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Three for Love
Three for Love
Three for Love
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Three for Love
Studio album by
Shalamar
ReleasedDecember 15, 1980
Recorded1978–1980
StudioStudio Masters; Larrabee Sound
(Los Angeles); Aura Sound
(Orlando, Florida)
GenreR&B, post-disco
Length40:41
LabelSOLAR
ProducerLeon Sylvers III
Shalamar chronology
Big Fun
(1979) 		Three for Love
(1980) 		Go for It
(1981)

Three for Love is the fourth album by American R&B group Shalamar, released in 1980 on the SOLAR label. It was produced by Leon Sylvers III and features the 'classic' Shalamar line-up (Jeffrey Daniel, Howard Hewett and Jody Watley).

Three for Love has been certified Gold in the United States for sales of over 500,000. The album eventually went Platinum. It peaked at #8 on the R&B chart and #40 on the Billboard chart.

In 2002, Three for Love was re-released by Sanctuary Records in the United Kingdom in a two-for-one CD format with Shalamar's previous album Big Fun.

Reception

[edit]

AllMusic rated the album four and a half out of five stars.[1] Music critic Robert Christgau graded it "A−".[2] Writer Colin Larkin rated it three out of five.[3]

The album had sold over 875,000 copies by July 1982. The single "Make That Move" sold more than 535,000 units.[4]

The album was ranked 43 on "The 80 Greatest Albums of 1980" by Rolling Stone.[5]

Track listing

[edit]
Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Full of Fire"Jody Watley, Joey Gallo, Richard Randolph6:20
2."Attention to My Baby"William Shelby, Kevin Spencer, Wardell Potts4:32
3."Somewhere There's a Love"Otis Stokes, William Shelby, Ernest "Pepper" Reed4:23
4."Some Things Never Change"William Shelby, Dana Meyers4:55
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
5."Make That Move"Kevin Spencer, William Shelby, Ricky Smith6:15
6."This Is for the Lover in You"Howard Hewett, Dana Meyers5:04
7."Work It Out"Jody Watley, Nidra Beard4:24
8."Pop Along Kid"Jeffrey Daniel, Howard Hewett, Nidra Beard4:48

Personnel

[edit]

Shalamar

[edit]

Musical personnel

[edit]
  • Leon Sylvers III - bass, percussion
  • Foster Sylvers - bass
  • Wardell Potts, Jr. - drums
  • Stephen Shockley - guitar
  • Richard Randolph - guitar
  • Ernest "Pepper" Reed - guitar
  • Ricky Sylvers - guitar
  • Fred Alexander, Jr. - percussion
  • Kevin Spencer - keyboards
  • Joey Gallo - keyboards
  • James Sylvers - keyboards
  • Michael Nash - keyboards
  • Ricky Smith - keyboards

Charts

[edit]

Single

[edit]
Year Single Chart Position
1981 "Full of Fire" Billboard Hot 100 55
1981 "Full of Fire" Hot Soul Singles 24
1981 "Make That Move" Billboard Hot 100 60
1981 "Make That Move" Hot Soul Singles 6
1981 "This Is for the Lover in You" Hot Soul Singles 17

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Three for Love

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Three for Love is the fourth studio album by the American R&B group Shalamar, released in 1980 on Solar Records. Produced by Leon Sylvers III, it features the classic lineup of vocalists Howard Hewett, Jody Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel, and blends elements of disco, funk, soul, and pop. The album includes eight tracks, such as the lead single "Full of Fire", which reached number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 24 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and "Make That Move", which peaked at number 60 on the Hot 100 and number 6 on the R&B chart. "This Is for the Lover in You" was released as the third single and later sampled in Babyface's 1996 hit version. Three for Love topped out at number 40 on the Billboard 200 and number 8 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, earning gold certification from the RIAA for over 500,000 units sold in the United States.

