What makes The Look by Shalamar notable?

The Look features the hit single 'Dead Giveaway,' which reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B charts. This album is notable for showcasing Shalamar's signature blend of disco and funk, helping to influence the sound of R&B throughout the decade. Released on July 11, 1983, The Look was Shalamar's fifth studio album and followed their successful album Friends from 1982. At this point in their career, the group was solidifying their place in the dance music scene, driven by the success of hits like 'A Night to Remember' and the rising popularity of urban contemporary music.

The Look works well if you're into smooth grooves for dancing, uplifting vibes for socializing and catchy melodies for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on The Look?

The Look has 11 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

The Look

Shalamar · 1983

50 min · 11 tracks · dance music

Funky grooves and smooth vocals intertwine, creating a vibrant dance-pop experience that defines early '80s soul music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dead Giveaway — 'Dead Giveaway' stands out as the album's most commercially successful track, combining catchy hooks with an infectious groove that captures Shalamar's essence.
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You're the One for Me — This track highlights Shalamar's ability to merge romance with danceable rhythms, making it a quintessential example of their appealing sound.
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The Look — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of allure and confidence while showcasing a polished production style characteristic of Shalamar's work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends dance-pop and funk effectively but lacks standout compositions throughout.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a consistent dance tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the mood.
Several tracks utilize call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interactive feel typical of dance music.
The production includes prominent brass sections and synthesizers, creating a rich, layered sound characteristic of early '80s funk and disco.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

smooth grooves for dancing
uplifting vibes for socializing
catchy melodies for sing-alongs
playful energy for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, introspective tracks
want heavy lyrical content

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on July 11, 1983, The Look was Shalamar's fifth studio album and followed their successful album Friends from 1982. At this point in their career, the group was solidifying their place in the dance music scene, driven by the success of hits like 'A Night to Remember' and the rising popularity of urban contemporary music.
Stylistic neighbors: Chic· Kool & The Gang· Earth, Wind & Fire

Tracklist

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

1 Closer 5:09
2 Dead Giveaway 5:04
3 You Can Count on Me 3:48
4 Right Here 4:17
5 No Limits (The Now Club) 4:59
6 Disappearing Act 5:27
7 Over and Over 4:37
8 You're the One for Me 5:03
9 You Won't Miss Love (Until It's Gone) 4:09
10 The Look 3:58
11 Dead Giveaway (7" edit) 3:29

What to play next

Listen next

Heartbreak

1984

Go back to

Friends

1982

Full Shalamar discography Artists like Shalamar

dance music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata