Released: January 22, 1979
Genre: Disco ∙ R&B ∙ soul
Label: Cotillion
Producer: Nile Rodgers ∙ Bernard Edwards
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Sister Sledge will always be remembered as one of the most successful acts of the disco era. A family group which consisted of sisters Joni, Kim, Debbie and Kathy Sledge, was formed in 1971..with them being signed to labels like Atco & eventually Cotillion. Their first two albums Circle of Love & Together produced minor hits for the band, but wasn’t hits to give them the breakthrough they totally deserved.
It was fate when the band teamed up with the legendary band Chic’s founders (Nile Rodgers and the late Bernard Edwards,) and created the disco masterpiece that is Sister Sledge’s third studio album We Are Family.
We Are Family is arguably one of the best albums released during the disco era, and I’d argue of all time. Actually, Nile thinks that’s the best album The Chic Organization has ever made hands down, and no lies were told. On the listening journey of this great album, we experience the sisters’ impeccable vocals blending well with the stellar songwriting and production from the producing geniuses Nile & Bernard.
I was at work one day listening to disco music, and I was like hmm. I love Sister Sledge’s hit songs, but I’ve never listened to the full album of We Are Family, and BABYYYYYYYY this album became my most played album of 2024 LOL. It is SPECTACULAR!!! THE LEGENDARY LUTHER VANDROSS EVEN SANG BACKGROUND VOCALS ON THIS ALBUM AND IF YOU KNOW ME, YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE LUTHER. That fact alone sold me!
The most remarkable and genius thing about the album is that The Chic Organization came up with the concept of the album based off of a photo of the band, and what they were told of them by Atlantic president Jerry L. Greenberg.
With elements of Disco, R&B and soul, We Are Family is addictive, ostentatious and simply remarkable. Released January 22, 1979, the album peaked at number 3 and 1 on the Billboard Top LP’s & Tape (now 200) and Soul LP’s respectively.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you: Sister Sledge’s We Are Family.
He’s the Greatest Dancer
Written by Bernard Edwards ∙ Nile Rodgers
He’s the Greatest Dancer opens up the album, and is honestly one of my favorite Disco songs of all time. It is an entrancing and vibrant affair which perfectly describes how amazing this man looked and was dancing at the disco. He’s the Greatest Dancer should also be remembered for being one of the first songs that caused the phenomenon of brands being mentioned in songs (name-dropping) with the lyric:
He wears the finest clothes, the best designers heaven knows, from his head down to his toes… Halston, Gucci, Fiorucci
Sister Sledge, He’s the Greatest Dancer, 1979
The song initially caused conflict with the band and Chic because of the lyric “My crème de la crème, please take me home,” because of the insinuation that it could make them sound promiscuous. The sisters suggested that the line be considered to be altered to “please don’t go home.” However, they refused the change because the girls have never been to the disco to understand the true meaning behind the lyrics: if he is the GREATEST dancer, he’s never going to go home since he’s going to be on the dance floor longer than you lol.
Released as the lead single, He’s the Greatest Dancer became a commercial breakthrough for the sisters, giving them a number 1 record on the Billboard Dance Club Songs & Hot Soul Singles charts…while peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
He’s the Greatest Dancer was sampled for:
- Gettin’ Jiggy wit It by Will Smith
- I Wonder Why? (He’s the Greatest DJ) by DJ Tony Touch
Lost in Music
Written by Bernard Edwards ∙ Nile Rodgers
Lost in Music was a slice pure pop heaven. A song about the simple thrill of going out dancing, every bit as thrilling as the feeling it was trying to describe.
Richard Smith, Melody Maker 1993.
Lost in Music is a song I could have seen recorded by Chic themselves, but Sister Sledge took it on home. Lyrically, Lost in Music discusses determination and being good at whatever dreams you set out to accomplish. The thrill and joy of being involved in the world of music does that for the ladies of THIS band. Salvation being used as a metaphor for music showcases the importance of being a musician that they’ll quit a 9 to 5. It’s THAT deep!
Lost in Music was released as the third single from the album, peaking in the top 20 on the UK Singles, and top 40 of the Billboard R&B charts respectively.
Somebody Loves Me
Written by Bernard Edwards ∙ Nile Rodgers
Somebody Loves Me is a song that I’ve fallen so in love with from the band since revisiting this album last year. The ballad lyrically is about the doubt and confusion someone may feel when it comes to the love of another. Before listening to the song, I would always see the title and think oh it’s just another love song…but you should never assume. The chorus literally goes “how can I believe THAT somebody loves me?” The loneliness, the hurt and the pain in Kathy’s voice makes me feel so connected to this record! Top tier songwriting!
Somebody Loves Me was sampled for:
- Stronger Everyday by Jon B featuring Tank.
Thinking Of You
Written by Bernard Edwards ∙ Nile Rodgers
Thinking of You is a disco GEM that beautifully articulates the beauty of love and how thinking of that amazing lover reminds her of the great things he does for her. Initially released as a B-side to Lost in Music, the song became a huge pop hit in 1984 for the band overseas, peaking at 11 on the UK singles chart.
We Are Family
Written by Bernard Edwards ∙ Nile Rodgers
We Are Family has since become Sister Sledge’s signature song and rightfully so! The disco number celebrates the bond of the sisters and was recorded in ONE TAKE. Iconic as fuck! We Are Family became the band’s first top 5 hit, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was selected by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant in 2017.
Easier to Love
Written by Bernard Edwards ∙ Nile Rodgers
Easier to Love is an album CUT, and needs to be discussed more when it comes to their best songs, okay! Lyrically, what I get from the song is that it needs to be more love in the world instead of hurting and harming each other. That is just easier to simply put more love out in the world, and they’re right.
You’re a Friend to Me
Written by Bernard Edwards ∙ Nile Rodgers
You’re A Friend To Me speaks of how friendship goes from platonic to a beautiful love, which is how it SHOULD be!
One More Time
Written by Bernard Edwards ∙ Nile Rodgers
The album ends with One More Time, which is heavily disco influenced and has Kim singing lead. From a lyrical perspective, the song has the singer expressing how she wants her lover to say how much he loves her and kiss her & SAY IT.
We Are Family is one of the most intriguing albums you’ll ever listen to in your lifetime & I can guarantee you it’s a fact. The themes of love, heartbreak, solidarity and family bonds makes this disco influenced LP one of the best recordings of all time. Sister Sledge’s fame skyrocketed amazingly after the release of this album, and it shows how truly “lost in music” and determined to be the remarkable superstars that they are today. -MW.
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