500 Words Or Less: New Dimensions - The Three Degrees

The Three Degrees in 1974. (Image Credit: Fotograaf Onbekend / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons).

The Three Degrees (3D) are an American female vocalist group - currently Valerie Holiday, Helen Scott, and Freddie Pool. Teaming up with PIR house band MSFB in 1973 on their record Love Is The Message, they left an indelible mark on both tracks ‘Love Is the Message’ and ‘MSFB’. The latter became the collective’s biggest hit, accented perfectly by 3D. These songs encapsulate the Philadelphia International Records (PIR) sound of the 1970s. Like some of the best American groups throughout history, 3D remained a trio, despite multiple member changes. ND, released in the US by Ariola, was a collaboration with electro craftsman and hitmaker Giorgio Moroder. It peaked at number 34 on the UK charts for 5 weeks.

On ND, The Three Degrees take NRG late 1970s disco to a whole new level. ND was helmed by Moroder, whose other work included the film Midnight Express’s OST. The result: ND is synth-ed up to the nines! The best way to describe Moroder's influence is like a spaceship taking off specifically in the (then) future year of 1980. We begin with a breathy countdown, with 3D’s vocals taking us down from 4… 3… 2… 1… As ‘Giving up Giving’ in climaxes, we reach altitude; the strings of Moroder's Munich-based orchestral group lift off to a new dimension. ‘Falling in Love Again’ is a smooth ride through a familiar topic, yet it's bouncy but not in a turbulent way. Across ND there is room for a plane of vocals (or rocket-ship) to stretch their wings. In the musical case, Moroder's soundscape forges ahead, simply lounging in those wide, wide tracks - beautifully segued on Side 1. ‘Looking For Love’ is where the spacey sounds are at their most eminent.

Embedded Video: “Giving Up, Giving In” by The Three Degrees. Produced and written by Sheila Ferguson, Giorgio Moroder, and Pete Bellotte. (Ariola Records, 1978). Available here. Used for the purpose of review and criticism.

Into side 2… 'The Runner' is signal of the rocket’s descent. Only this spacecraft could be a rock-inflected P-Funk George Clinton Funkadelic ship. With lastly ‘Magic in the Air’ combining some signature comfy, ethereal 3D harmonies and electric guitar, Ferguson, Scott, and Holiday stick the landing and ND showcases that breathe of fresh disco air. We vacate the aircraft.

Ferguson appears to be great mates with King Charles, who named 3D his favourite band. They were asked to perform at his 30th in 1978, as Giving Up Giving In is one of his all-time bops. According to one Discogs review, the English edition of this record is the best because its American counterpart butchers the scintillating Side 1 segues by re-ordering the track order. Well, one thing that makes me proud to be British, I suppose.

Having picked this up for a relatively plain £3 price tag, along with 3D’s less Moroder-y but equally energetic stuff, I can highly recommend the group. A fun gatefold and Gered Mankowitz's photography on ND’s reverse makes all three appear in a period-appropriate Star Wars-like command deck on the vinyl’s cover. If you’re looking for love, look no further! I strongly recommend you check out what Charlie is right about, on this occasion.

Featured Image: Fotograaf Onbekend / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.