Luxury of Life

Last updated

Luxury of Life
Five-Star-Luxury-Of-Life-240837.jpg
Studio album by
Released22 July 1985
Recorded1984-1985
Genre R&B, dance-pop, soul [1]
Length45:49
Label RCA, Tent
Producer Nick Martinelli, Steve Harvey, Billy Livsey, The Limit, Richard Hewson
Five Star chronology
Luxury of Life
(1985)
Silk & Steel
(1986)
Singles from Luxury of Life
  1. "Hide and Seek"
    Released: May 1984
  2. "Crazy"
    Released: October 1984
  3. "All Fall Down"
    Released: April 1985
  4. "Let Me Be the One"
    Released: July 1985
  5. "Love Take Over"
    Released: September 1985
  6. "R.S.V.P."
    Released: November 1985
  7. "System Addict"
    Released: December 1985

Luxury of Life is the debut album by the British pop group Five Star. Though not a great success when it was first released in the summer of 1985, the album eventually peaked at number 12 in early 1986, and spent a total of 70 weeks in the UK Albums Chart. [2] It was certified Platinum in October 1986 for sales of over 300,000 copies in the UK. It also charted in the United States, peaking at number 57 on the Billboard 200 and 14 on the R&B Albums chart.

Contents

The album has a number of different contributors. Most of the tracks were produced either in Philadelphia by Nick Martinelli with members of Loose Ends or in London by Steve Harvey. Exceptions include the singles "Love Take Over", which was written and produced by the Dutch duo The Limit and mixed by Paul Hardcastle, and "System Addict", produced by its co-writer Billy Livsey.

Seven of the tracks were released as singles in the UK. Four became top 30 hit singles including the top 3 hit "System Addict". In the US, all three singles released made the R&B top 20 including "Let Me Be The One" which reached number 2.

Luxury of Life was re-released by Cherry Pop Records in November 2010 with bonus tracks.

Track listing

  1. "Love Take Over" (Bernard Oattes, Rob van Schaik) – 3:57
  2. "All Fall Down" (Barry Blue, Robin Smith) – 3:34
  3. "Let Me Be The One" (Ian Foster) – 4:42
  4. "System Addict" (Billy Livsey, Gary Bell) – 4:00
  5. "Hide and Seek" (Gary Bell, Anne Dudley) – 5:30
  6. "R.S.V.P." (Paul Gurvitz) – 4:37
  7. "Now I'm in Control" (Mick Leeson, Peter Vale, Steve Jeffreys) – 3:42
  8. "Say Goodbye" (Lorraine Pearson) – 4:14
  9. "Crazy" (Gary Bell) – 3:57
  10. "Winning" (Gary Bell) – 3:58

2010 CD reissue bonus tracks

  1. "All Fall Down" (M&M remix)
  2. "Let Me Be The One" (Philadelphia remix)
  3. "Love Takes Over" (The Limit Edition mix)
  4. "R.S.V.P." (Urban remix)
  5. "System Addict" (M&M remix)
  6. "Love Games" (B-side)

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for Luxury of Life
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [13] Platinum300,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seasons in the Sun</span> English-language adaptation of the song "Le Moribond"

"Seasons in the Sun" is an English-language adaptation of the 1961 Belgian song "Le Moribond" by singer-songwriter Jacques Brel with lyrics rewritten in 1963 by American singer-poet Rod McKuen, portraying a dying man's farewell to his loved ones. It became a worldwide hit in 1974 for Canadian singer Terry Jacks and became a Christmas number one in the UK in 1999 for Westlife.

<i>Private Dancer</i> 1984 studio album by Tina Turner

Private Dancer is the fifth solo studio album by Tina Turner. It was released on May 29, 1984, through Capitol Records and was her first album released through the label. After several challenging years of going solo after divorcing Ike Turner, Private Dancer propelled Turner into becoming a viable solo star, as well as one of the most marketable crossover singers in the recording industry. It became a worldwide commercial success, earning multi-platinum certifications, and remains her best-selling album in North America to date. Most of the album was made from covers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roxanne (The Police song)</span> 1978 single by the Police

"Roxanne" is a song by English rock band the Police. The song was written by lead singer and bassist Sting and was released as a single on 7 April 1978, in advance of their debut album Outlandos d'Amour, released 2 November. It was written from the point of view of a man who falls in love with a prostitute. When re-released on 12 April 1979, the song peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart.