Background and recording

Group context

Shalamar was formed in 1977 by Dick Griffey, the booking agent for the television program Soul Train, and Don Cornelius, the show's creator and producer, initially as a disco-oriented backup group for performers on the series. The group quickly transitioned into a recording act under Soul Train Records, releasing their debut album Uptown Festival later that year, which featured a medley of popular disco hits, followed by the sophomore effort Disco Gardens in 1978. These early releases established Shalamar's roots in the disco scene but also hinted at their potential for broader appeal amid the genre's evolving landscape. By 1979, had solidified its classic lineup with handling lead vocals, providing supporting vocals, and contributing vocals alongside his expertise in . This trio debuted on the album Big Fun, which marked a shift toward a more defined R&B/disco fusion and achieved moderate commercial success, including gold certification in the United States for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. The success of Big Fun positioned the group to build on their momentum entering the post-disco era of 1979–1980, where they sought to incorporate elements of R&B, , and pop to adapt to changing musical tastes. Jeffrey Daniel's background as a pioneering street dancer, particularly his mastery of locking—a high-energy style characterized by sharp poses and rhythmic "locks"—infused Shalamar's performances with innovative choreography that distinguished them from contemporaries. Originating from his time as a dancer on Soul Train, Daniel's contributions helped elevate the group's stage presence and visual appeal. The ensemble's frequent appearances on the show also fostered growing international exposure, as Soul Train's syndication and cultural influence extended their reach beyond American audiences during this transitional period.

Recording process

The recording sessions for Three for Love spanned from late 1979 to mid-1980, primarily at Studio Masters and Larrabee Sound in , , with supplementary work conducted at Aura Sound in . These locations facilitated a focused production environment, allowing the classic lineup—, , and —to build on their established chemistry from prior sessions. Leon Sylvers III served as the lead producer, managing arrangements, bass lines, and percussion throughout the album, while steering toward smoother R&B grooves that tempered their earlier influences with more nuanced, soul-inflected rhythms. Songwriting emerged from collaborative efforts involving group members and external contributors, including (who co-wrote tracks like "Take Me to Your Heaven"), William Shelby, and Dana Meyers, whose input shaped the album's lyrical and melodic foundation during intensive writing sessions. Technical production emphasized live instrumentation to enhance the organic feel, featuring horn arrangements by Ben Wright and Fred Jackson (who contracted the horns), alongside string sections also orchestrated by Wright. The trio actively contributed to vocal harmonies, arranging their layered delivery to capture their dynamic interplay, while considering elements of their performance style for integration into later promotional visuals. Engineers such as Barry Rudolph and handled recording and mixing duties, ensuring a polished sound that balanced the members' distinct contributions—Hewett's soulful leads, Watley's pop-leaning sensibilities, and Daniel's rhythmic drive.

Musical content

Style and composition

Three for Love marked Shalamar's evolution from their earlier dance-heavy roots toward a more emotive, relationship-focused soul sound, blending R&B, , and emerging ballads to navigate the era. This shift positioned the group in deeper, funkier territory amid the backlash, incorporating electronic elements and intros while retaining uplifting brass accents for a polished, versatile appeal. The classic trio's vocal interplay between , , and remained a hallmark, with layered arrangements emphasizing emotional depth and harmonic richness. Thematically, the album centers on love, romance, and emotional vulnerability, delving into commitment as in "Make That Move," in "," and passion in "Full of Fire," reflecting a maturation in suited to both intimate listening and broader audiences. Compositional techniques include syncopated bass lines crafted by producer , who wrote songs with bass as a to melodies, providing a rhythmic backbone that fused danceable grooves with mid-tempo . These elements integrate lively, propulsion-driven rhythms with influences, balancing club energy and radio-friendly sophistication. Spanning 40:41 across eight tracks, the album is structured to open with energetic before progressing to more introspective closers, mirroring the era's transition in Black music toward layered emotional expression. This polished production drew from ' West Coast scene, where fostered a sleek, innovative sound that elevated Shalamar's accessibility.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Full of Fire"Jody Watley, Joey Gallo, Richard Randolph6:20
2."Attention to My Baby"William Shelby, Kevin Spencer, Wardell Potts4:32
3."Somewhere There's a Love"Ernest "Pepper" Reed, Otis Stokes, William Shelby4:23
4."Some Things Never Change"Dana Meyers, William Shelby4:55
5."Make That Move"Ricky Smith, William Shelby, Kevin Spencer6:15
6."This Is for the Lover in You"Dana Meyers, Howard Hewett5:04
7."Work It Out"Jody Watley, Nidra Beard4:25
8."Pop Along Kid"Jeffrey Daniel, Howard Hewett, Nidra Beard4:48
The track listing above is for the original 1980 U.S. release on . The album opens with the energetic "Full of Fire" to immediately engage listeners, shifts into more introspective ballads midway through, and concludes with the laid-back groove of "Pop Along Kid". During the sessions, extended 12-inch mixes were prepared for promotional singles including "Full of Fire" and "Make That Move," which featured enhanced dance elements suited to club play. The arrangements reflect the R&B style prevalent in early productions.

