Chapter 8 were formed in 1972 in Detroit and were the backup band for The Detroit Emeralds. Anita Baker joined in 1975 replacing Barbara Love, who in turn had replaced Carolyn Crawford. They were a touring band until being signed by Ariola in 1979.
After releasing their first self-titled album which spawned 3 singles (Ready For Love, I Just Wanna Be Your Girl, Don't You Like It) Ariola was bought out by Arista. Now here's the interesting part - some clueless executive(s) at Arista decided to drop Chapter 8 as they didn't think Anita Baker had 'star potential' - between 1987-2013 she has received 18 Grammy nominations and won 8 of them and she took several years hiatus from the music business in between to raise her children! ... I wonder who got the last laugh?
It wasn't until 1985 that Chapter 8's next project was released on Otis Smith's Beverly Glen label following Anita Baker who had left to pursue a solo career also on Beverly Glen with the release of The Songstress in 1983. Valerie Pinkston replaced Baker in Chapter 8.
Ready For Love
Their debut single featuring Gerald Lyles & Anita Baker sharing lead. A soulful ballad/stepper which is their second highest charting record reaching #38 US R&B in 1979.
I Just Wanna Be Your Girl
Anita Baker on lead with this ballad. Reached #81 US R&B.
Let's Get Together
The flipside to I Just Wanna Be Your Girl - a nice modern soul dancer.
Don't Stop Loving Me
How Is It Possible
How Can I Get Next To You
Reached #89 US R&B
Give Me A Chance
This was their highest charting record reaching #20 US R&B in 1988
So In Love
This was released after the first release of Give Me A Chance with Give Me A Chance on the flip (the first release had an instrumental version of Long Time In Love on the flip) - it didn't chart.
Understanding
A decent 'overlooked' 80s modern soul dancer
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