The Changing of the Gard

Album Review

The Changing of the Gard was an appropriate title for Stargard's third album because it was, in some respects, a departure from the female trio's two previous albums. With this LP, Stargard switched from MCA to Warner Brothers — and while Stargard and What You Waitin' For were both produced by Mark Davis, The Changing of the Gard found Rochelle Runnells, Debra Anderson, and Janice Williams working with Robert Wright and Earth, Wind & Fire's Verdine White. So, not surprisingly, Stargard becomes a bit more Earth, Wind & Fire-ish at times, and the Wright/White team gives the group a sleeker sound on gems like "Take Me Back," the ballad "(Once in a Lifetime) Dream Come True," and the exuberant single "Wear It Out." But Stargard still has plenty of grit and passion; like EWF's 1970s recordings, The Changing of the Gard manages to sound polished and gritty at the same time. Those who expect Stargard to provide uninhibited, extroverted party jams won't be disappointed by "Footstompin' Music," "Put on Your Rollerskates," and other funk smokers. Now for the bad news: this vinyl LP didn't do nearly as well as it should have. While The Changing of the Gard is full of pearls that deserved to be major hits, this record didn't receive as much attention as Stargard's two previous albums. It goes without saying that justice doesn't always prevail in the music world, and The Changing of the Gard is a perfect example of a fine album being a commercial disappointment.