Deserves an Encore

I have stated before on A Story To Tell that there are certain songs which are simply guaranteed to knock me stone cold off my feet on every listen. And right towards the top of the pile is an absolute classic, and a song that while relatively well known amongst aficionados of soul, funk and disco, rarely seems to get the airing onto dance floor speakers that it truly deserves. The record in question is Cheryl Lynn’s dreamily beautiful disco cut “Encore”, released in 1983, and taken from the surprisingly under-rated “Preppie” album. Forget the fact that Cheryl Lynn possesses a voice of exceptional range and depth, and that she is one of the most slept on female soul singers out there.

Forget that she is also responsible for the incredibly massive “Got To Be Real”, the impeccable 1979 record that is undeniably one of disco’s defining moments, and the eponymous debut long player from which this is taken is itself a hidden classic album. Forget that she was first catapulted to success through NBC’s dreadful talent contest The Gong Show, becoming the first and arguably the finest talent to emerge from a TV talent quest and go on to commercial and critical success, including the more recent glut of wannabes and idols (with their different league marketing power). Forget even that she is also responsible for the best cover of a classic Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duet out there, teaming up with Luther himself for a 1982 version of “If This World Were Mine” that almost topples the sublime original.

None of these matter at present however, because the real thing to focus on here is the brilliance of “Encore”, and to revel in its perfect combination of vocal prowess and faultless production. For twisting the boards on this particular masterpiece are none other than Jam and Lewis, evidently taking a quick break from redefining cool pop funk with The Time. Lynn’s sweeping, smooth and soulful lyrics soar and drive the track along, while the production provides the brilliantly timed echoes of the chorus, and the rousing crowd cheers and understated bass brilliance. And the message of the song compliments the whole perfectly, with a celebration of a love so good it deserves and encore, a celebration which simply bursts from the speakers and presents the listener with a dose of free euphoria. “Encore” is one of those tracks that always sound fresh, always sounds good, and is always a welcome addition to a night (or day for that matter).

Cheryl Lynn is an artist well worthy of closer inspection, and as I say “Preppie” which features “Encore” as opener is a surprisingly charming slice of early 80s pop soul, while her debut is just brilliant. In fact why not start with the latter and then reward yourself with the former as an encore, a perfect night in or out.