Release and promotion

Album release

Three for Love was released on December 15, 1980, by , with distribution handled by , marking the group's fourth studio album and a direct follow-up to their 1979 release Big Fun, which positioned as emerging leaders in the R&B and landscape. The album launched in vinyl LP and cassette formats, with later CD reissues appearing in subsequent years. Initial promotion emphasized the production work of as a central selling point, alongside TV appearances on —where the group showcased their signature dance routines during performances of singles like "Full of Fire" and "Make That Move"—and targeted radio campaigns on R&B stations to capitalize on the album's romantic, upbeat sound. The cover art depicted the trio—Jeffrey Daniel, Howard Hewett, and Jody Watley—in elegant, synchronized poses against a soft, intimate backdrop, visually reinforcing the album's theme of love and unity.

Singles

The lead single from Three for Love, "Full of Fire", was released in late 1980 on Solar Records in both 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl formats, backed by the non-album track "Let's Find The Time For Love". Its promotion emphasized the song's upbeat, dance-oriented vibe, with a radio edit version created to appeal to broadcasters and support the album's fusion of soul and disco elements. The group performed it on Soul Train, highlighting their dynamic stage presence. "Make That Move" followed as the second single in late 1980/early 1981, issued in both 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl formats, with the B-side featuring the album track "Pop Along Kid". The single was promoted through live performances, including an appearance on the television program Soul Train, where the group's choreography highlighted their dynamic stage presence tied to the album's themes of romantic pursuit and dance-floor energy. The third single, "This Is for the Lover in You", arrived in May 1981 as a 7-inch vinyl release, paired with the album track "Some Things Never Change" on the B-side. This ballad-focused single underscored the album's romantic core, receiving promotion through music videos that showcased the group's emotive delivery. Overall, the singles' marketing leveraged Shalamar's Soul Train roots, with dancer Jeffrey Daniel's body popping style contributing to UK visibility on programs like Top of the Pops, though the efforts yielded limited immediate crossover impact there.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

The album Three for Love entered the US in late 1980, debuting at number 162 on the chart dated January 10, 1981, and ultimately peaking at number 40 during its run. It spent a total of 22 weeks on the chart. On the US chart, the album reached a peak position of number 8 and charted for 15 weeks. The album did not achieve an initial entry on the . In 1981 year-end rankings, Three for Love placed at number 44 on the . The "Full of Fire" peaked at number 24 on the chart and number 55 on the , with limited international impact beyond minor airplay in and . "Make That Move," the second single, reached number 6 on the chart (spending 15 weeks there) and number 60 on the ; it also entered the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 30 over a 10-week run. The third single, "This Is for the Lover in You," had more limited original charting, attaining a peak of number 17 on the chart, though it experienced a notable resurgence in popularity two decades later via a . Overall, the and its singles demonstrated strongest performance in the market, with regional variations reflecting Shalamar's core R&B audience.

Sales and certifications

Three for Love achieved significant commercial success in the , where it was certified by the RIAA on August 1, 1981, for sales exceeding 500,000 units. Later reports confirmed sales of approximately 500,000 copies. The "Make That Move" bolstered these figures, benefiting from widespread club DJ adoption and R&B radio rotation. Globally, the album's performance was primarily driven by U.S. sales, with modest international contributions keeping total shipments under 1 million units. Compared to contemporaries, it outperformed lingering acts but lagged behind dominant pop releases of the time.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in 1980, Three for Love garnered positive notices from music critics for its smooth production and hit potential, with particular praise for the arrangements by producer . awarded the album an A− in his Village Voice consumer guide, commending the vocal chemistry among the classic lineup of , , and , as well as the danceable tracks like "Make That Move" and "Full of Fire." He described it as a breakthrough where the "Soul Train-trained pretty-boy/girl teen-throbs make good every which way on the dance floor—and on the A-side too."

Retrospective appraisals

In later years, Three for Love has been reevaluated as a pivotal album that laid foundational elements for the smooth, romantic R&B style known as in the . The album's enduring impact was further recognized in Rolling Stone's list of the 80 Greatest Albums of 1980, where it ranked at number 43; the publication highlighted Shalamar's evolution from dancers to sophisticated R&B innovators, crediting Three for Love with shaping the polished production aesthetics of R&B, including its transition from rhythms to more introspective, synth-driven tracks like "Make That Move." A 2025 feature in Classic Pop Magazine's "Lost & Found" series underscored the album's underappreciated status internationally, emphasizing its half-million sales and for tracks like "Full of Fire" and "This Is for the Lover in You," which have seen renewed appreciation in R&B retrospectives for their role in 's shift toward electronic-infused soul.

