Phil Fearon and Galaxy
Phil Fearon (born July 30, 1956) is a Jamaican-British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who rose to prominence as the leader of the 1980s Brit-funk and soul group Galaxy. Born in Jamaica, he moved to London at age six and began his career in the late 1970s with the group Kandidate. Fearon is best known as the lead singer and driving force behind the popular Brit soul band Galaxy, which he formed in 1982.
Throughout his career, Fearon has been recognized for blending various musical styles, including reggae, American dance, and British pop, creating a unique sound that characterized the Brit soul movement of the era. His work with Galaxy established him as a significant figure in the music industry during that period.
Galaxy emerged in the early 1980s and quickly gained popularity, thanks to their vibrant and danceable music. The band was known for its distinctive sound, which incorporated elements of soul, funk, and disco, appealing to a wide audience. They achieved notable success with hits that resonated well in clubs and on radio stations across the UK.
Over the years, Galaxy became synonymous with the Brit soul genre, earning a dedicated fan base and influencing other artists in the scene. Phil Fearon's role as a songwriter and performer not only highlighted his musical talents but also paved the way for his later endeavors in the record production sphere.
Fearon later founded the Production House label, which became highly influential in the early 1990s UK rave scene with acts like Baby D, whose lead singer Dorothy Galdez is Fearon's wife.
(Provided by soulyears.com)
Phil Fearon and Galaxy
A2 Dancing Tight 4:25
A3 Fantasy Real 4:14
A4 Do You Want More? 5:17
A5 Wait Until Tonight (My Love) 4:58
B1 What Do I Do? (Carnival Mix) 3:50
B2 Head Over Heels 5:55
B3 Before You Throw Love Away 5:28
B4 Still Thinking Of You 4:17
B5 Anything You Want 4:00
Written by P. Fearon, J. Tambimuttu, M. Burns, S. Glenn
Label: Island Records – 206 345
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Europe
Released: 1984
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Dance-Pop
Released in 1984, Phil Fearon & Galaxy is the self-titled debut studio album by the British group Phil Fearon & Galaxy. The album features a blend of Britfunk, soul, and pop characterized by heavy use of synthesizers and upbeat tempos typical of the early 1980s.
The album was a commercial hit in the UK, peaking at number 8 on the UK Albums Chart. It was primarily written, produced, and performed by Phil Fearon, who served as a multi-instrumentalist. He was supported by backing vocalists Dorothy Galdes and Julie Gore.
The album includes several singles that achieved Top 10 status on the UK Singles Chart: "Dancing Tight" (Top 5 hit in 1983); "What Do I Do?"; "Everybody's Laughing". Fans frequently mention the vocal contributions of Dorothy Galdes and Julie Gore, noting that their harmonies give the upbeat pop songs a distinct, classy soul edge.
Many listeners highlight the album's ability to "transport you back" to the 1980s, often describing it as a collection of "superb dancefloor fillers" and "happy memories". While some contemporary critics at the time found it "slick but boring," modern user reviews often praise its clean, "fresh" sound quality and the effective use of synthesizers.
Unlike many 80s pop albums that rely on one or two hits, user reviews generally describe it as a classic of the Britfunk and 80s dance-pop era, praised for its upbeat, "feel-good" energy, that still sound fresh decades later.