Janice McClain - Smack Dab In The Middle

Yeah, this is a classic song and I agree that it requires no update for the contemporary age; it is simply a stunning track that should be appreciated for what it is and left that way. Her vocals on this track are totally impassioned, just the outpourings of a woman completely controlled by love. The track has a great structure, and I especially like the rhodes break in the track, which is accompanied by the male vocals going "give it up, give it up, give it on up, smack dab in the middle." Epic dance music, period.

Great, funky soulful disco masterpiece...nothing really "House" about it though, other than the fact that all the big-name, old-school House DJ's played this back in the day. It's not electronic-sounding or robotic in any way, but it sure is spacious, big-sounding, really well-recorded, and it does have amazing keyboard work and all-around musicianship. One of Larry Levan's great mixes, though you have to admit he really didn't do too many "weak" mixes during his illustrious career. This great SONG has never really been given a proper re-issue treatment to my knowledge, and the version on the LEGIT "Disco Connection" double-LP is a short edit, NOT the 6:48 full vocal mix on this here pressing. Young DJs of today need to listen to and appreciate these great old disco productions on their own terms...no "House-ification" or Techno remix/remake is necessary if you have the balls to play great, timeless music for your crowd. Seek one of these originals out for your collection before they're all gone, `cuz I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for this to get the proper, legitimate re-issue treatment anytime soon.

One of the all-time great dance songs that ushered the "house" sound from the Disco era.
the horns in this song were dynamic as well as the drumming.
It needs to be revived for the new dance generation, maybe
a "techno" version.