<i>You Can Dance</i> 1987 remix album by Madonna

You Can Dance is the first remix album by American singer and songwriter Madonna. It was released on November 17, 1987, by Sire Records. The album contains remixes of tracks from her first three studio albums—Madonna (1983), Like a Virgin (1984) and True Blue (1986)—and a new track, "Spotlight". In the 1980s, remixing was still a new concept and technology, by which a particular vocal phrase could be endlessly copied, repeated, chopped up, transposed up and down in pitch and give them more echo, reverberation, treble or bass. Madonna became interested in the concept, noting that she hated when others remixed her songs and wanted to do it by herself.

Five Star are a British pop group, formed in 1983 and comprising siblings Stedman, Lorraine, Denise, Doris and Delroy Pearson. Between 1985 and 1988, Five Star had four top 20 albums and 15 top 40 singles in the UK, including the top 10 hits "System Addict" (1986), "Can't Wait Another Minute" (1986), "Find the Time" (1986), "Rain or Shine" (1986), "Stay Out of My Life" (1987) and "The Slightest Touch" (1987). They won the 1987 Brit Award for Best British Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venus (Shocking Blue song)</span> 1969 song by Shocking Blue

"Venus" is a song by Dutch rock band Shocking Blue, initially released as a single in the Netherlands in the summer of 1969. Written by Robbie van Leeuwen, the song topped the charts in nine countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Exhale (Shoop Shoop)</span> 1995 single by Whitney Houston

"Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" is a song by American recording artist and actress Whitney Houston, featured on the soundtrack for the film Waiting to Exhale. It was released as the lead single from the soundtrack on November 6, 1995, by Arista Records. The song was written and produced by Babyface. A mid-tempo R&B and soul ballad, composed in the key of D-flat major, the song's lyrics speak about growing up and learning to let go. The song garnered mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom noted Houston's vocal maturity in the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In the Summertime</span> 1970 single by Mungo Jerry

"In the Summertime", released in 1970, is the debut single by British rock band Mungo Jerry. It reached number one in charts around the world, including seven weeks on the UK Singles Chart, two weeks on one of the Canadian charts, and number three on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the US. It became one of the best-selling singles of all-time, eventually selling 30 million copies. Written and composed by the band's lead singer, Ray Dorset, while working in a lab for Timex, the lyrics of the song celebrate the carefree days of summer. The track was included on the second album by the band, Electronically Tested, issued in March 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irresistible (Jessica Simpson song)</span> 2001 single by Jessica Simpson

"Irresistible" is a song by American recording artist Jessica Simpson that Sony Music released in 2001, as the lead single from her second studio album of the same name. Its title and concept were proposed by singer-songwriter Pamela Sheyne, while Arnthor Birgisson, an acquaintance of Sony chief executive officer Tommy Mottola, and his partner Anders Bagge developed the melody and co-wrote the verses with Sheyne. It is more sexually suggestive than Simpson's previous songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Give Good Love</span> 1985 single by Whitney Houston

"You Give Good Love" is the debut solo single by American singer Whitney Houston for her 1985 eponymous debut studio album. It was written by La Forrest 'La La' Cope and produced by Kashif. When La La sent Kashif a copy of the song, originally offered to Roberta Flack, she thought it would be a better fit for Houston and told Arista Records he would be interested in recording with her.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Don't Live Here Anymore</span> 1978 single by Rose Royce

"Love Don't Live Here Anymore" is a song written by Miles Gregory and originally recorded by Rose Royce. It was produced by former Motown songwriter and producer Norman Whitfield for Whitfield Records. Lead vocals were sung by Gwen Dickey and the song was released as the second single from their third studio album Strikes Again. The song was developed as a result of producer Whitfield's interest to work with Paul Buckmaster, the British arranger and composer. Together they asked songwriter Miles Gregory to write a song for them. Gregory's undergoing medical care for his deteriorating physical health became the inspiration behind the song. "Love Don't Live Here Anymore" incorporated the use of the Electronic LinnDrum machine, and was one of the first songs to effectively use the sound reverbs of the instrument. The song was mainly recorded at music contractor Gene Bianco's house, where Dickey was present during the recording.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)</span> 2002 single by Jennifer Lopez

"Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)" is a song by American singer Jennifer Lopez for her remix album J to tha L–O! The Remixes (2002). The song was marketed as a remix of "Ain't It Funny", but is actually an entirely different song with the same title. It features guest vocals from Ja Rule (Jeffrey Atkins) and Caddillac Tah (Tiheem Crocker). It was written by Lopez, Atkins, Tah, Cory Rooney, Irving Lorenzo, and Ashanti. Over a reworking of the beat to Craig Mack's "Flava in Ya Ear" (produced by Easy Mo Bee), Lopez sings about "dropping a boyfriend who keeps messing up".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Addicted to Love (song)</span> 1986 single by Robert Palmer

"Addicted to Love" is a song by English rock singer Robert Palmer released in 1986. It is the third song on Palmer's eighth studio album Riptide (1985) and was released as its second single. The single version is a shorter edit of the full-length album version.

