Description
Sylvester – Step II – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
(AAA) Lacquers Cut From the Original Master Tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound
Pressed on 180g Black Audiophile Vinyl at QRP
Exclusive Listening Notes Booklet by Clarissa Brooks
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Released in September 1978, Sylvester’s Step II is an iconic album that solidified the legendary performer as one of the key figures of the disco era. Featuring two of his biggest hits, \”You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)\” and \”Dance (Disco Heat)\”, the album is a celebration of joy, self-expression, and musical freedom. Sylvester, with his flamboyant style, androgynous image, and soaring falsetto, became a trailblazing symbol of liberation in the LGBTQ+ community and the disco scene.
Produced by Harvey Fuqua and featuring instrumental backing from the Two Tons O\’ Fun (Izora Rhodes and Martha Wash, who would later become The Weather Girls), Step II blends infectious disco rhythms with gospel-infused vocals and electronic production. The album’s uplifting energy, combined with Sylvester’s undeniable charisma and powerful voice, has made Step II a landmark in both disco music and LGBTQ+ cultural history.
By the time Step II was released, Sylvester was already gaining attention for his unique style and sound. He emerged from San Francisco’s vibrant underground scene, where he performed in drag and embraced androgyny, standing out with his glamorous stage presence. His 1977 self-titled debut album had already hinted at his potential, but it was Step II that truly catapulted him into the mainstream.
The success of Step II was fueled by its lead singles, \”You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)\” and \”Dance (Disco Heat),\” both of which became huge hits in the disco scene and beyond. These songs showcased Sylvester’s extraordinary vocal range and ability to blend disco’s electronic elements with soulful, gospel-driven intensity. In doing so, Sylvester created a sound that was not only danceable but also deeply emotional, elevating the genre and pushing the boundaries of what disco could be.
Step II is a masterful blend of high-energy disco grooves and soul-driven vocals, with a production style that mixes organic instrumentation and the rising influence of electronic music. The album’s tight rhythms, buoyant basslines, and expansive synthesizers create a quintessential disco sound, but what sets it apart is Sylvester’s expressive, church-infused vocal performance.
Tracks like \”You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)\” make full use of synthesizers and electronic production techniques, which were becoming central to the disco sound in the late 1970s. The driving beat and shimmering synths give the track a high-energy, futuristic feel, while Sylvester’s vocals add warmth and emotional depth.
Sylvester’s roots in gospel are evident throughout the album. His powerful, impassioned vocals—backed by the soulful harmonies of Two Tons O’ Fun—give songs like \”Dance (Disco Heat)\” and \”Grateful\” a richness that transcends typical disco fare. The call-and-response interplay between Sylvester and his backing vocalists adds an extra layer of intensity to these tracks.
While the album is unmistakably a disco record, it also incorporates elements of funk and R&B. Tracks like \”I Took My Strength From You\” and \”Was It Something That I Said\” bring a slower, more soulful vibe, allowing Sylvester to showcase the full range of his vocal abilities. The album’s balance between upbeat dance tracks and more introspective ballads demonstrates Sylvester’s versatility as an artist.
Lyrically, Step II is rooted in themes of liberation, love, and self-expression. As one of the few openly gay performers of his time, Sylvester used his music and image to challenge societal norms and advocate for personal freedom. His songs, particularly \”You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),\” became anthems of empowerment for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ people, who found inspiration in his unapologetic authenticity.
Songs like \”You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)\” are triumphant declarations of self-love and liberation. The lyrics, combined with the infectious rhythm and Sylvester’s exuberant delivery, convey a sense of euphoria and freedom that resonated with audiences in the disco era and continues to inspire today.
While much of the album focuses on the joy of dancing and living authentically, it also explores themes of love and vulnerability. Tracks like \”Was It Something That I Said\” showcase Sylvester’s ability to express heartbreak and longing, offering a contrast to the more celebratory moments on the album.
The gospel undertones of Sylvester’s music are not just musical but thematic. Songs like \”Grateful\” have a spiritual quality to them, reflecting Sylvester’s gratitude for life and the emotional highs and lows that come with it. This blend of the sacred and the secular adds depth to the album’s exploration of love, freedom, and joy.
Notable Tracks
\”You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)\”: The standout track of the album, \”You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)\” is an iconic disco anthem. Its combination of pulsing electronic beats, soaring falsetto, and celebratory lyrics makes it a timeless classic. Sylvester’s ecstatic vocal performance turns the song into a declaration of self-love and freedom, making it an enduring LGBTQ+ anthem.
\”Dance (Disco Heat)\”: Another major hit, this track is a high-energy celebration of dancing and community. With its relentless beat and catchy chorus, \”Dance (Disco Heat)\” captures the infectious energy of the disco dance floor. Sylvester’s vocal interplay with Two Tons O’ Fun adds a sense of communal joy, making it one of the most memorable tracks on the album.
\”Grateful\”: A slower, more introspective track, \”Grateful\” blends gospel and disco, with Sylvester’s emotive vocals taking center stage. The song’s lyrics express gratitude for life’s blessings, while the backing harmonies and organ-like instrumentation give it a spiritual, uplifting feel.
\”Was It Something That I Said\”: A smooth, soulful ballad, this track allows Sylvester to showcase his softer, more vulnerable side. The song’s tender lyrics and understated instrumentation provide a counterbalance to the album’s more upbeat, danceable tracks, highlighting Sylvester’s versatility as a vocalist.
\”I Took My Strength From You\”: This mid-tempo track features lush orchestration and gospel-influenced vocals, with lyrics that reflect themes of support and emotional resilience. It’s one of the album’s more personal moments, showcasing Sylvester’s ability to convey deep emotion through his voice.
Step II was a commercial success and received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. The album’s infectious blend of disco rhythms, gospel-inspired vocals, and Sylvester’s charismatic performance made it a standout in the disco genre. Both \”You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)\” and \”Dance (Disco Heat)\” became major hits, with the former reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and crossing over to the mainstream pop charts.
The album’s impact extended far beyond the disco era. Sylvester’s bold, unapologetic embrace of his identity made him an icon in the LGBTQ+ community, and songs like \”You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)\” have since become anthems of empowerment and self-expression. His influence can be seen in the work of countless artists across genres, from pop and dance music to soul and R&B.
In addition to its cultural significance, Step II remains a highly regarded album for its musical quality. Critics have praised its production, the seamless integration of electronic and organic sounds, and Sylvester’s powerhouse vocal performance. The album has earned its place as a landmark in both disco and queer music history.
Step II is not only a disco masterpiece but also a defining moment in Sylvester’s career and in the cultural landscape of the 1970s. The album’s fusion of soul, gospel, and electronic disco set a new standard for dance music, while Sylvester’s fearless self-expression and commanding vocal presence made him a trailblazing figure in both the music world and the LGBTQ+ community.
For fans of disco, soul, and dance music, Step II is an essential listen. Its joyous celebration of freedom, love, and individuality continues to resonate with listeners, ensuring that Sylvester’s legacy as a pioneering artist and LGBTQ+ icon remains as powerful today as it was when the album was first released.
Track Listing
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
Dance (Disco Heat)
You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) (Epilogue)
Grateful
I Took My Strength From You
Was It Something That I Said
Just You And Me Forever
