High-Rise

Before becoming a public-facing duo, Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson built a reputation as writers for Motown. This record highlights their gift for mixing refined R&B arrangements with the conversational chemistry that fueled their collaboration.

Released in 1983, the production documents the transition period where classic soul merged with emergent electro-funk. It echoes a nocturnal drive through a city lit by neon, pairing tight rhythms with the polished standards expected of soul music during that period.