Album flashback

Candi [1988]

Here’s to the bands that play weddings, parties, or anything - get signed to a cool label [in this case, I.R.S.], have tremendous success and then vanish into obscurity.

In this case, that band is Candi & The Backbeat - or just Candi as we find them on their debut, self-titled record.

Personnel: Candita Pennella (lead vocals) | Rich Imbrogno (keys) / Nino (Big Papa) Milazzo (bass) / Paul (Baldy) Russo (drums) - Candi and Baldy would marry somewhere along the way.

The singles tally on this release was an impressive four - each one charting better than the last. Crossing over to both Canadian and US Dance charts, too.

So, let’s dig in.

Dancing Under A Latin Moon - peaked #24 | #8 Dance [CAN] | #46 Dance [USA]

This will put some dance in your pants. An infectious little tune with some great horn stabs, you can see how this would be big in the late 80s.

A Spanish version was also recorded.

Behind The Vinyl - Boom 97.3

Candi gives some background here, in the most humble and ‘what’s the big deal’ kind of way.

Under Your Spell - peaked #21 | #1 Dance [CAN] | #39 Dance [USA]

Whatever happened to acid wash and hats. Are they due to come back soon?

This song is a banger. Great energy and a fun ending.

I’ll allow the garbled metaphor of the fortune teller that I’m guessing was supposed to tie back to putting a spell on someone…

Missing You - peaked #18 | #9 Dance [CAN]

This sounds like Madonna, folks. I know you’ll hear it, so I’m not gonna gloss over it or try to insult your intelligence.

Still hits the mark, though.

Love Makes No Promises - peaked #9

You knew that ballad was coming, didn’t you? And yes, 80s fans - there’s a sultry saxophone for you.

I like that the video set is not subtle in any way, it’s a real time capsule.

While their second album [‘World Keeps On Turning’] would chart three more singles, this tune was Candi’s high water mark.

Three years later and the group would be no more, seemingly everyone left the industry and moved on.