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