Personnel

Band members

The core lineup of for the album Three for Love consisted of the trio , , and , who had solidified their roles following the group's previous release Big Fun. This configuration marked a period of creative stability, with each member contributing vocals, songwriting, and performance elements that shaped the album's blend of R&B, soul, and pop. Howard Hewett served as the primary lead vocalist on most tracks, delivering his signature tenor range and soulful phrasing to ballads and mid-tempo songs such as "Right Here Is Where I Stay" and "This Is For The Lover In You." He also provided backing vocals throughout the album and co-wrote several songs, including "Right Here Is Where I Stay" (with and Nidra Beard), "Somewhere There's a Love" (with Dana Meyers, , and ), "This Is For The Lover In You" (with Dana Meyers), and "Pop Along Kid" (with and Nidra Beard), infusing mature emotional depth into the record's romantic themes. Jody Watley handled alto lead and co-lead vocals, particularly on uptempo tracks like "Full of Fire" and "Make That Move," where her energetic delivery added a pop-inflected vibrancy and modern flair influenced by her background in and . She contributed backing vocals across the album and co-wrote "Full of Fire" (with and ), "Somewhere There's a Love" (with Dana Meyers, , and ), and "Work It Out" (with Nidra Beard), emphasizing themes of empowerment and rhythm. Jeffrey Daniel provided baritone lead and backing vocals, often harmonizing to support the group's layered sound, with a notable lead on "Pop Along Kid" that highlighted his versatile range. As a pioneering dancer, he input choreography for the album's singles, incorporating his innovative locking style—rooted in street dance traditions—to enhance live performances and music videos, such as those promoting "Make That Move." Daniel also co-wrote "Right Here Is Where I Stay" (with and Nidra Beard), "Somewhere There's a Love" (with Dana Meyers, , and ), and "Pop Along Kid" (with and Nidra Beard), bringing a dynamic edge to the material. The interplay among Hewett's mature, emotive leads, Watley's youthful pop energy, and Daniel's choreographic innovation created a cohesive sound that propelled Three for Love to commercial success, blending vocal prowess with visual appeal.

Production and additional musicians

Three for Love was produced by , who also handled arrangements, played bass and percussion, and co-wrote several tracks including "This Is for the Lover in You". The recording was engineered by Barry Rudolph, Jerry Jay Stone, and others, with mixing duties undertaken by Steve Hodge at Larrabee Sound Studios in Los Angeles. Additional contributors included keyboardist William Shelby, horns contractor and arranger Gene Dozier, string arranger Ben Wright, backing vocalist Dana Meyers, and keyboardist Joey Gallo, who contributed to "Full of Fire". The horn sections were supplied by session players contracted by Gene Dozier.

Legacy

Cultural impact

The album Three for Love significantly shaped the solo trajectories of its core members, blending pop-R&B elements that resonated in their individual pursuits. Jody Watley's 1987 self-titled debut album built upon the pop-R&B fusion pioneered during her Shalamar tenure, propelling her to become a cultural style icon in R&B, pop, and dance music with hits that emphasized sophisticated grooves and visual flair. Howard Hewett's subsequent solo ballads mirrored the emotive, romantic style of "This Is for the Lover in You," a track he co-wrote and led for the album, influencing his signature smooth vocal delivery in works like I Commit to Love (1986). Jeffrey Daniel's dynamic stage presence, highlighted in Shalamar's music videos and live performances, advanced street dance techniques, with his body popping and locking routines gaining global attention. On a broader scale, Three for Love contributed to defining early West Coast R&B through its polished production by under the SOLAR label, setting a blueprint for the boogie sound that influenced contemporaries like and . The album's tracks, particularly "This Is for the Lover in You," experienced lasting ripple effects in hip-hop and R&B via high-profile remakes, such as Babyface's 1996 version featuring original members Hewett, Watley, and Daniel alongside , which revitalized the song's sensual balladry for a new generation. Its gold certification by the RIAA underscored the commercial foundation that amplified Shalamar's reach, fostering fanbase expansion that supported larger-scale arena tours in the early . Rooted in Soul Train's ecosystem—where Watley and Daniel originated as dancers—the album reinforced the program's legacy in Black music culture, aiding the transition from disco's exuberance to a more mature R&B fusion that emphasized emotional depth and intricate choreography. Daniel's 1982 appearance promoting Shalamar singles introduced to UK audiences, marking a key moment in dance and inspiring broader adoption of street styles in pop performance. However, Watley's departure from the group in 1983, amid creative and business tensions, signaled the close of Shalamar's classic era, redirecting the members' influences into distinct solo paths while cementing the album's role in evolving Black musical expression.

