“Funky Lover” by Disco/Soul Band Eruption is a supreme Bboy Battle Beat smash that many have heard but few can find.
In 1975, Eruption brought together what would become the best elements of Soul and Funk, with dynamic high hats that won’t let you stand still, and a variety of breaks, a goldmine of sampling material.
Eruption is known heavily in the East and West for their Disco and Soul hits such as their rendition of “I Can’t Stand the Rain”, which would be revamped in the 1990s Hip-Hop era by Missy Elliot.
Frank Farian, producer of Boney M,. signed Eruption to the Germany-based Hansa Records where they’d support Boney M. on tours, traveling around the world on the Disco and Soul sounds.
Some more background from Wikipedia:
After a minor hit single with “Party Party”, their cover of “I Can’t Stand the Rain” from their first album (December 1977) was a hit, reaching #5 in the UK Singles Chart, and #18 in U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It was followed by their second album titled Leave a Light launched towards the end of 1978. The first single of the album “I’ll Keep a Light in My Window” was not a big seller. The second single, “One Way Ticket” (a cover of Neil Sedaka‘s song written by Jack Keller and Hank Hunter), restored them at the top of the charts (a UK #9 hit).
Precious Wilson left the group in 1979 to pursue a solo career and was replaced by singer Kim Davis. The group enjoyed their third German Top 10 hit with “Go Johnnie Go” from the third album Fight Fight Fight, although this time, UK success eluded them. Shortly after, tragedy hit when Davis suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage. The band decided to continue and singer Jane Jochen stepped in. A new recording, a cover of Del Shannon‘s “Runaway” was released in December 1980, and peaked at #21 in the German charts. After a compilation album in the spring of 1981 and the single release of “You (You Are My Soul)” from Fight Fight Fight, the band signed to Ralph Siegel‘s Jupiter Records.
