There were two groups known as The Sensations. The first was a vocal R&B gr… Read Full Bio ↴There were two groups known as The Sensations. The first was a vocal R&B group from Philadelphia who began recording in the 50s. The second was vocal harmony quartet from Jamaica who recorded in the 60s.

1) The Sensations, a quartet from Philadelphia, PA, were one of the first groups of the rock and roll era with an all male background and a female lead.

The group formed in Philadelphia in 1954, with Yvonne Mills lead, Tommy Wicks tenor, Alphonso Howell bass, and one other forgotten member, and appeared in amateur shows as the Cavaliers. In 1955, the unique makeup of the group caught the attention of Atlantic Records and the Sensations began a three year association with Atlantic’s Atco subsidiary. The first two singles by the Sensations were old standards that were given major musical overhaul.

In November, 1955 the Sensations first single “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby” was released and by February 18, 1956 it had reached #15 on the R&B charts. On November 17, 1955 they appeared at Philadelphia Town Hall with Ray Charles.

The follow up to “Ain’t She Sweet” was released on April 14, 1956 reaching #13 R&B in May. These were followed by “My Heart Cries For You,” “Little Wallflower,” “Kiddy Car Love,”and “My Debut To Love.” When the Atco contract expired Yvonne retired to marry (Yvonne Baker) and raise a family.

In 1961, Howell feeling that vocal groups were once again in demand convinced Baker to re-form the Sensations. Tenor Richard Curtain and baritone Sam Armstrong were added, and the group convinced local Philadelphia disc jockey Kae Williams to manage them. William’s arranged a record deal with Chess Record’s Argo subsidiary. The Sensations recorded “Music, Music, Music” which reached #54 Pop and #12 R&B in the summer of 1961. It was their first R&B hit in five years and first Pop hit ever.

In the winter of 1961, the Sensations came out with the Baker written “Let Me In.” “Let Me In” became their biggest hit reaching #2 Pop and #2 R&B in early 1962.

As so often happens after a major hit, the Sensations couldn’t record any follow up hits to sustain their momentum. “That’s My Desire” made it to #69 in 1962 and there were two more Argo releases along with several on William’s own Junior label. But nothing could bring the group back. Yvonne Baker latter attempted a solo career.

2) The Sensations were a Jamaican vocal harmony quartet closely tied to similar groups the Techniques and the Uniques. The nascent version of the Sensations included singers Cornel Campbell, Jimmy Riley, Buster Riley, and Bobby (Aaron) Davis, although the makeup of the group was fairly fluid. They scored early hits in the 1960s for Duke Reid's Treasure Isle label, including the classic "Every Day Is a Holiday" and a cover of the Supremes' "Baby Love." By the time of one of their later hits, "Warrior," the lineup consisted of Johnny Osbourne, Jackie Parris, Buster Riley, and Bobby Davis. Essentially a rotating group of interlinked Jamaican session singers, the Sensations were solidly professional, and on the strength of "Every Day Is a Holiday" alone, deserve to be better known.

3) A punk rock band from Japan. Contains members from United Skates. They play a mix of Ska, Hardcore, Funk, Thrashcore, and Pop Punk.
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Romance In The Dark
The Sensations Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Thoughts flow unrelenting
In time with the old wine
Digging deeper a cut that has not healed
Once since the day it was made

So we laugh and we cry as we fall away
To ruthless conclusion
Liquor and lust

Sun shines unforgiving

In time for the regret
We part our ways

Overall Meaning

In the opening lines of "Romance In The Dark," the imagery of thoughts flowing unrelenting in time with old wine sets the tone for introspection and emotional depth. The reference to a cut that has not healed suggests a lingering pain or unresolved issue that has been present since its inception. This could symbolize a past hurt or trauma that continues to affect the individual, causing them to delve deeper into their emotions and memories.

The conflicting emotions of laughter and tears, accompanied by falling away to a ruthless conclusion, imply a complex and tumultuous relationship or experience. The juxtaposition of these emotions reflects the rollercoaster of highs and lows that can come with intense connections or situations. The mention of liquor and lust further adds a sensual and indulgent layer to the narrative, suggesting a mix of passion and recklessness in the face of difficult circumstances.

As the sun shines unforgivingly in time for the regret, there is a sense of illumination and realization dawning on the individuals involved. The brightness of the sun exposes the regrets and mistakes that have been made, possibly leading to a moment of clarity or introspection. The decision to part ways signifies a bittersweet ending to the romantic entanglement, with the recognition that it is time to move on from the pain and complications that have characterized the relationship.

Overall, "Romance In The Dark" captures the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and the inevitable moments of reckoning that come with facing the consequences of our actions. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of introspection, passion, and regret, all set against a backdrop of unresolved wounds and a sense of finality. Through its evocative imagery and poignant themes, the song speaks to the universal experiences of love and loss, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and emotional growth.

Line by Line Meaning

Thoughts flow unrelenting
Continuous flow of emotions and ideas without stoppage

In time with the old wine
Aligned with the familiarity of past experiences

Digging deeper a cut that has not healed
Re-opening wounds that have not yet fully recovered

Once since the day it was made
From the moment it was created

So we laugh and we cry as we fall away
Experiencing a range of emotions as we distance ourselves

To ruthless conclusion
Towards a harsh and inevitable end

Liquor and lust
Indulging in alcohol and desire

Sun shines unforgiving
Harsh reality becomes apparent

In time for the regret
When it is too late to change course

We part our ways
Separating and going in different directions

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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