Miracles (Original Album & Rare Tracks)

by Ed HoganMiracles was Italian dance band Change's first album without lead vocals by a pre-stardom Luther Vandross. Much ado was made about James Robinson taking over the lead vocal duties, including unfair comparisons. Lost in the discussion was the fact that Miracles is a very good album. Of course,there are strong Chic influences (they were one of the hottest acts around at the time), but taken on their own merit, Change could jam with the best of them. The chugging, thumpin' "Paradise" went to number seven R&B in spring 1981.The soul-tugging "Heaven of My Life" was the third single. Its flip side was the mellow "Miracles," a loving ode from a father to his daughter. Other highlights are the dreamy second single "Hold Tight," the smooth radio-aired "Your Move," and the sweet ballad "Stop for Love." Some 20 years later, hip-hop and rap acts Tamia sampled several cuts. Some of the LP's tracks can be found on Very Best of Change.