(3 / 5)
Double-CD extended editions of two best-selling ‘80s albums by popular US R&B band Starpoint – with nine bonus tracks. Starpoint began as a Maryland-based family group consisting of brothers George, Ernesto, Orlando and Gregory Phillips. With the early addition of Kayode ‘Ky’ Adeyemo and in the late ‘70s, female vocalist Renee Diggs.
The group secured their first recording contract in 1980 with Chocolate City Records, moving to Casablanca and then Boardwalk, establishing a presence on the US R&B charts before signing with Elektra Records in 1984. Their first LP for the label “It’s All Yours” set them on a path to consistent status that lasted for almost six years.
“Restless,” their sophomore 1985 Elektra set was co-produced by manager Lionel Job and then-emerging hit producer Keith Diamond. It boasted three Top 10 R&B/dance hits, including the now-classic “Object Of My Desire,” which was their biggest US pop charted single, the infectious title track and “What You Been Missin’.”
Starpoint toured with Morris Day, Luther Vandross, Atlantic Starr and others, building a solid audience. Their third Elektra album, “Sensational,” produced by renowned music man/songwriter Preston Glass and Lionel Job, continued the momentum with “He Wants My Body,” and “D.Y.B.O”. Renee Diggs’ diagnosis with multiple sclerosis sadly impacted continued touring and in 1990, Starpoint disbanded. This reissue includes quotes from Orlando Phillips, Lionel Job and Preston Glass.
By Simon Redley
(1 / 5) ‘Dull Zone’
(2 / 5) ‘OK Zone’ (3 / 5) ‘Decent Zone’
(4 / 5) ‘Super Zone’
(5 / 5) ‘Awesome Zone’
