In 1980, Diana Ross bought what can solely be described as a Stylish makeover. “Upside Down” hit the highest of the Billboard Scorching 100 on September 6 that 12 months, and stayed there for 4 weeks, the longest chart-topping run of her life.
Certainly, it was 4 years since Ms. Ross had been within the US High 10 in any respect. After the large success of “Love Hangover,” which topped the bestsellers for 2 weeks in 1976, she had six modest chart entries in a row, adopted by the No.19 “The Boss.” Within the UK, the place “Love Hangover” reached No.10, 9 chart entries in a row peaked outdoors the High 20. The time was proper for a brand new course.
Nile Rodgers and Bernard Rodgers have been the most well liked producers in America of the day, from the brilliantly creative and thrilling soul-dance sound that they had created for his or her group Stylish. Diana’s kids have been speaking concerning the group incessantly and requested their mom to take them to see the group carry out in Santa Monica, after which the duo have been invited to create the recent sound Ross needed to replicate her new life in New York.
As can be extensively reported later, their studio liaison with Diana was not precisely a roaring success. She disliked the outcomes of their periods and gave them particular remixing directions; they made slight modifications and recommended that if she nonetheless didn’t like them, she may get them remixed herself. Ross did so, remodeling the entire album with Motown producer Russ Terrana to downplay the funk ingredient and make her voice extra outstanding.
Rodgers and Edwards have been initially livid and regarded having their manufacturing credit score take away. However regardless of the sonic compromise, it was nonetheless the Stylish sound that rang out from the “Upside Down” single and the entire Diana album. The outcomes have been spectacular: the LP was a platinum-selling No.2 that spent a 12 months on the American chart.
Diana left Motown quickly afterwards for pastures new at RCA however left behind a document that’s change into a profession landmark. Certainly, “Upside Down” proved its sturdiness once more by topping the Billboard dance chart in 2018 in a brand new remix twinned with an up to date “I’m Coming Out.”
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