Cheryl Lynn [Expanded Edition]

Ex-Gong Show contestant Cheryl Lynn hit paydirt with her self-titled debut album for Columbia. "Got to Be Real," one of those unavoidable disco-era hits -- thanks to its instantly memorable bassline and Lynn's alternately soaring and barely contained giddiness -- is one of the few singles of its level of success (number one black singles, number 11 club play, number 12 pop) to decrease in value with over-saturation. Thanks to that song and the multi-tiered "Star Love," Cheryl Lynn reached number five on the black albums chart and provided the artist with her time in the spotlight. It's easily her best full-length, full of solid album cuts that act as support for the key singles rather than attempting to match them or even duplicate them with forced hooks and bungled attempts at making a diverse listen. In fact, "You Saved My Day" is just as great as the hits and could've been bigger with the right support -- nevertheless, it was a favorite of DJ Frankie Knuckles while he was at Chicago's infamous Warehouse. A strong debut that benefits from assured ease. ~ Andy Kellman