Robert Christgau: Dean of American Rock Critics

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  • The Glow of Love [Warner Bros./RFC, 1980] B+
  • Miracles [Atlantic, 1981] B+

Consumer Guide Reviews:

The Glow of Love [Warner Bros./RFC, 1980]
"New and true and gay," this gold album confirms disco's continuing autonomy as a market and as a style. From the Rodgers-&-Edwards rip of "A Lover's Holiday" to the good ole Giorgio Moroder of "The End," here's the complete bag of tricks. Luther Vandross's best Teddy Pendergrass impression doesn't redeem the militantly escapist lyrics and probably isn't meant to. But "It's a Girl's Affair," sung by Jocelyn Shaw, is a softcore treat--and spell that "Girls'" on your next printing, please. B+

Miracles [Atlantic, 1981]
Where their debut took off from its moments of raunch, this is pure fantasy fare--the you-can-work-it-out advisories "Hold Tight," "Your Move," and "Stop for Love" never get down (to details), and "On Top," "Heaven of My Life," "Paradise," and "Miracles" aren't exactly realistic (note titles). But what a terrific fantasy--so bright and casual and full of life. The hip punch of Mauro Malavasi's keyboards puts the dream in motion, and Diva Gray's lithe, modest vocals bring it to bed. B+