The Disco Years, Vol. 3: Boogie Fever

RELEASE
1992
LABEL
Rhino
GENRES
Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Dance-Pop, Disco, Club/Dance, Motown, Funk, Urban, Quiet Storm

Album Review

Dozens upon dozens of disco compilations -- some good, some bad -- have been released since Rhino dribbled out their seven-volume Disco Years series in the '90s. While several of the discs that have followed offer consistent track listings and more eye-pleasing packaging, this particular series remains one of the best available. Across seven discs, the disco phenomenon is summarized with a near-perfect balance between the universally known and the not quite as popular. Some might want to stick strictly to the pop-chart toppers, which is understandable for nostalgia's sake; however, one of the most important characteristics of this era is that the singles that failed to cross over into mainstream territory consistently rivaled -- and frequently trumped -- their gold and platinum counterparts. So, it doesn't matter whether you were a Paradise Garage regular or an infrequent viewer of Dance Fever -- there's something for everyone on each of these volumes. The third volume of The Disco Years, subtitled "Boogie Fever," is dominated by mainstream hits, though tracks like Manu Dibango's "Soul Makossa" (which would've floundered in obscurity if it hadn't been for the support of the Loft's David Mancuso) thankfully sneak through. Amii Stewart's "Knock on Wood," the Hues Corporation's "Rock the Boat," Donna Summer's "Bad Girls," the Jackson 5's "Dancing Machine," and Chic's "Le Freak" are also featured. The most problematic aspect of these discs is that they favor radio edits that often trim several minutes from the original versions. Hardcore disco freaks will argue that a compromise of the extended groove defeats the purpose, but Rhino would have had to stretch this series out to an unwieldy size in order to accommodate each inclusion's most club-friendly mix.
Andy Kellman, Rovi

Track Listing

  1. Rock the Boat
  2. Get Down Tonight
  3. Boogie Fever
  4. Doctor's Orders
  5. I Love the Nightlife (Disco 'Round)
  6. Get Off [*]
  7. Macho Man
  8. Young Hearts Run Free [*]
  9. Dancing Machine
  10. Love Machine, Pt. 1
  11. Soul Makossa [*]
  12. Dance (Disco Heat) [*]
  13. Hot Shot
  14. Le Freak
  15. We Are Family
  16. The Glow of Love
  17. Knock on Wood
  18. Bad Girls