What makes On the Rise by The S.O.S. Band notable?

The album features the hit single 'Just Be Good to Me,' which reached number one on the R&B charts and became an anthem of the era. Its fusion of funk and electronic influences contributed to the evolving sound of the genre, impacting subsequent artists and helping to define the sound of the early '80s. On the Rise is The S.O.S. Band's third studio album, released at a time when they were solidifying their place in the funk and R&B genres after their breakthrough with their self-titled debut in 1980. The group was gaining momentum, following hits like 'Take Your Time (Do It Right)' which helped establish their signature sound and popularity.

How many songs are on On the Rise?

On the Rise has 8 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

On the Rise

The S.O.S. Band · 1983

42 min · 8 tracks · funk

Funky grooves and smooth harmonies create a vibrant blend of R&B that captures the essence of early '80s soul music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Just Be Good to Me — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound, showcasing catchy hooks and an infectious groove that made it a dance floor staple.
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Tell Me If You Still Care — The emotional depth of this track highlights the band's ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with rhythmic sophistication, making it a standout ballad.
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I’m Not Runnin’ — With its upbeat tempo and assertive lyrics, this song captures themes of empowerment while maintaining an engaging funk rhythm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends funk and R&B with electronic influences, featuring strong grooves and memorable hooks.

What we noticed

The final track, 'Steppin’ the Stones', closes the album with a slower tempo, providing a contrast to the more energetic songs earlier in the sequence.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Tell Me If You Still Care 6:58
2 Just Be Good to Me 9:03
3 For Your Love 6:09
4 I’m Not Runnin’ 4:36
5 If You Want My Love 4:19
6 On the Rise 3:30
7 Who’s Making Love 4:16
8 Steppin’ the Stones 3:23

What to play next

Listen next

Just the Way You Like It

1984

Go back to

S.O.S. III

1982

Full The S.O.S. Band discography Artists like The S.O.S. Band

funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata