Champaign
Champaign is an American R&B and soul band that originated in Champaign, Illinois, in 1981. They are particularly renowned for their hit single "How 'Bout Us," which achieved significant success on the charts. The group is characterized by a smooth early-'80s soul sound with elements that some describe as having a yacht rock influence. Their music spans genres primarily within R&B and soul, showcasing a combination of melodic hooks and romantic themes.
The band initially gained popularity during the early 1980s, and their peak years of activity were from 1981 to 1984, with subsequent reunions from 1990 to 1991 and again starting in 2008. Champaign's signature sound helped them carve a niche in the adult contemporary music scene, showcasing their ability to blend traditional R&B with modern pop sensibilities of the time.
The lead vocalist of Champaign, Pauli Carman, is notable for his contributions to the group's sound and has achieved recognition as a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist. In addition to their famous track "How 'Bout Us," the band released other singles such as "Try Again" and "Off and On Love," further solidifying their place in the music industry during the 1980s.
Throughout their career, Champaign has continued to have a presence in the music scene, contributing to the legacy of R&B and soul music, and they remain a part of the musical landscape as of the 2020s.
Woman In Flames
Written-By – M. Day, R. Jones, R. Maffit
4:09
A2 This Time
Written-By – D. Walden, M. Day, P. Carman, R. Maffit
4:12
A3 Prisoner
Written-By – D. Walden, M. Day, R. Maffit
4:20
A4 Intimate Strangers
Written-By – D. Walden, M. Day, R. Maffit
5:05
B1 Woman In Flames
Written-By – D. Walden, L. Reeder, M. Day, R. Maffit
4:34
B2 Mardi Gras
Written-By – D. Walden, M. Day, R. Maffit
4:21
B3 Be Mine Tonight
Written-By – M. Day, R. Jones
4:10
B4 Capture The Moon
Written-By – D. Walden, M. Day
4:28
Label: Columbia – FC 39365
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco
Champaign's 1984 album Woman in Flames is generally seen as a solid but inconsistent entry in their discography, featuring the hit "Off and On Love" and other decent tracks but suffering from uneven quality, sounding dated to some listeners, and leading to the group's initial split from Columbia Records despite strong vocals and production.
While it includes solid R&B/Quiet Storm sounds and highlights like "Be Mine Tonight," critics suggest many songs felt like retreads of the era, making it best for completists rather than a must-have for casual fans, though its CD reissue is praised for good audio.
The album's major success was the bouncy "Off and On Love," their third R&B Top 10 hit. Falls into Quiet Storm and Adult Contemporary, with early 80s SOLAR-style R&B influences, but some tracks leaned into tired mid-80s production.
While "Off and On Love" and a few other songs ("This Time," "Be Mine Tonight") were strong, the rest was considered weaker, contributing to its commercial underperformance and the band's subsequent breakup with Columbia Records.
The 2-on-1 reissue with Modern Heart is praised for good audio quality and restoring tracks like "Try Again," making it a worthwhile purchase for dedicated fans.
Considered a cautiously fecommended album for completists who enjoy the era's R&B sound, but not essential beyond its well-known hits.