The Floaters
The Floaters were an influential R&B vocal group formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1976, emerging from the Sojourner Truth housing projects. The group's original lineup consisted of members Larry Cunningham, Charles Clark, Robert Palmer, and Paul Mitchell, with the addition of James Mitchell, a former member of The Detroit Emeralds, who played a pivotal role in the group’s formation and success.
The Floaters originated as a quartet in the early 1970s, known for their smooth harmonies and engaging stage presence. They gained significant popularity in local clubs before stepping into the recording studio. Their blend of soulful melodies and romantic lyrics resonated with audiences, allowing them to cultivate a dedicated fan base.
The group's breakthrough came with their self-titled debut album, which featured the hit single "Float On," released in 1977. The song became a massive success, reaching the top of the R&B charts and earning a spot on the Billboard Hot 100. It is characterized by its smooth groove and catchy chorus, which encapsulated the essence of 1970s soul music. The Floaters' unique style and sound set them apart in the crowded R&B scene of the time.
Although The Floaters' mainstream success was relatively brief, their music has endured over the years, influencing subsequent generations of artists in the soul and R&B genres. Their work is still celebrated for its emotional depth and vocal prowess, earning them a place in the history of American music.
The Floaters
Written-By – A. Ingram, J. Mitchell, M. Willis
11:49
A2 You Don't Have To Say You Love Me
Written-By – Simon Napier-Bell, Vicki Wickham
4:53
A3 Got To Find A Way
Written-By – A. Ingram, J. Mitchell, M. Willis
3:47
B1 I Bet You Get The One You Love
Written-By – A. Tilmon, J. Mitchell
3:04
B2 Everything Happens For A Reason
Written-By – A. Ingram, J. Mitchell
3:58
B3 Take One Step At A Time
Written-By – A. Ingram, J. Mitchell, M. Willis
4:05
B4 No Stronger Love
Written-By – A. Ingram, J. Mitchell, M. Willis
5:09
B5 I Am So Glad I Took My Time
Written-By – A. Ingram, J. Mitchell, M. Willis
5:20
Label: ABC Records – AB-1030
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
The Floaters' 1977 self-titled album is defined by its massive, iconic hit "Float On," a dreamy, spoken-word soul ballad featuring astrological intros from each member over a lush groove, making it a quintessential, albeit cheesy and campy, 70s slow jam. While "Float On" brought massive success (#1 US R&B, #2 Pop, #1 UK), reviews for the full album are mixed, often calling it generic or second-rate beyond the hit, though some acknowledge its importance and the group's potential.
The album's centerpiece is its nearly 12-minute album version, famous for its atmospheric production by Dennis Coffey and each member's horoscope-themed introduction, creating a unique blend of smooth soul and dated astrological charm. The radio edit became a global smash.
It features classic Detroit soul sounds with strings, bass, and distinctive guitar work, thanks to producer-arranger Dennis Coffey.
The album also included "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," a cover that charted moderately but didn't replicate the debut's success.
While the album was a commercial success, peaking at #10 on the Billboard 200, many critics found the material inconsistent, with the album largely existing in the shadow of its blockbuster single, cementing The Floaters as "one-hit wonders" despite their live appeal.
Overall, the album is a time capsule of 70s soul, primarily remembered for the groundbreaking, quirky, and enduringly popular "Float On". While the accompanying tracks might not match the hit's quality for some listeners, the album is a significant piece of soul history, lauded for its signature track's unique style and lasting cultural impact, including parodies and samples.