Man to Man

Released in 1976, Man to Man is the third studio album by Hot Chocolate and marks a significant shift in the band's creative hierarchy. Following the departure of bassist and co-songwriter Tony Wilson, lead singer Errol Brown took the reins as the primary songwriter. This shift resulted in a more singular vision, moving away from the collaborative 'band' feel of their debut toward a more polished, vocal-centric R&B sound. Produced by the legendary Mickie Most at RAK Studios, the album features a notably 'fuller' production than their previous efforts. A highlight of the record is the re-recording of their 1971 hit 'You Could Have Been a Lady,' which was updated with a heavier, more disco-oriented arrangement to match the mid-70s sonic landscape. Though it didn't produce a global smash like 'You Sexy Thing,' the title track and 'Don't Stop It Now' solidified the band's status as masters of the UK soul-pop sound.