The Pasadenas: A British Blend of R&B, Soul, and Funk
The Pasadenas were a British vocal group that emerged in the late 1980s, blending smooth R&B harmonies with funk rhythms and a touch of classic soul. Hailing from London, the group achieved significant commercial success with their debut album, which spawned several hit singles and earned them a dedicated following across the UK and Europe.
Early Career
Formed in London in the mid-1980s, The Pasadenas originally consisted of brothers David and Michael Milliner along with their cousin Andrew Smith. The group honed their sound on the London club circuit, building a reputation for their tight vocal performances and energetic live shows. Their blend of contemporary R&B and classic soul influences eventually led to a recording contract with the CBS/Columbia label.
Breakthrough
The Pasadenas' breakthrough came in 1988 with the release of their debut single "Tribute (Right On)", a funky, upbeat track that paid homage to soul legends. The song became a major hit, reaching the UK Top 20 and setting the stage for their first album. Their subsequent single, "Riding on a Train", performed even better, solidifying their place in the UK pop and R&B landscape of the era.
Key Tracks
Tribute (Right On) - This debut single served as the group's introduction, showcasing their harmonious vocals and funk-inspired sound that resonated immediately with audiences.
Riding on a Train - Arguably their most recognizable hit, this track's catchy hook and soulful delivery became a signature song for The Pasadenas and a staple of late-80s pop radio.
I'm Doing Fine Now - A cover of the New York City song, this release demonstrated the group's ability to reinterpret classic soul and R&B material for a new generation.
The success of their early singles led to the release of their debut album "To Whom It May Concern" in 1989. The album performed well, achieving Gold certification in the UK. The group continued to release music into the early 1990s, including the album "Elevate" in 1992, which featured a continued exploration of their neo-soul and funk roots. While later releases did not match the commercial peak of their initial success, The Pasadenas maintained a consistent output of polished vocal R&B.
Artists with a similar blend of British soul and pop from the same era include Five Star, another family group known for their polished R&B and pop productions. Light Of The World shares the funk and soul foundations that influenced The Pasadenas' sound. The sophisticated vocal harmony approach can also be heard in the work of Incognito, though with a stronger jazz-funk influence.
