Five Special

This is the first of three albums the group recorded. While most of the songs are attractively arranged and written with buoyant melodies, they seem to deviate from that joyous feeling initially conveyed. On some of the tracks, Bryan Banks' lead vocals are inconsistent, with the exceptions being "Why Leave Us Alone" and "You're Something Special." The former did crack the R&B Top Ten, with its disco rhythm track. The latter is the most adoring number on the album. The arrangement complements the lyric, which comes across as tender and sincere as ever. ~ Craig Lytle