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.
Silver Shadow
Atlantic Starr Lyrics
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Glowing shadow
Shining brightly
For all to see
I remember gazing on this quiet night
The stars were bright as they could be
Wonderin' if things would ever go right
Then one star got brighter by the minute
Strange that it seemed to have my name written in it
I reached for the star and it kissed me with its light
It made me cast a shadow that was silver and bright
Silver shadow
A glowing shadow
Shining brightly
For all to see
I never had any real reason
To thank my lucky stars
But now I've got a pretty good reason
'Cause I know I'm gonna go far
I believe in magic, I really do
With all that's happened, it's got to be true
I cast a silver shadow from the kiss of the light
I knew that I was destined starting with tonight
Silver shadow (Yeah)
A glowing shadow (A glowin' shadow)
Shining brightly (Shinin' brightly)
For all to see (Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Silver shadow (Silver shadow)
My future's shadow (My future's shadow)
Trying to tell me (Tryin' to tell me)
Of the star I would be (Ooh)
Since I was chosen among the rest
I dedicate myself, I'm gonna be the very best
And my shadow forever silver will remain
And the world will always remember my name
Silver shadow
A glowing shadow
Shining brightly
For all to see (Can't believe I cast a silver shadow)
Silver shadow
My future's shadow
Trying to tell me
Of the star I would be
Hey yeah
You're my shadow love
Silver and bright, a sparkling thing
Look at my shadow glow
Think I'm gonna be a star, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Look at my shadow glow
Glowin' so brightly, this wonderous thing
Look at my shadow glow
Look at my silver shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
The song "Silver Shadow" by Atlantic Starr, released in 1985, is a beautiful masterpiece that talks about hope, perseverance and the power of belief. The singer starts by expressing his or her doubts and fears, looking up to the sky to find some answers. What stands out in these first verses is the magical atmosphere that surrounds the scene, with stars so bright and beautiful that capture the singer's attention. Then, as the song evolves, a star catches the character's eyes and seems to have the singer's name written on it. The star kisses the character, and that ignites a silver shadow, a beautiful and shining reflection of the star's light that follows the singer wherever he or she goes. This new thing that happened, this reflection of the light, gives the character a new hope and convinces him or her to start believing that destiny is guiding him or her towards something big.
The song then becomes a declaration of intent, as the singer starts believing in magic and stating that he or she will be the best in his or her field, with the help of the silver shadow, which will be a reminder of the bright future to come. The chorus emphasizes this with a beautiful melodic symmetry, repeating the words "silver shadow, a glowing shadow, shining brightly for all to see." A second voice then appears, talking about dedication and focus, and a third voice enters the conversation, repeating the singer's intention to become a star. The song ends on this note, with a celebration of the silver shadow of love that surrounds the singer, foretelling a bright future.
Line by Line Meaning
Silver shadow
A symbolic representation of the singer's potential for greatness.
Glowing shadow
The potential is radiating and energized, almost visible.
Shining brightly
The potential is unmistakable, brilliant and captivating.
For all to see
The potential cannot be hidden; it's destined to be made public.
I remember gazing on this quiet night
The singer recalls a moment of self-reflection under the stars.
The stars were bright as they could be
Nature's grandeur and beauty inspired deep thought for the singer.
Wonderin' if things would ever go right
The singer questioned their fate and potential to succeed.
And if there was a spot up there for me
The singer wondered if their destiny is written in the stars.
Then one star got brighter by the minute
The potential for greatness started to reveal itself.
Strange that it seemed to have my name written in it
The sign was so clear that the singer felt it's a personal message.
I reached for the star and it kissed me with its light
The singer embraced the revelation and had a spiritual experience.
It made me cast a shadow that was silver and bright
The potential became a part of the singer's identity, something that's visible and distinct.
I never had any real reason
Before the revelation, there was no apparent reason for the singer's greatness.
To thank my lucky stars
Now, the stars are the source of the singer's inspiration and hope.
But now I've got a pretty good reason
The revelation gave the singer the reason to aspire and work hard.
I believe in magic, I really do
The singer is embracing a positive outlook and a newfound faith in destiny.
With all that's happened, it's got to be true
The potential the singer has is so strong that it validates the existence of magic and fate.
My future's shadow
The shadow now represents where the singer is headed.
Trying to tell me
The shadow is a sign, giving direction and insight.
Of the star I would be
The shadow is connected to the potential for greatness, a star in the making.
Since I was chosen among the rest
Destiny's pick, the singer is one of the few meant for greatness.
I dedicate myself, I'm gonna be the very best
The singer is determined and committed to fulfilling their potential.
And my shadow forever silver will remain
The potential and greatness the singer embodies will forever be visible.
And the world will always remember my name
The potential for greatness is so strong that it will always be remembered.
You're my shadow love
The shadow is almost like a romantic partner, the singer's identity and confidant.
Silver and bright, a sparkling thing
The shadow is something to be embraced and celebrated.
Think I'm gonna be a star, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
The potential for greatness is so strong that the singer will be a star.
Look at my shadow glow
The shadow is something to admire and behold.
Glowin' so brightly, this wonderous thing
The shadow is captivating and awe-inspiring.
Look at my silver shadow, shadow, shadow, shadow
The potential for greatness is unmistakable and always visible.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID LEWIS, WAYNE I. LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind