Second Image
Second Image was a UK jazz-funk band formed in North London in 1979, blending influences from Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Chic. They started as Stateside before renaming and signing with Polydor Records. The group gained recognition in the Brit funk scene but disbanded after limited commercial success.
The original lineup featured seven musicians honing their sound in London pubs and clubs:- Weston Foster: Drums, vocals; Lloyd Dwyer: Saxophone; Mark Fisher: Keyboards; Junior Bromfield: Bass; Simon Eyre: Guitar; George Bromfield (Georgie B): Vocals, percussion, drums; Frank Burke: Trumpet, flugelhorn, vocals. Later, members like Georgie B and Frank Burke pursued solo paths, with Burke joining Liberty.
Second Image released singles like "Fall In Love," "Dance Dance Dance," "Can't Keep Holding On," and "Special Lady" on Polydor. Their debut self-titled album in 1983, produced by Roy Carter and Pete Wingfield, was followed by Strange Reflections in 1985 on MCA, featuring tracks such as "Don't You," "Sing & Shout," and "Lights Out" by Rod Temperton.
Pioneering DJ Robbie Vincent managed the band, aiding their Polydor deal alongside acts like Level 42. They won a major TV talent show, appeared on Saturday Superstore, The Lenny Henry Show, and The Old Grey Whistle Test, and gigged extensively despite modest chart impact. The group fragmented after six years due to internal pressures.
In 2011, all original members reformed for a one-off gig at the O2 during the "30 Year Celebration of Brit Funk," drawing international fans. Georgie B later formed The Groove Association, earning Soul Survivors awards, keeping Brit funk alive. Active in the 1980s North London scene, Second Image remains a cult favorite in UK funk history. <div hidden> 2nd Image</div>
Strange Reflections
A2 Only Lover 3:43
A3 Strange Reflections 3:53
A4 Satisfies Your Life 4:48
B1 Sing And Shout 3:48
B2 Ovo Mexido 4:11
B3 Don't You 4:14
B4 Paradise 3:24
B5 Lights Out 4:26
Label: MCA Records – MCF 3255
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK & Europe
Released: 1985
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Boogie, Jazz-Funk, Soul
Strange Reflections is the second and final studio album by the British jazz-funk band Second Image, released in 1985 through MCA Records. Known for its high-energy production and smooth melodies, the album is a staple for fans of 1980s UK soul and jazz-funk.
The album is widely regarded as a high-quality example of the mid-80s jazz-funk era. Reviews consistently highlight the album's mix of jazz-funk, soul, and danceable 80s grooves.
Modern listeners and collectors often praise the production as being "better than expected" for its time, noting its polished sound even on remastered CD reissues. The album maintains solid ratings on community platforms, with an average score of approximately 4.13 to 4.32 out of 5 on Discogs.
The album is noted for several standout tracks that received significant airplay from influential DJs like Robbie Vincent and Greg Edwards:-
"Starting Again": Often cited as the lead single and a fan favorite.
"Don't You": Highlighted for its strong groove and radio appeal.
"Satisfies Your Love": Recognized as a core track of the UK's "soundtrack of summer" in 1985 and 1986.
"Strange Reflections": The title track is praised for its atmospheric 80s production.
The album has been reissued on CD, though some limited editions (like the FINCD-1041 release) were noted to have mispressings that included tracks from other artists, such as The Skool Boyz.
While original vinyl copies are prized collectors' items, the digital remaster is frequently recommended for its clarity.