8

The departure of beloved lead singer Phillipe Wynne created confusion both within the Spinners organization and among fans, who could only recognize what was missing from the group’s 1977 LP 8. But in retrospect, it’s easier to praise the album for its merits. The taut disco jam “I’m Gonna Getcha” is one of the group’s best late-career songs, bolstered by the vocals of longtime member Bobbie Smith. Fans had to give the group credit for not completely submitting to the disco trend, which was turning many of their once-accomplished contemporaries into indistinguishable drones. Instead, The Spinners became slower and moodier, almost in defiance of the tastes of the day. “I’m Tired of Giving” is brooding and velveteen, while the slippery and ultra-catchy “Heaven on Earth” features a moving vocal lead by new frontman John Edwards. Critics might say that 8 is an echo of the tremendous highs that the group had already accomplished, but no one can deny that the echo is a beautiful sound.