Explore the historical context of King's discovery and her work with producer T. Life on the Philadelphia Music Alliance included for each of the eight albums? Holiday Gift Guide Spotlight: Cherry Red Box Set Bonanza
Starting as a 17-year-old sensation discovered cleaning the floors of Philadelphia’s Sigma Sound Studios, King delivered her iconic debut, Smooth Talk , featuring the colossal hit “Shame.” By 1985, she had matured into a sophisticated R&B diva navigating synthesizers and drum machines with grace.
Have you downloaded the set? Which album is your favorite—the raw funk of 'Smooth Talk' or the boogie bliss of 'I'm in Love'? Let us know in the comments below. Explore the historical context of King's discovery and
Evelyn King is often underrated, but this set proves her "vocal authenticity and tenacity". Whether she was delivering the "girlish and gritty" vocals of her youth or the polished soul of her twenties, her ability to adapt to a rapidly changing industry makes this box set a must-have for serious fans of the genre. Further Exploration Read the comprehensive overview of the RCA years in the SoulTracks review, which focuses on King's vocal maturity. Dive into a detailed track-by-track breakdown at Cherry Red Records , the label behind the release.
Here is why finding and downloading this collection is superior to streaming: Have you downloaded the set
Often overlooked, this album is the "bridge" record. The title track, “Call on Me,” is a perfect example of the "Post-Disco" ballad—lush strings meeting a 4/4 beat. If you , pay close attention to this album; it’s the dark horse of the collection.
Trying to keep pace with the post-Thriller era, this album features the club classic “Give Me Tonight.” The production is heavier on the synths, and King’s voice takes on a growlier, mature tone. It’s the sound of an artist fighting for relevance in a changing industry—and winning. Evelyn King is often underrated, but this set
Her debut album, Smooth Talk (1977), included in this set, was a revelation. anchored by the perennial anthem "Shame," King announced herself as a powerhouse vocalist. While many disco tracks relied on the production, King’s voice possessed a maturity and grit that belied her teenage years. When you , you are starting at the very beginning, hearing the raw talent that would soon be polished into diamond-status hits.
Listen to Shame (1977) back-to-back with Give It Up (1985). You are literally listening to the death of Disco and the birth of House, Boogie, and Modern R&B. Evelyn’s voice is the constant thread—powerful, playful, and criminally underrated.