Odyssey

Odyssey represents the sophisticated, soulful side of the disco era. Their music isn't just about the four-on-the-floor beat; it's about the emotional resonance of the city. There is a distinct warmth to their sound, characterized by rich vocal harmonies and high-end studio production that feels expensive yet deeply human. It is the sound of a New York that was gritty but glamorous, where the dance floor served as a sanctuary.

What sets them apart is their ability to blend Caribbean-influenced rhythms with lush orchestral arrangements. While many of their contemporaries went for pure high-energy camp, Odyssey maintained a certain 'cool' - a mid-tempo elegance that made their tracks equally suitable for a sophisticated lounge or a peak-hour club set. The lead vocals of Lillian Lopez provide a grounded, soulful anchor to even their most upbeat arrangements.

Start with 'Native New Yorker' to understand their urban DNA. It is perhaps the definitive anthem of late-70s Manhattan. From there, move to 'Going Back to My Roots' for a masterclass in building a groove, and 'If You're Looking for a Way Out' to hear how they could strip away the glitter to reveal a devastatingly beautiful soul ballad.