<i>Silk & Steel</i> (Five Star album) 1986 studio album by Five Star

Silk & Steel is the second studio album by British pop group Five Star, released on 18 August 1986. The album was the group's biggest seller, reaching number one in the UK. It was also successful in France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands and Switzerland. In the United States, it was less successful than their first album, Luxury of Life, peaking at number 80 on the Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hang On to Your Love</span> 1984 single by Sade

"Hang On to Your Love" is a song by English band Sade from their debut studio album, Diamond Life (1984). It was released in November 1984 as the album's first North American single and fourth single overall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prove Your Love</span> 1988 single by Taylor Dayne

"Prove Your Love" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter and actress Taylor Dayne for her debut studio album, Tell It to My Heart (1988). Written by Seth Swirsky and Arnie Roman, and produced by Ric Wake, the song was released in 1988 as the album's second single, by Arista Records. The single was Dayne's second top 10 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it peaked at number seven. The single spent eleven weeks in the Top 40. It also appeared on the Dance Club Songs chart, where it became Dayne's first number-one hit on that chart on April 23, 1988. Furthermore, the single was a hit overseas, going to number-one in Switzerland, number four in West Germany, and number eight on the UK Singles chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Situation (song)</span> 1982 single by Yazoo

"Situation" is a 1982 single by British synth-pop band Yazoo. The song was originally released in the UK as the B-side to Yazoo's debut single, "Only You", which went to number two on the UK Singles Chart. Released as a single in North America, the song peaked at number 73 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US, and hit the top 40 in Canadian charts, peaking at number 31. In late-summer 1982 it became Yazoo's first song to top the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, remaining at number one on this chart for four weeks. It also crossed over to the Black Singles chart, peaking at number 31.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want to Be Your Man</span> 1987 single by Roger

"I Want to Be Your Man" is a song by American funk singer-songwriter Roger Troutman, from his third studio album Unlimited!. It was released as the lead single from the album in September 1987 by Reprise Records. The song was co-written by Roger's brother, Larry Troutman, and produced by Roger, who conceived of the song as a statement on romantic commitment. "I Want to Be Your Man" features Roger singing in both his natural tenor and his trademark talk box.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Resurrection</span> 1984 single by Alison Moyet

"Love Resurrection" is a pop song written by English singer-songwriter Alison Moyet and producers Jolley & Swain for Moyet's debut studio album Alf (1984). Released as the album's first single in June 1984, it reached number 10 in the UK Singles Chart. It was released in the US in summer 1985 following "Invisible" and reached number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100 that August.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitney Houston singles discography</span>

American singer Whitney Houston released 57 singles as a lead artist, 4 as a featured artist and 18 promotional singles. Nicknamed ''The Voice", she has sold more physical singles in the United States than any other female solo artist in history, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. In the United States, Houston amassed 11 Billboard Hot 100 number one singles, all of which have been certified gold, platinum, multi-platinum or diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America.

References

  1. Wynn, Ron. "Luxury of Life – 5 Star". AllMusic.
  2. Chart Stats -Luxury of Life
  3. "Dutchcharts.nl – 5 Star – Luxury of Life" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  4. "European Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Eurotipsheet . Vol. 2, no. 42. 21 October 1985. p. 15. OCLC   29800226 via World Radio History.
  5. "Charts.nz – 5 Star – Luxury of Life". Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  6. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
  7. "Top Pop Albums". Billboard . Vol. 98, no. 11. 15 March 1986. p. 102. ISSN   0006-2510 via Google Books.
  8. "Top Black Albums". Billboard. Vol. 98, no. 9. 1 March 1986. p. 54. ISSN   0006-2510 via Google Books.
  9. "Jaaroverzichten – Album 1985" (in Dutch). Dutch Charts . Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  10. "Top 100 Albums (January to December 1986)" (PDF). Music Week . 24 January 1987. p. 25. ISSN   0265-1548 via World Radio History.
  11. "Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1986". Billboard. Archived from the original on 8 March 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  12. "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 1986". Billboard. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  13. "British album certifications – Five Star – Luxury of Life". British Phonographic Industry. 1 October 1986. Retrieved 10 February 2022.