Odyssey
Odyssey is a notable American disco and soul group that originated in New York City. The group was established in 1968 and initially performed as a family band known as The Lopez Sisters, consisting of sisters Carmen, Lillian, and Louise Lopez. However, Carmen Lopez eventually left the group, leading to the inclusion of Tony Reynolds, who joined to form what became known as Odyssey.
Odyssey is best known for its disco hits during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Some of their most famous tracks include "Native New Yorker," "Use It Up and Wear It Out," and "Looking for a Way Out," which achieved significant commercial success and became staples within the disco genre. These songs showcased their vibrant sound, characterized by rhythmic melodies and engaging lyrics, which resonated with the dance music scene of the time.
The lineup featured Lillian Lopez as the lead vocalist, and the group enjoyed a successful career, becoming an influential part of the disco movement. Despite being based in New York, none of the founding members were originally from the city: the Lopez sisters were born in the Virgin Islands, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of artists contributing to the disco scene.
As the music landscape evolved, Odyssey faced changes in membership and musical direction, but they maintained a dedicated fan base. Their contribution to the soul and funk genres remains significant, marking them as a prominent group during the height of disco.
Happy Together
Bass – Bernard Edwards
Guitar – Nile Rodgers
Keyboards – Robert Sabino
Written-By – Nile Rodgers And Bernard Edwards
6:17
A2 Inside Out
Bass – Sandy Anderson
Drums – Steve Arrington
Guitar – Sergio Diaz
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Lenny Underwood
Written-By – Jesse Rae
5:12
A3 Happy Together
Bass – Marcus Miller
Drums – Yogi Horton
Guitar – Bobby Eli, Jeff Mironov
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Lenny Underwood
Percussion – Jimmy Maelen
Written-By – Alan Gordon, Gary Boner
7:07
B1 Happy People
Bass – T. M. Stevens
Drums – Yogi Horton
Guitar – Jeff Mironov, Sergio Diaz
Keyboards, Synthesizer – Lenny Underwood
Written-By – Eugene Jackson, Jimmy Douglass
6:05
B2 When You Love Somebody
Bass – Marcus Miller
Drums – Woody Cunningham
Guitar – Bobby Eli, Jeff Mironov
Keyboards – Lenny Underwood
Percussion – Jimmy Maelen
Saxophone – Gary Bartz
Written-By – Gloria Sklerov, Harry Lloyd
4:26
B3 Love's Alright
Bass – T. M. Stevens
Drums – Yogi Horton
Guitar – Bobby Eli, Jeff Mironov
Keyboards – Lenny Underwood
Percussion – Jimmy Maelen
Saxophone – Gary Bartz
Written-By – René Moore And Angela Winbush
3:56
B4 Magic Touch
Bass – T. M. Stevens
Drums – Yogi Horton
Guitar – Jeff Mironov, Sergio Diaz
Keyboards – Lenny Underwood
Written-By – David Courtney
3:43
Label: RCA Victor – AFL1-4240
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
Released in 1982, Happy Together is the fifth studio album by the New York soul/disco group Odyssey. Critics and listeners generally view it as a mixed but polished effort that leans heavily into the funk and pop-soul sensibilities of the early 1980s.
Reviews often categorize the album as "pretty average" in comparison to their earlier masterpieces, though it remains a favorite for completionists of 80s soul.
Produced by Jimmy Douglass, the album features a "soulful and funky sheen" typical of the era. Some reviewers note that the group sounds less energetic than on previous records, describing the performance as slightly "half-hearted" or "tired".
On platforms like Discogs, the album maintains a solid average rating of approximately 4.0 to 4.5 out of 5 across various pressings.
Key Tracks:-
"Inside Out": Widely considered the album's standout track and a 1982 summer smash in the UK. Written by Jesse Rae, it features a distinctive groove that has remained a club staple.
"Happy Together": A seven-minute funk remake of the 1960s hit by The Turtles. While ambitious, some critics feel the vocal treatment is unspectacular compared to the original.
"Magic Touch": A minor UK hit written by David Courtney, noted for its bright pop-soul/rock crossover appeal.
"When You Love Somebody": A traditional Odyssey ballad sung by Louise Lopez, described as predictable but superior to other tracks in the set.
"Together": A notable inclusion on certain editions, written by Chic’s Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards.
CD Reissues: For many years, the album was difficult to find on CD until modern reissues (often including bonus 12" versions) became available. Vinyl: Original 1982 pressings are still widely traded among collectors on sites like Discogs.