Imagination
Imagination was a pioneering British funk and soul trio formed in London in 1981, known for their sleek post-disco sound and international chart success in the early 1980s.
The core lineup featured Leee John (lead vocals, keyboards, born 23 June 1957 in Hackney, London, of St. Lucian descent), Ashley Ingram (guitar, bass, vocals, born 27 November 1960 in Northampton), and Errol Kennedy (drums, vocals, born 9 June 1953 in Montego Bay, Jamaica). John had prior experience as a backing vocalist for acts like the Delfonics and Chairmen of the Board, while Ingram and John first collaborated in short-lived groups like Fizzz before meeting Kennedy during auditions for Midnight Express.
The group formed in early 1981, taking their name as a tribute to John Lennon's "Imagine," and quickly gained traction with producers Jolley & Swain. Their debut single "Body Talk" reached number 4 on the UK Singles Chart in July 1981, selling 250,000 copies domestically and spending 18 weeks in the Top 50, marking the start of hits in 28 countries and earning four platinum discs, nine gold, and over a dozen silver between 1981 and 1983.
Imagination released several albums, including their self-titled debut in 1981, followed by hits like "Just an Illusion" and "Music and Lights," blending funky basslines, soulful vocals, and erotic grooves that defined Britfunk. They became one of the UK's biggest soul acts, noted for their flamboyant style and skilled musicianship despite a playful image.
Tensions led to Ingram and Kennedy's departure by the mid-1980s; Leee John continued with new members Nat Augustin and Peter Royer, releasing a final album, The Fascination of the Physical, in 1992 without charting singles, after which the band split. John later pursued acting and appeared on Reborn in the USA, while Ingram wrote for artists like Des'ree; the group is sometimes hailed as Britain's first black supergroup.
Body Talk
A2 So Good, So Right 6:56
A3 Burnin' Up 4:41
B1 Tell Me Do You Want My Love 5:23
B2 Flashback 4:28
B3 I'll Always Love You (But Don't Look Back) 3:51
B4 In And Out Of Love 5:22
Written by Imagination, Steve Jolley & Tony Swain
Label: R&B Records – RBLP 1001
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: 1981
Genre: R&B Soul, Electronic, Funk
Style: Downtempo, Boogie
Imagination's Body Talk (1981) is celebrated as a smooth, influential post-disco/Britfunk gem, praised for its sophisticated blend of soulful vocals (Leee John), catchy melodies, and lush synths, featuring standout tracks like the iconic title track, the soulful "So Good, So Right," and "Burnin' Up," a proto-house track cited by Frankie Knuckles, making it a timeless, well-crafted album with enduring appeal and significant club impact.
Known for its mellow, rhythmic grooves, silky vocals, and sophisticated sound, often compared to early Bee Gees or Michael Jackson.
Masterfully incorporates early '80s synths and disco beats, making it a staple in dance music.
Track Highlights:-
"Body Talk": The title track and biggest hit (peaking at #4 in the UK) is praised for its "sexy," mellow groove and atmospheric production.
"Burnin' Up": Noted for its influential piano riffs and rhythmic precision.
"Flashback": A high-energy "disco-boogie" track with catchy, toe-tapping rhythms.
"I’ll Always Love You (But Don’t Look Back)": A tender piano ballad that provides a melodic contrast to the dance-heavy tracks.
Critics and fans praise it as a "no skips" album, with well-crafted songs that still sound fresh. It's considered a cornerstone of British soul/funk (Britfunk) and a highly overlooked disco-boogie classic.