Skool Boyz
Skool Boyz was an American funk and soul band from Chicago, originally formed in 1975 as Flavor by Stan Sheppard. They evolved through name changes and lineup tweaks before releasing key albums in the 1980s.?
The group started as Flavor with Stan Sheppard on lead vocals, Chauncey Matthews on vocals and keyboards, and Fred Brown on vocals and guitar; Stan is the son of producer Bill Sheppard. They debuted with the 1976 single "Don't Freeze Up" on Ju-Par Records (distributed by Motown) and released their only album In Good Taste in 1977. After Motown ended its deal, they became Livin' Proof, issuing a self-titled album in 1978 that failed to chart, leading to a breakup.
In 1980, Stan, Chauncey, and Fred reunited, adding Stan's brother William "Billy" Sheppard on vocals and bass, and renamed to Skool Boyz. They signed with Destiny Records, releasing a self-titled debut album in 1981 featuring minor R&B hits like "Your Love" (No. 57), "This Feeling Must Be Real," and "Before You Go." A 1984 move to Columbia Records yielded another self-titled album with their biggest single "Slip Away" (No. 47 R&B) and ballads like "Nothin' Like a Slow Dance."
Their last album, This Is the Real Thing (1985), included the single "Superfine (From Behind)," which started strong but fizzled commercially. The group disbanded afterward due to poor sales despite positive reviews. Post-breakup, Stan founded Sheppard Lane Records and produced for artists like DJ Quik's protégés; Billy joined By All Means; Chauncey and Fred worked as session musicians.
This Is The Real Thing
A2 This Is The Real Thing (C. Matthews 4:55)
A3 Can We Do It Again (B. Sheppard, C. Matthews, F. Brown, Jr., S. Sheppard 4:59)
A4 Give Me That Lovin' (B. Sheppard, C. Matthews, S. Sheppard 4:28)
B1 She's Still My Girl (B. Sheppard, C. Matthews, S. Sheppard 4:47)
B2 Never Need Another Love (C. Matthews, S. Sheppard 4:42)
B3 You Are My Love (D. Miller, P. Ingram, S. Sheppard 4:25)
B4 Feel Like I'm In Love (C. Matthews 4:15)
Label: Columbia – BFC 40045
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Boogie, Funk, Disco
Skool Boyz' This Is The Real Thing (1985) was their final album, a follow-up to their self-titled debut, showcasing smooth, late-80s R&B/funk with strong ballads like "You Are the Best Thing in My Life" and "Nothin' Like a Slow Dance," but despite positive vibes and good production, its single "Superfine (From Behind)" failed commercially, leading to the group's disbandment, with critics noting their potential but ultimately underwhelming chart success despite catchy tunes.
Classic late 80s R&B/funk, leaning into smooth grooves and soulful ballads, carrying forward the sound from their earlier work. It features strong ballads and mid-tempo numbers, with tracks like "Before You Go," "You Are the Best Thing in My Life," and the energetic "Superfine (From Behind)" often mentioned.
Despite being well-received by fans of the genre and containing quality tracks, the album and its singles didn't chart well, failing to break through.
Considered the end of the road for the group, it's often remembered as a solid effort that just missed its moment in the spotlight, now available in remastered CD reissues alongside their debut.
The album captures the essence of a talented R&B group trying to make their mark with sophisticated production and heartfelt vocals, embodying that signature 80s sound before they disbanded.