Heatwave
Heatwave was a multinational funk and disco band formed in London in 1975, renowned for hits like "Boogie Nights," "The Groove Line," and "Always and Forever". The group blended American soul, British songwriting, and international influences into a distinctive sound during the late 1970s disco era.
Johnnie Wilder Jr., an American from Dayton, Ohio, began singing in Germany while in the U.S. Army, staying after discharge to perform in clubs. He relocated to the UK, placed an ad, and teamed with English songwriter Rod Temperton on keyboards, later adding Keith Wilder (vocals), Roy Carter and Eric Johns (guitars), Swiss bassist Mario Mantese, and Czech drummer Ernest "Bilbo" Berger.
Signed to GTO Records in 1976, Heatwave released Too Hot to Handle with producer Barry Blue, featuring "Boogie Nights" which hit the U.S. Top 10. Their 1977 follow-up Central Heating included "The Groove Line" and the ballad "Always and Forever," solidifying their chart success.
Bassist Mantese was stabbed by his girlfriend in 1978, surviving a coma but left paralyzed, blind, and mute; Derek Bramble replaced him. Founder Johnnie Wilder Jr. became paraplegic in a 1979 car accident, shifting to production and backing vocals.
The band released Hot Property (1979) and Candles (1981) before disbanding around 1982. Temperton wrote hits for Michael Jackson and others; Keith Wilder led later reunions until his 2016 death; Johnnie Wilder Jr. passed in 2017.
Central Heating
Written-By – R. Temperton 6:36
2 Send Out For Sunshine
Written-By – R. Temperton 4:26
3 Central Heating
Written-By – R. Temperton 4:44
4 Happiness Togetherness
Written-By – J. Wilder, Jr. 4:00
5 The Groove Line
Written-By – R. Temperton 4:19
6 Mind Blowing Decisions
Written-By – J. Wilder, Jr. 4:17
7 The Star Of A Story
Written-By – R. Temperton 5:41
8 Party Poops
Written-By – R. Temperton 3:51
9 Leavin' For A Dream
Written-By – R. Temperton 3:24
11 The Groove Line (12" Disco Version)
Written-By – R. Temperton 7:26
12 Mind Blowing Decisions (12” Disco Version)
Written-By – J. Wilder, Jr. 7:31
Label: GTO – GTLP 027
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Disco, Funk, Soul
Heatwave's Central Heating album is widely acclaimed as a funk-disco masterpiece, praised for its flawless production, timeless grooves, killer singles like "The Groove Line," and stunning ballads such as "Mind Blowing Decisions" and "The Star of a Story," showcasing tight musicianship, great vocals, and Rod Temperton's brilliant songwriting, though noted for its lack of horns and some critics finding it too polished for its era, with AllMusic giving it 5 stars and Robert Christgau a C-.
The album received universal praise for its quality, with AllMusic calling it a near-perfect R&B gem and Virgin Encyclopedia giving it 5 stars, though Robert Christgau found it somewhat shallow disco.
It features major dance hits like the infectious "The Groove Line" and the soulful mid-tempo "Mind Blowing Decisions". with Rod Temperton's signature songwriting and arrangements, blending dancefloor fillers with beautiful, atmospheric ballads.
It highlights tight, funky musicianship, excellent vocals from the Wilder brothers, and a clean, well-produced sound, often without heavy brass.
Reviewers note its enduring appeal, with tracks like "The Star of a Story" feeling both nostalgic and fresh. Considered a complete album with no weak tracks, perfect for late-night listening.
In Summary, Central Heating is seen as Heatwave's definitive work, capturing the peak of their funk-disco sound with sophisticated production and enduring hits, cementing their legacy before lead singer Johnnie Wilder's accident and Rod Temperton's departure for Quincy Jones.