You don't remember me, do you? (or, to steal from jonmc, defending the indefensible)
→[More:]
Hot Chocolate was a band that was always on the radio when I was in my late teens and early 20s. They were unusual in that they were a multi-racial pop band at a time when racial tension in Britain was
high.
There were other mixed race bands around at the time, such as The Specials and Selecter, who emerged from the West Midlands 2-Tone British Ska revival of the early 80s, but Hot Chocolate,
with one exception, were unusual in that they didn't comment on racial issues in their music or take any kind of political stance - they were what they were, a pop band.
Their songs were
undeniably poppy, often very
sentimental and sometimes downright
annoying. But their lead singer, Errol Brown, is possessed of a
fine tenor voice that can
tug at the heartstrings. It's only in recent years that I've begun to appreciate what a great voice he has.
Oh, and Hot Chocolate is also reponsible for one of the best opening riffs of any pop song.
Ever.