering intensity of Jeffrey Daniel, Howard Hewett and Jody Watley’s vocals, and the very many pretty, melodic hooks.  Slinky, silky, slightly-sleazy post-disco jams like “Appeal,” “Good Feelings” and “Sweeter As The Days Go By” slide out of the speakers most appealingly, complemented by in-your-face slapbass-funkers like “Rocker,” “Go For It” and album standout “Talk To Me.”