Coasting

Released in 1979, Coasting represents a significant stylistic departure for The Coasters, a group primarily associated with the birth of rock and roll. By the late 70s, the group had undergone several lineup changes, but they remained committed to their identity as 'clown princes' of R&B. This album finds them collaborating with producers to integrate disco, funk, and calypso elements into their sound. Tracks like 'Disco Calypso' and 'Dance Coasting' explicitly signal their intention to engage with the contemporary club scene. While it lacks the chart dominance of their 1950s hits, the album is a sophisticated example of how legacy acts adapted to the disco era. It is a rare artifact in their discography, often overlooked by purists but prized by crate-diggers for its high production values and the seamless way the group's theatrical vocal style fits over funkier, more expansive arrangements.