Burning The Ground Exclusive
By the mid-1980s, Atlantic Starr had already established themselves as a versatile force in R&B, known for their smooth ballads and energetic funk grooves. In 1985, the band entered a new chapter with the release of As the Band Turns, their sixth studio album. The lead single, “Freak-A-Ristic,” marked a turning point for the group—both musically and in terms of lineup.
Following the departure of longtime lead singer Sharon Bryant, Atlantic Starr underwent major changes. Four other members—drummer Porter Carroll, Jr., bassist Clifford Archer, trumpeter William Sudderth III, and saxophonist Koran Daniels—also exited, leaving the Lewis brothers (David, Jonathan, and Wayne) to restructure the group. Stepping into the spotlight was Barbara Weathers, whose smooth, confident vocals gave Atlantic Starr a fresh sound and direction.
Released in 1985, “Freak-A-Ristic” delivered a tight blend of funk, soul, and dance grooves, perfectly fitting the era’s club scene. The track showcased the band’s ability to reinvent themselves while keeping their signature polished musicianship intact. Listeners responded strongly on R&B radio: the single climbed to #6 on the Billboard R&B chart, while also reaching #90 on the Billboard Hot 100. Internationally, it found success in New Zealand, where it peaked at #38.
Though not as widely remembered as their later crossover ballads like “Always” and “Secret Lovers,” “Freak-A-Ristic” was essential in bridging Atlantic Starr’s early funk-driven sound with the smoother, more pop-friendly style that would bring them major mainstream success later in the decade. It also introduced the world to Barbara Weathers, who would become a key voice on some of the group’s biggest hits.
With its funky basslines, slick horn arrangements, and dance-floor energy, “Freak-A-Ristic” remains a snapshot of Atlantic Starr’s resilience and adaptability during a period of major transition.
SIDE A:
Freak-A-Ristic (Special Dance Mix) 6:30
SIDE B:
Freak-A-Ristic (Dub Mix) 6:53
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Freak-A-Ristic | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #90 |
| 1985 | Freak-A-Ristic | U.S. Billboard R&B / Hip-Hop | #6 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: A&M Records – SP-12126
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Funk
CREDITS:
- Art Direction – Chuck Beeson
- Design, Painting – Larry Vigon
- Engineer – Fred Law
- Engineer [Remix] – Bill Bottrell
- Mixed By [Mixologist] – David Lewis, John McClain, Jonathan Lewis, Wayne Lewis (2)
- Producer – David Lewis, Wayne Lewis (2)
- Producer [Associate] – Jonathan Lewis
- Written-By – David E. Lewis*
NOTES:
Taken from the A&M album “As The Band Turns”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.
