Disco Gardens

Released in 1978, Disco Gardens is the sophomore effort from Shalamar and serves as a pivotal bridge between their 'Soul Train' manufactured origins and their eventual status as R&B royalty. This is the only Shalamar record to feature lead singer Gerald Brown, whose soulful, slightly grittier delivery provides a unique contrast to the polished disco-pop sensibilities of the SOLAR label. Produced by Leon Sylvers III, the album showcases the emerging 'SOLAR sound' - a blend of sophisticated orchestral disco and street-level funk. While it was commercially overshadowed by their debut and later hits, the track 'Take That to the Bank' became a significant international success, particularly in the UK. The album is historically notable for featuring early vocal performances by Jody Watley before her rise to solo superstardom. Critics often point to this record as a more cohesive artistic statement than their debut, moving away from medley-style tracks toward fully realized songwriting.