Tuesday, April 23, 2019

"Stay True" by Sly Fox

Spotlight Alert!

Song#:  2747
Date:  06/07/1986
Debut:  94
Peak:  94
Weeks:  2
Genre:  Synthpop, Blue-Eyed Soul



Pop Bits:  The duo of Sly Fox made an impression with their #7 hit "Let's Go All the Way." It was taken from their debut album of the same name as was this follow-up single. Unfortunately, it didn't appeal to listeners like their previous hit and the song ended up being a blip at the bottom of the Pop chart for a couple of weeks. It was actually their third single from the LP. The first one released was "Como Tu Te Llama? (What Is Your Name)." It was able to reach #13 at Dance, but it failed to make other charts. "Let's Go All the Way" would be the second single and their breakthrough. Their debut album would do well reaching #31 and plans were made for a follow-up, but the duo ended up splitting. They tried to reunite near the end of the decade, but they still couldn't solve their issues and parted ways for good. The lone Top 10 hit made them a one-hit wonder of the decade.

ReduxReview:  These guys were gonna have a tough time following up a song so distinctive as "Let's Go All the Way." They were a one-hit wonder waiting to happen and indeed that ended up being the result. Yet it didn't have to be. This joyous slice of blue-eyed soul/pop with a terrific, hooky chorus should have easily become their second hit. If this had been done by a band like Go West, I think it would have clicked on the radio. Since it was a follow-up to the unforgettable, mind-melting "Let's Go All the Way," I think it got ignored because it was too different from that hit and DJs and listeners were probably expecting a "Let's Go, Pt.2" that would continue the groove. It's really too bad as this is a gem of a tune that got totally lost. "Let's Go" is a classic one-hit wonder of the decade, but if push comes to shove, I think this is a better song. Therefore, I'm gonna shine a spotlight on this because it deserved a lot more attention that it received.

ReduxRating:  8/10

Trivia:  After the split, the members of Sly Fox, Gary Mudbone Cooper and Michael Camacho, went off on their own career paths. Cooper returned to working with George Clinton and would also write music for and perform with many other artists. Camacho, who had some theater experience, tried to break into acting and appeared in a few indie films. He still dabbled in music and changed over to jazz for his 2006 solo album Just for You. Camacho also became the manager of a jazz bar in NYC called Rue-B and he occasionally performs there. 

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