Osborne and Giles
Billy Osborne and Attala Zane Giles formed the 1980s soul duo Osborne & Giles, known for their modern soul album Stranger in the Night (1985) on Red Label Records.
Billy Osborne, elder brother of Jeffrey Osborne, grew up in a musical family in Providence, Rhode Island. He joined Love Men Ltd. (later L.T.D.) as a singer, keyboardist, and musical director, contributing to 1970s hits before leaving in 1980 for solo pursuits. In the 1980s, he partnered with Giles, blending soul with pop elements reminiscent of Shalamar.
Attala Zane Giles previously performed in the R&B duo Deco alongside Philip Ingram (of Switch). He united with Billy Osborne in the mid-1980s, co-writing and singing on their sole album, which featured meticulously sequenced modern soul tracks. Limited details exist on his later career, as the duo remained a niche act.
Stranger In The Night
A2 I'll Save Forever For You 5:15
A3 Stranger In The Night 4:04
A4 I Want To Be With You 4:47
B1 I Can't Stop This Feeling 3:28
B2 Be Right By Your Side 4:16
B3 Night On The Town 3:55
B4 I Feel Good 4:12
B5 I'll Make You An Offer 4:19
Written-By – A.Z. Giles, B. Osborne (tracks: A2 to B5), E. Fluellen (track: A1)
Label: Red Label – ST 73103
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco
Osborne & Giles' 1985 album, Stranger in the Night, is regarded by music enthusiasts and independent reviewers as a strong, niche modern soul and funk album with pop and disco elements. It is most known for its deep ballads and for its closing track, "I'll Make You an Offer," which was famously sampled by hip-hop producer 9th Wonder.
The album was the only release by the duo of Billy Osborne (brother of Jeffrey Osborne and former L.T.D. bandmate) and Attala Zane Giles (late of the R&B duo Deco).
The album is a collection of modern soul, funk, and disco tracks that lean into the meticulously sequenced pop sounds of the 1980s, drawing comparisons to groups like Shalamar.
Giles provides the lead vocals on most tracks, utilizing a rich falsetto that is a key feature of the album's sound, particularly on the ballads.
The album did not receive wide mainstream critical attention at the time of its release and reviews today mainly come from music collectors and independent blogs. Collectors often praise it as a "rare find" and a "must-have" for fans of vintage disco and soul LPs.
While not a massive mainstream success, it's a beloved find in the world of vintage soul/funk vinyl, appreciated by collectors for its authenticity and pure dance energy.
In essence, it's a rare but rewarding listen for fans of classic 80s funk and soul, offering genuine grooves and a taste of that era's dance music scene.