Slave

From 1977-1981, Slave was among the most exciting bands in the funk field. Most of the albums it recorded during that period are superb, including 1977's Slave, 1978's The Concept, 1979's Just a Touch of Love, and 1980's Stone Jam. But if all good things must come to an end, Slave went downhill (both creatively and commercially) in 1982. Singer/drummer Steve Arrington left the Dayton outfit after 1981's Show Time (the last truly great Slave album), and his input was sorely missed. Released in 1982, the post-Arrington Visions of the Lite was the first Slave album that could honestly be described as disappointing. This isn't a terrible record, but it's definitely a mediocre one. While "Visions," "Friday Nites," and other tracks are mildly catchy, nothing on the LP is in a class with "Slide," "Watching You," "Just a Touch of Love," or "Snapshot." After five-star treasures like The Concept and Stone Jam, one held Slave to very high standards; and while Visions of the Lite isn't as disaster, hearing it is like tasting beer when you have grown accustomed to champagne. This LP is only recommended to completists. ~ Alex Henderson, Rovi