Three Degrees

It is clearly known that the Three Degrees' golden era was during the early 1970's, when they were on the female fronthead of the Philly sound. Their slick soulful cabaret music gave them plenty of street cred, with many hits such as the early dance classic "Dirty Ol' Man" and the chart topper "When Will I See You Again".

But by the late seventies, things were changing. Not only "The Sound Of Philadelphia" quickly faded, being eclipsed by mainstream disco, but the girls also had their share of change in their lineup (Outing founding member Fayette Pickney, re-entering Helen Scott), not to mention seeing the non-commerciality of their records.

It was time for a major makeover...EURO makeover that is. Enter synth wiz Giorgio Moroder, best known for his work with Disco queen Donna Summer and for soundtracks to many 80's movies. Giorgio was a true driving force for the Three Degrees to evolve within their own time, and the results were evident with the release of "New Dimensions", the first of only two albums recorded for the Ariola label.

Starting with the pulsating mega hit "Givin' Up, Givin' In", the listeners get a new glimpse of the girls in a different light (later expanded with the follow up, 1979's 3D). Fillers were inevitable, like "Looking for Love" or "Falling In Love Again", but they still sound flawless.

Hot diva Sheila Ferguson (who replaced Helen Scott in 1966 before coming back a decade later) shines bright on another two smash hits: "The Runner" (which she co-wrote with Moroder) and "Woman In Love", a beautiful love ballad with a rather strange outlook at a woman dealing with a love that's not mutual but still remaining hope to give love to her man.

Without a doubt, "New Dimensions" is a landmark in the Three Degrees' career. Even though the shame remains that the girls never maintained the consistency of their records, while after the disco craze went away, the great music they made with Giorgio Moroder stays intact and still delivers on the dance floor.

Diego Martinez