Latin Freestyle (New York / Miami 1983-1992)

In his introductory essay, Bob Stanley argues that freestyle, growing out of the initial electro boom and becoming its own distinct variant of modern 80s r’n’b and dance energy, was simply so rich that what was on this album was merely “a mere taster.” Yet it’s honestly much more than that, perhaps missing only Shannon’s genre-founding “Let The Music Play” and something by either Stevie B or Noel when it comes to being a solid intro, though its women-centered approach suits Stanley’s famed girl group love. Latin Freestyle is a truly exuberant blast of some giddy as hell moments out of the two cities in question, including genre-defining highlights like Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam with Full Force’s slyly cautious “I Wonder If I Take You Home,” Exposé’s hyperdriven blast of desire “Point Of No Return” and the full 12” mix of Company B’s exultant “Fascinated.” Add in further standouts like Stacey Q’s “Two of Hearts” and Lisette Melendez’s “Together Forever” amid enjoyable obscurities and the whole is just gold – the great story Janelle tells Stanley in the liner notes about her local Boston hit “Don’t Be Shy” is worth it alone.