by Alex Henderson
These days, most A&R people at major labels (as opposed to indies) no longer believe in honest-to-God artist development -- if an artist's first album isn't a hit, he/she gets dropped. But back in the '70s, major label A&R people were, as a rule, a lot more patient. They were more likely to view the artist as a long-term investment, which is why three- or four-album contracts weren't uncommon -- labels reasoned that if an artist's first or second album wasn't a hit, the third or fourth just might be. Atlantic Starr is a perfect example of a band that benefited from insightful, smart A&R. In the late '70s, Atlantic Starr was a diamond in the rough that needed to be developed -- thankfully, A&M's A&R department was wise enough (and patient enough) to develop the East Coast outfit. One hears a lot of potential on Atlantic Starr's second album Straight to the Point, which Bobby Eli produced at Philadelphia's legendary Sigma Sound Studios. From the funky single "(Let's) Rock 'N' Roll" to the slick "Let the Sprit Move Ya" (which has a Euro-disco flavor) and the soul ballad "Losin' You," this 1979 release is a generally decent (if slightly uneven) sophomore effort. But it isn't fantastic or mind-blowing, and not until 1981's Radiance did Atlantic Starr really start to live up to its creative and commercial potential. In 1979, Atlantic Starr was like a student who was getting Bs and Cs on his/her report card but had the potential to bring home a lot of As -- the potential for excellence was there, and thank God A&M helped the band make the transition from decent to excellent. Although not among Atlantic Starr's essential releases, Straight to the Point is an LP that hardcore fans will find interesting.