Released exclusively for the Japanese market in 1976, A Toast Of Love stands as one of the most fascinating and collectible albums in The Three Degrees catalog. Recorded during a transitional period in the group's career, the album captures the elegance, sophistication, and vocal excellence that made them one of the premier female soul groups of the 1970s. Musically, A Toast Of Love blends lush Philadelphia soul, smooth pop melodies, romantic ballads, and hints of the disco sound that would soon dominate the charts. Throughout the album, the voices of Sheila Ferguson, Valerie Holiday, and Fayette Pinkney shine with remarkable warmth and precision, delivering performances that are both polished and deeply emotional.
The title track, "A Toast Of Love," perfectly showcases the group's trademark harmonies, while tracks such as "Do It (Use Your Mind)" and "Sunrise" add an infectious energy and melodic charm. The inclusion of songs recorded specifically for Japanese audiences gives the album a unique international flavor and sets it apart from the group's better-known releases. What makes this album particularly rewarding is its consistency. Rather than relying on a handful of standout singles, A Toast Of Love unfolds as a complete listening experience, filled with elegant arrangements, rich instrumentation, and timeless melodies. The production is smooth and sophisticated, allowing the group's impeccable vocal chemistry to remain at the forefront. Today, the original Japanese pressing is highly sought after by collectors, but beyond its rarity lies an album that deserves recognition on musical merit alone. A Toast Of Love may not be the most famous Three Degrees release, yet it remains one of their most charming, refined, and underrated recordings. A hidden gem of 1970s soul graceful, romantic, and a testament to The Three Degrees at the height of their vocal powers.
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01 Sunrise / A Toast Of Love
02 Japanese Cycle 1999
03 I Wanna Say ''LA''
04 From Souvenirs To Souvenirs
05 The Promise
06 Do It (Use Your Mind)
07 Ipi-N-Tombia
08 Gee Baby (I'm Sorry)
09 Stop In Nevada
10 Truth
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Produced and Arranged by:
Richard Barret and Jun Fukamachi
Recorded with Japanese musicians
℗&© 1976 CBS, Inc. # 25AP2A
Manufactured by CBS/Sony Inc. Tokyo,Japan
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Remastered from the original record
WAVE 44100Hz HQ 16 Bit Stereo Recording
Funkerman's Hard to Find Beats Netherlands