Reissues and later recognition

In 2002, reissued Three for Love in the as part of a two-for-one compilation paired with Shalamar's preceding album Big Fun. The set preserved the original track listings from both albums while adding a bonus track, "The Second Time Around (Single Edit)," and included detailed on the group's early career. The album entered digital streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music during the 2010s, broadening its accessibility to new audiences. A 2018 remastered edition, featuring enhanced audio quality and three bonus tracks, was released in Japan and subsequently integrated into global digital catalogs. Tracks from Three for Love, notably "Make That Move" and "This Is for the Lover in You," appeared on several compilations, such as the 1999 Greatest Hits collection and the 2019 Gold anthology celebrating the group's hits and rarities. In 's reunion tours throughout the 2010s, songs like "Make That Move" formed a staple of live setlists, performed by core members and alongside rotating vocalists. The track "This Is for the Lover in You" has been covered by multiple artists, including Babyface's 1996 version featuring and original members , , and .

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/master/136896-Shalamar-Three-For-Love
  2. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Shalamar&ti=Three+for+Love#search_section
  3. https://lasentinel.net/black-music-month-dick-griffey-solar-records.html
  4. https://www.allmusic.com/album/uptown-festival-disco-gardens-mw0000457400
  5. https://axs.tv/artists/shalamar/
  6. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/11773
  7. https://www.classicpopmag.com/features/lost-found-shalamar-three-for-love-2/
  8. https://www.redbull.com/us-en/streetdance-history-locking-crews-and-moments
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/490049-Shalamar-Three-For-Love
  10. https://reviewsanddunn.net/shalamar-three-for-love/
  11. https://www.allmusic.com/album/three-for-love-mw0000614256
  12. https://theshfl.com/collection/Leon-Sylvers-IIIs-Production-Hot-Streak
  13. http://www.discosavvy.com/shalamar.html
  14. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/shalamar/three-for-love/
  15. https://www.allmusic.com/album/big-fun-mw0000189799
  16. https://www.classicpopmag.com/features/lost-found-shalamar-three-for-love/
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/720290-Shalamar-Full-Of-Fire
  18. https://genius.com/Shalamar-full-of-fire-lyrics/q/release-date
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5XKOldTEe4
  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F90Hjn2QlHg
  21. https://www.discogs.com/master/136895-Shalamar-Make-That-Move
  22. https://genius.com/Shalamar-make-that-move-lyrics/q/release-date
  23. https://www.discogs.com/release/3055621-Shalamar-This-Is-For-The-Lover-In-You
  24. https://genius.com/Shalamar-this-is-for-the-lover-in-you-lyrics/q/release-date
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTDWkEjg4Wg
  26. https://www.recordsandcharts.com/albumrun.php?alid=14411
  27. https://musicchartsarchive.com/albums/shalamar/three-for-love
  28. https://bestsellingalbums.org/year-end/Billboard_Top_Albums_1981
  29. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/shalamar-make-that-move/
  30. https://rockandrollglobe.com/pop/pop-top-40-hot-soul-singles-for-the-week-ending-february-28-1981/
  31. https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-albums/1981-08-01/
  32. https://www.robertchristgau.com/get_album.php?id=3132
  33. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-albums-of-1980-1075743/
  34. https://www.discogs.com/release/4538787-Shalamar-Three-For-Love
  35. https://www.discogs.com/release/257900-Shalamar-Big-Fun-Three-For-Love
  36. https://musicbrainz.org/release-group/4ae3fc34-7044-3346-bad5-c40a89c13ca8
  37. https://open.spotify.com/album/62jHAFPLTBs0u6McU9DV4X
  38. https://music.apple.com/us/album/three-for-love/292762275
  39. https://www.discogs.com/release/12462247-Shalamar-Three-For-Love
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/1260466-Shalamar-Greatest-Hits
  41. https://theseconddisc.com/2019/07/26/make-that-move-hits-rarities-from-shalamar-collected-on-new-gold/
  42. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/shalamar-bd6b97a.html
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