Sunbeam

by Craig LytleThe Emotions' third album for Columbia, Sunbeam was also their third recording under the direction of producer Maurice White. As White's signature can be detected throughout most of the compositions, he is humble enough to give room for the Emotions to flourish vocally. This album featured the Top Ten hit "Smile." The aggressively paced number, from the simmering verses to the spellbinding change-up, bounces with effervescence. Uptempo as well, "Whole Lot of Shakin'" only managed to show at 44. "Walking the Line" has a hypnotizing rhythm and an even more magnetic melody. The cooing texture of the trios cohesive vocals gel with each note. This album is titled after the name three were known by as young girls with their father, the Hutchinson Sunbeams.