Tuesday, May 26, 2015

"After I Cry Tonight" by Lanier & Co.

Song#:  1269
Date:  12/04/1982
Debut:  84
Peak:  48
Weeks:  13
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  This R&B group from Jackson, Tennessee, began in 1968 as The Jacksonians. Featuring Faris and Fenoye Lainer (and managed by their father Faris Sr.), the band made a few singles for a couple of labels, but nothing hit. Adding another Lanier, Marlon, they basically spent the 70s backing many other established Southern R&B artists. Another chance for stardom came via the LARC label. As Lanier & Co., they recorded and issued this single that became their first charting song. It reached #26 on the R&B chart while just missing out on the pop Top 40. The band would not hit the pop chart again but they would grab a couple more minor R&B entries. Their recordings never fully paid off, but they continued to work and perform through 1991.

ReduxReview:  Steeped in a smooth late-70s R&B sound, this may have been a little too retro for the 80s. However, some folks like Larry Graham were having success with a similar sound, so it wasn't out of the question. It's a nice sultry jam with some solid vocals by Faris Lanier. It doesn't surprise me that this didn't fully catch on, but it's a quality single that is worthy of a few spins.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  The song's writer, Phillip Mitchell, has written several R&B hits including "Starting All Over Again" (1972, #4 R&B/#19 pop) by Mel and Tim and Millie Jackson's biggest single "Hurt So Good" (1973, #3 R&B/#24 pop). As songwriters tend to do, Mitchell tried for his own solo career. He had five low-charting R&B entries with the best being 1978's "One on One" (#32) on which he was billed as Prince Phillip Mitchell.

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