Although Bryant was never Atlantic Starr's only lead singer -- Wayne and David Lewis also provided their share of lead vocals -- she was a major asset. So it came as quite a disappointment when she left Atlantic Starr in 1984 to pursue a solo career. But all was not lost. The talented Barbara Weathers was hired as a replacement and 1985's As the Band Turns -- Atlantic Starr's first post-Bryant album and sixth album overall -- found the outfit unveiling a smaller lineup that consisted of Weathers, the Lewis Brothers, and Phillips. Sudderth, Daniels, Archer, and Carroll were all gone, but despite those personnel changes, Atlantic Starr was still distinctive and recognizable. As the Band Turns, which contained the major hit "Secret Lovers," turned out to be Atlantic Starr's last album for A&M; in 1987, they moved to Warner Bros. and fared well with the album All in the Name of Love and the smash hit "Always." A syrupy adult contemporary ballad, "Always" reflected the Lewis Brothers' desire to have the type of crossover success that Whitney Houston and Lionel Ritchie had been enjoying in the '80s; they got their wish when "Always" soared to number one on both the pop and R&B charts.
After All in the Name of Love, Weathers left the band to pursue a solo career and was replaced by Porscha Martin, who was featured on 1988's We're Movin' Up. Martin was around for a few years before being replaced by Rachel Oliver (Atlantic Starr's fourth female vocalist) in the early '90s. Atlantic Starr's relationship with Warner Bros. ended after 1991's Love Crazy, and in 1994, the band recorded one album for Arista: Time. That album was a commercial disappointment and the single "I'll Remember You" only made it to the fifties on Billboard's R&B and pop singles charts. Time (which was David Lewis' last album with the band) found a fifth female singer, Aisha Tanner, replacing Oliver. And when 1999's Legacy was distributed by the small, independent Street Solid label, Atlantic Starr unveiled yet another lineup -- one that consisted of two Lewis Brothers (Wayne and Jonathan) as well as Oliver (who had returned and replaced Tanner) and a new male singer named DeWayne Woods. Although Legacy received very little attention, Atlantic Starr hung in there and was still performing for die-hard fans when the 21st century arrived.
Let's Rock' n' 'Roll
Atlantic Starr Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do it y'all
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
Let's rock 'n' roll, it's about that time
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
Let's rock 'n' roll, it's about that time to
Rock don't stop now, keep rocking
Rock to the top now
Rock don't stop now, keep rocking, party
Hey, listen party people, move
You're much, much too laid back
Don't worry so much about partyin' down
You ain't gonna have, no, no, heart attack
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
Let's rock 'n' roll, it's about that time
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
Let's rock 'n' roll, it's about that time to
Rock to the top now
Rock don't stop now, keep rocking
Rock to the top now
Rock don't stop now, keep rocking, party
Open up your ears now everybody
You, you asked for the bomb
So now you got to face the rock 'n' roll
It won't do you no, won't do you no harm
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
Let's rock 'n' roll, it's about that time
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
Let's rock 'n' roll, it's about that time to
Rock to the top now
Rock don't stop now, keep rocking
Rock to the top now
Rock don't stop now, keep rocking, party
Party girl
Enjoy yourself, you better
If you don't hurt yourself
Whatever you do
Is serious rock 'n' roll moves, ya
Hey, yeah
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
Let's rock 'n' roll, it's about that time
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
Let's rock 'n' roll, rock, rock and roll
The song "Let's Rock 'n' Roll" by Atlantic Starr is a classic party anthem that encourages people to let loose and have fun. The song speaks to those who are too reserved and encourages them to join in on the celebration. The opening lines, "Ah, who asked where's the party? Do it y'all," provide an invitation to the party-goers to let their guard down and enjoy the festivities. The chorus repeats the line, "Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control," driving home the message that this is a time to cast all worries aside and let loose.
The song's verses continue with a call to action. The lyrics suggest that partygoers should "rock to the top" and "don't stop now." The song advocates for the value of living in the moment and enjoying the party in the present. The bridge of the song even addresses those who might be reluctant to participate, saying, "You, you asked for the bomb/So now you got to face the rock 'n' roll/It won't do you no, won't do you no harm." The message is clear - let go, have fun, and enjoy the moment.
Overall, "Let's Rock 'n' Roll" is a classic party anthem that has stood the test of time. The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a go-to song for any celebration, encouraging people to let loose and have a good time.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah, who asked where's the party?
The singer expresses a desire to party and asks who else is willing to join in.
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
The singer suggests that everyone should dance and enjoy the music to the fullest.
Let's rock 'n' roll, it's about that time
The singer knows that it's the right moment to party and believes that everyone else should feel the same.
Rock to the top now
The singer encourages everyone to dance energetically and reach the height of their enjoyment.
Rock don't stop now, keep rocking
The singer instructs everyone to keep dancing without slowing down, keeping the party atmosphere alive.
Hey, listen party people, move
The singer calls out to the crowd to start moving and dancing, suggesting that they are currently too relaxed.
You ain't gonna have, no, no, heart attack
The singer reassures everyone that they don't have to worry about partying too hard as they won't get a heart attack.
Open up your ears now everybody
The singer asks everyone to pay attention and listen, as they are about to experience an exciting moment of dancing and music.
You, you asked for the bomb
The singer reminds the crowd that they requested a great party, so they should now let themselves be immersed in the music and dancing.
It won't do you no, won't do you no harm
The singer assures the crowd that letting themselves get into the party won't cause them any harm.
Party girl
The singer addresses a female partygoer, highlighting her excitement for the festivities.
Enjoy yourself, you better
The singer encourages everyone to enjoy themselves to the fullest, emphasizing that they deserve it.
If you don't hurt yourself
The singer warns everyone to be careful and not get hurt while dancing.
Whatever you do
The singer suggests that everyone should feel free to express themselves and have fun in their own way.
Is serious rock 'n' roll moves, ya
The singer implies that everyone should take the party seriously and dance with intense enthusiasm.
Let's rock 'n' roll, rock, rock and roll
The singer concludes the song by again encouraging everyone to dance and enjoy the rock 'n' roll music.
Writer(s): WAYNE LEWIS
Contributed by Max C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Rodrigo S
Maybe the best song of Atlantic Starr, very underrated
Funk-Enthusiast
Man this is FUNK! So good 👍🏻
andrea decuia
funky music for ever
Michele Laraia
Deja vu
Dec. gyrrl
let the DJ control!!!! 1979 joint!
Musiclover59
It's let the beat take control
MrKCarrere
11-27-11. I remember that I wasn't really crazy about their 2nd LP back in 1979 but I did like this cut. Good post.
Cinconas Atkinson
@Crenshaw Blaster atlantic starr next album did cliart back in 1981 they had hits through the 80s.
Michele Laraia
@KOOL H's MUSICAL EXPERIENCE KOOL HERC,HIP HOP/ELECTROBOOGIE(?) PERIOD?
Crenshaw Blaster
The album Straight To The Point didn't do well on charts I recall in '79, but this was truly a floor burner! Though with the release of the next album Radiant, they bombed the charts!!