Foster Sylvers, “Misdemeanor” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 27^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Misdemeanor” by Foster Sylvers.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 27^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Misdemeanor”, performed by 🎙 Foster Sylvers. 

Theme & Lyrics ✍

“She stole my heart / But it’s just a misdemeanor / You got to get over it / Already loved her from the start.”  Oh, young love! Not many 11-year-old kids manage to land a hit on the R&B and pop charts. 🎙 Foster Sylvers is one of the rare exceptions.  In 1973, he released his debut album, 💿 Foster Sylvers, which features the incredibly infectious, funky cut, 🎵 “Misdemeanor”.  “Misdemeanor” was written by his brother, 🎼✍ Leon Sylvers III. Foster sounds incredible – such an expressive, spirited instrument!

As mentioned, “Misdemeanor” encompasses love at an early age.  It’s cute, innocent, and incredibly fun, even as young Foster experiences hurt.  “When I think I’m in love / And I catch my girl doin’ the wrong / It’s just another setback in this life,” he sings.  He compares it to an illegal parking ticket, stating, “It’s no big deal.” True.  Sylvers adds to the plight of love, asserting, “When I get to the goal and my friends all tell me / When I’m playing the fool (Too bad) / She makes you feel so out of place…” Still, despite ‘feeling some type of way,’ the kid is incredibly resilient: “She’s not for real.” Sigh, beyond the theme and lyrics, I can’t fail to mention that production! The bass line is epic!

Final Thoughts 💭

It’s no wonder why 🎙 Foster Sylvers’ 🎵 “Misdemeanor” has been oft-sampled – it’s AWESOME! Sure, this youngster was struggling with first love, but his pain continues to be our listening pleasure 50 years later.  Furthermore, that 11-year-old is now in his sixties! “Misdemeanor” – a throwback vibe 🕶️🎶 that never gets old!

🎙 Foster Sylvers • 💿 Foster Sylvers • 🏷 Mr. Bongo • 🗓 1973

Foster Sylvers, “Misdemeanor”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 27 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro, Mr. Bongo, The Musical Hype]