Lakeside, “Fantastic Voyage” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

On the 23^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Fantastic Voyage” by Lakeside. 

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he 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! On the 23^rd edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Fantastic Voyage”, performed by 🎙 Lakeside.

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Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

“Come along and ride on a fantastic voyage.” Why of course we will, 🎙 Lakeside – WOO! The R&B/funk band is renowned for the 1980 classic, 🎵 “Fantastic Voyage”.  “Fantastic Voyage” was a moderate hit on the pop charts (The Billboard Hot 100), peaking at no. 55.  Interestingly, “Fantastic Voyage” was the sole charting hit by the band on the Hot 100.  No. 55 isn’t that hot mind you, but this funked-up classic fared better on the R&B charts, peaking at no. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.  Chart numbers aside, I think any and everyone who hears “Fantastic Voyage” today respects it as a surefire classic.

One of the biggest reasons why “Fantastic Voyage” is an awesome record is the production. The sound palette is crazy – in the best way possible, of course.  “Fantastic Voyage” is a clear bridge from the 70s to the growing electronic vibes of the 80s.  Still, the groove, riffs, and commanding vocals preserve the sanctity of the soul music that precedes.  The lyrics are incredibly fun, amplifying the overall vibe.  Truly, “Fantastic Voyage” sounds like one big-time party:

“Just slide, glide, slippity-slide

Just forget about your troubles and your 9 to 5

And just sail on (That’s what you do), just sail on

Now this groove’s so funky, hey, what do you think?

What is it called? Let’s call it Lakeside stank.”

“Lakeside stank,” huh? I’m in! Honestly, there’s no way you can be bummed listening to “the directors of this groove ship.”

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Final Thoughts 💭 

Who doesn’t want to “Come along and ride on a fantastic voyage?” Even 40+ years later, doesn’t “The Land of Funk” sound like an inviting place? There’s plenty of fantastic new music out there but we all know that they don’t make classics like “Fantastic Voyage” any mo’!

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🎙 Lakeside • 💿 Fantastic Voyage • 🏷 Unidisc Music Inc. • 🗓 1980 

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Lakeside, “Fantastic Voyage”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 23 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro,  The Musical Hype, Unidisc Music Inc.]

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