Last month we reviewed Lionel Richie’s second album that had a bouquet of hits on it. His third solo album was released in 1986, sounds locked to the era as the album remains as fresh today as the day it was released. 

Released as the first single from the album, Dancing On The Ceiling performed well in the charts, reaching the Top 10 in most regions, and while the music video is delivered in a classic 80s-style.

‘Dancing On The Ceiling’is, without a doubt, one of the greatest R&B/Soul/Pop albums of the 80s and is arguably the very best work of Richie’s career, although ‘Can’t Slow Down’ had top songs to look out for.

The opener gets off from the very beginning, with a non-musical intro as the song gets straight into the synthesised beat that is incredibly addictive. From then on its one hell of a piece of dance grooves. Se La has a slow reggae style aping Bob Marley. If you love reggae then you won’t mind this inclusion which fits well with Richie’s playlist. It’s also one of my favourite songs on the album. Again on the slow side you have Ballerina Girl a beautiful song, penned by Richie himself, for his adopted daughter Nicole, you can’t help but be moved as you listen to Richie’s smooth tones and the love he has in his heart. The words are so easy to understand that you just want to join in.

Deep River Woman has a bit of country tinge to it and although it wasn’t a topper for Richie, it’s still a wonderful piece.  Love Will Conquer All is an incredible song with a haunting chorus, backing vocals and slick rhythm. Say You, Say Meis thesong that needs no introduction and nothing really needs to be said about it other than it’s a song you can just sing along to. There are a few other tracks too, but let’s enjoy the toppers which actually make the album worth listening to.

Rewind and enjoy the album that still brings memories of those great 80s days.

Release date: 5^th August, 1986

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira