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.
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, 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
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 lyrics of Atlantic Starr's song "Rock 'n' Roll" are an invitation to let go, have fun, and indulge in the energy and excitement of rock and roll music. The song encourages listeners to embrace the beat, let it take control, and rock out. It suggests that it's time to let loose and enjoy the moment.
The opening lines, "Ah, who asked where's the party? Do it y'all," sets the tone for the song. It's a rhetorical question suggesting that there's no need to question or search for a good time because the party is here and now. The repeated chorus "Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control, it's about that time" emphasizes the call to action, urging individuals to surrender to the music and the rhythm.
The verses further emphasize the idea that partying and rocking out shouldn't be taken too seriously. The lyrics suggest that being too laid back or overly concerned about the consequences of letting loose and enjoying oneself will not lead to any harm. It encourages listeners to open up their ears and allow themselves to experience the joy and excitement of rock and roll music.
Overall, "Rock 'n' Roll" is a high-energy, feel-good song that celebrates the timeless essence of rock music and encourages people to let go, have fun, and embrace the exhilaration of the moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah, who asked where's the party?
Who is looking for a good time and wants to know where the party is?
Do it y'all
Let's take action and have fun together, everyone.
Let's rock 'n' roll, let the beat take control
Let's dance and allow the rhythm of the music to guide us.
Let's rock 'n' roll, it's about that time
It's the perfect moment to engage in rock 'n' roll and have a great time.
Rock to the top now
Reach the pinnacle of enjoyment through rocking out.
Rock don't stop now, keep rocking
Continue to dance and enjoy the music without stopping.
Hey, listen party people, move
Hey, everyone at the party, start dancing and grooving.
You're much, much too laid back
You're too relaxed and need to be more energetic at the party.
Don't worry so much about partyin' down
Don't be overly concerned about having a wild time at the party.
You ain't gonna have, no, no, heart attack
You won't experience any health problems from enjoying the party.
Open up your ears now everybody
Pay attention, everyone, and listen carefully.
You, you asked for the bomb
You specifically requested an explosive and exciting experience.
So now you got to face the rock 'n' roll
Now you have to confront and embrace the energetic atmosphere of rock 'n' roll.
It won't do you no, won't do you no harm
Participating in rock 'n' roll won't cause any negative consequences.
Party girl
A term referring to a female who loves to party and have a good time.
Enjoy yourself, you better
Make sure to have a good time and fully enjoy yourself.
If you don't hurt yourself
As long as you don't harm yourself in the process of having fun.
Whatever you do
No matter what actions you take.
Is serious rock 'n' roll moves, ya
They involve engaging in energetic dance moves associated with rock 'n' roll.
Let's rock 'n' roll, rock, rock and roll
Let's engage in energetic and upbeat dancing, specifically rock and roll style.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: WAYNE I. LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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!!