Atlantic Starr, Always | Throwback Vibez

In the 32^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Always” by Atlantic Starr. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 32^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Always”, performed by Atlantic Starr. 

“Girl, you are to me / All that a woman should be / And I dedicate my life / To you always.” Oh, the chivalry! The heyday for R&B collective Atlantic Starr was in the 1980s. Even so, Atlantic Starr formed in 1976, and scored a hit single in the early 90s.  The collective’s three most successful singles begins with the utterly superb no. 1 Hot 100 hit, “Always”. “Always” graces Atlantic Starr’s 1987 album, All in the Name of Love.

“Always” is a prime example of the brand of smooth, adult contemporary R&B that was affluent in the late 80s.  Written and produced by David Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, and Wayne Lewis, this record is filled with love and chill vibes.  The chemistry between co-lead vocalists Wayne Lewis and Barbara Weathers is utterly stupendous.  “Oh, boy / I love you so / I can’t find enough ways / To let you know,” Weather sings in the second verse, continuing, “But you can be sure I’m yours / For always.” R&B records don’t sound like “Always” does anymore, but it still gives you those feels more than three decades later.  The crowning achievement is none other than the chorus:

“Oh, you’re like the sun

Chasing all the rain away

When you come around

You bring brighter days

You’re the perfect one

For me and you

Forever will be

And I will love you so

For always.”  

What more can be said? “Always” is a classic that will, indeed, ALWAYS make our ears perk up when hearing it.

Appears in :

• ALWAYS: 13 Songs That Exemplify Utmost Consistency

Atlantic Starr • All in the Name of Love • Warner • 1987

Atlantic Starr, “Always”: Throwback Vibez No. 32 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Warner; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via Pixabay]