Sheila E. (October 25, 1984) – “Glamorous Life” Album Review - Star-Phoenix
This Star-Phoenix review focuses on Sheila E. and her album The Glamorous Life, placing particular emphasis on the funky, upbeat character of the record and Prince’s involvement in its production. Reviewer Terry Craig also highlights Sheila E.’s musicianship, percussion and vocals, while recognising the title track as the recording that had brought her considerable attention.
Publication: Star-Phoenix
Date: October 25, 1984
Country: Canada
Appearing in the newspaper’s Reviews section under the heading “Glamorous Life”, Terry Craig examines Sheila E.’s album The Glamorous Life.
The review opens by describing Sheila E. as making a determined attempt to capture the wider rock market.
The Glamorous Life is characterised as a “saucy, frothy brand of upbeat funk”, establishing the musical direction Craig hears throughout the record.
Prince’s involvement is also specifically acknowledged. The review links the album to the Minneapolis music scene and states that Prince “had a hand in the production of the record.”
However, the review does not treat Sheila E. simply as an extension of Prince’s work. Craig gives particular attention to her own abilities as a musician and performer, highlighting her percussion and vocal work.
THE GLAMOROUS LIFE
The title track “The Glamorous Life” receives particular attention.
Craig identifies the song as the recording that had captured public attention and helped introduce Sheila E. to a much wider audience.
The review presents the track as an important part of the album’s appeal while also looking beyond the hit single to assess Sheila E. as a performer in her own right.
The record’s funk-based sound, percussion and vocals are all treated as central elements of its identity.
PRINCE CONNECTION
Prince’s involvement provides an important part of the album’s background.
The newspaper specifically states that Prince “had a hand in the production of the record,” connecting The Glamorous Life with the expanding Minneapolis music scene surrounding Prince during 1984.
At the same time, Craig keeps the focus firmly on Sheila E. and her own musicianship.
The result is a contemporary review that acknowledges the importance of the Prince connection without allowing it to overshadow Sheila E.’s role as the album’s principal artist.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The Sheila E. review appears alongside several other album assessments on the newspaper’s record-review page.
The large photograph occupying the upper part of the page belongs to the separate Guess Who review. No Sheila E. photograph accompanies the supplied review.
The clipping is therefore primarily a text-based review of The Glamorous Life, with Sheila E.’s music, percussion, vocals and growing profile providing the main focus.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Review of The Glamorous Life
Era: 1984 Sheila E. / Prince period
Tone: Positive and music-focused
Reviewer: Terry Craig
Photography: No Sheila E. photograph accompanies the review
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Review of Sheila E.’s The Glamorous Life
• The album described as an upbeat funk recording
• Prince credited with having a hand in the record’s production
• “The Glamorous Life” highlighted as the important title track
• Particular attention given to Sheila E.’s musicianship
• Recognition of Sheila E.’s percussion and vocal abilities
• A contemporary assessment of Sheila E. establishing her own recording career
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