Released: 1978
Genre: Disco ∙ Hi-NRG
Label: Fantasy
Producer: Harvey Fuqua ∙ Sylvester
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Being a Black gay man, I would’ve appreciated an artist like Sylvester if I was alive during his lifetime. I was introduced to this remarkable artist by my parents: my mama and I watched an unsung episode on his life and that sparked an interest in him; my father also is a fan of Sylvester and played some of his songs that he liked of his when he was growing up. “Good music is good music, no matter the sexuality of the singer” – my father.
Born Sylvester James Jr, the singer was active in the genres of R&B, soul and disco..gaining the moniker “Queen of Disco.” Known for his flamboyant and androgynous appearance and falsetto singing voice, Sylvester was one of the greatest successes of the late 70s in the disco genre with the release of his third, fourth, & fifth studio albums…especially his fourth, Step II.
Step II is an album I didn’t think I would need in my life until now. From the themes of love, sex, heartbreak, celebrating life to the downright feel good vibes from this era of music, Step II is a masterpiece you HAVE to add to your collection or stream. I find myself streaming the album more and more now that I have discovered Sylvester’s catalog on my own free will.
Sylvester’s vocal range on this album is showcased tremendously, and I am truly blown away at how he isn’t discussed as much as other disco legends (homophobia could be why, but I won’t go there…today). This album also included his backup duo Two Tons O’ Fun (later known as The Weather Girls,) the legendary Martha Wash & the late and great Izora Rhodes, as they debuted on his self-titled third album in 1977.
Step II was released in 1978 by Fantasy Records, peaking at number 28 and 7 on the Billboard 200 & Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts respectively. The album has also been certified Gold by the RIAA a year after its release, the only certification he’ll receive for any of his studio albums.
Ladies & Gentlemen, I present to you: Sylvester’s Step II!
Side one:
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
Written by Sylvester James ∙ James “Tip” Wirrick
Step II opens with the classic disco record You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real,) which was released as the second single from the album. Originally conceived as a piano driven gospel song, producer Patrick Cowley offered to remix the song utilizing electronic instruments and effects, which will have a large impact on dance music over the next couple of decades after. THE IMPACT. THE INFLUENCE. ICONIC. The song went number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart, and peaked in the top 40 and 20 on the pop and R&B charts respectively.
In 2019, You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.
Dance (Disco Heat)
Written by Eric Robinson ∙ Victor Orsborn
DANCE WITH ME IN THE DISCO HEAT!!!!!
Released as the lead single from the album, Dance (Disco Heat) is a top tier disco record that helped establish our boy’s career as a disco and dance music singer worldwide. Everything about this record…feels so good. Featuring his backup duo Martha & Izora, seeing them perform this song in videos on YouTube does it no justice. I just KNOW it was a good time to see them perform this song live and in person. It screams sliding to studio 54 and vibing honey. Hearing Izora belt out “GET ON YOUR FEET AND DANCE TO THE BEAT AND DANCE” gives me chills with every listen. Whew. The song gave the singer his first top 20 hit single in the US, peaking at 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, and at 4 on the R&B charts.
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) – Epilogue
Written by Sylvester James ∙ James “Tip” Wirrick
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) – Epilogue is the final act of Sylvester’s signature classic. It is more slowed down, and pays homage to Sylvester’s church upbringing with the gospel influences this epilogue displays. BRING BACK ARTISTS WHO GREW UP IN THE CHURCH, MAN!
Side two:
Grateful
Written by Sylvester James ∙ Michael Finden
Grateful is a song where the singer is expressing his gratitude for the simple things that we all desire from this life, and is easily one of the most amazing disco cuts you’ll ever hear.
I Took My Strength from You
Written by Burt Bacharach ∙ Hal David
Originally recorded by artists like Burt Bacharach & Stephanie Mills, I Took My Strength From You is a prime example of how an artist makes their cover of a song THEIR song. Sylvester took it on home with this stunning rendition of this classic number.
Was It Something That I Said
Written by Sylvester James ∙ Harvey Fuqua
Was It Something That I Said is a breakup song I think we know all too well, and is one of my favorite Sylvester songs. Lyrically, the singer is having a chat with his homegirls and explaining how he’s confused as to why his lover has gone away and left him in his chest baby! He begins the overthinking process and asking the now former lover why? I was the best thing you ever had. I love you and still love you.
If you find the instrumental familiar, it is because the legendary female rapper Lil’ Kim sampled Was It Something That I Said for her 1996 song Big Momma Thang! We love rappers with good taste!
Was It Something That I Said was sampled for:
- Big Momma Thang by Lil’ Kim featuring Jay-Z
- Taste of Chocolate -Intro (& Exit) by Big Daddy Kane
- I’m Not Feeling You by Yvette Michele
Just You and Me Forever
Written by Eric Robinson ∙ Victor Orsborn
The album closes with Just You And Me Forever, which is a beautiful love song. The vocals from Sylvester and the girls on this song was truly superb. An underrated but GREAT record.
Step II is the perfect album to listen to if you get into Sylvester’s discography after reading this post. Sylvester IS Black History and needs to be discussed more. To be a commercially successful singer, be openly gay AND Black in the 70s and 80s, you had to have guts and that’s what Sylvester had. He was one of the best to ever do it, and his presence in music is terribly missed. -MW.
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