First Light (band)

First Light was an English funk project of Paul Hardcastle.

First Light
OriginLondon, England
GenresPost-disco, electro, jazz-funk, soul
Years active1982–1984, 1989–1990
LabelsOval, London, Sgt. Peppers
Past membersPaul Hardcastle
Derek Green
Kevin Henry

Overview

Paul Hardcastle and Derek Green were originally members of the Brit funk band Direct Drive,[1] however at the end of 1982, they decided to leave the band and become a duo.[2] Following their formation, they released the single "Don't Be Mistaken". In early 1983, they released their eponymous debut album which featured the song "Explain the Reasons". It reached No. 65 in the UK Singles Chart the same year.[3] The follow-up single was "Wish You Were Here"; which peaked at No. 71 on the same chart.[3]

After the release of their second and last album Daybreak in 1984, Hardcastle and Green parted ways. Green moved to other projects and Hardcastle pursued a solo career.[2]

In 1989, Hardcastle resumed working on First Light. This time he worked with Kevin Henry who had previously provided vocals on his solo work.[4] Produced and arranged entirely by Hardcastle, the new album You Had It All was issued on the Sgt. Peppers record label. Four subsequent singles from the album were released.

In 2010, Hardcastle released a jazz album under the name First Light called East to West.

Discography

Albums
  • First Light (1983)
  • Daybreak (1984)
  • You Had It All (1989)
  • East to West (2010)

Compilations
  • Time Machine – The Best of Direct Drive & First Light 1981–82 (2001)

Singles
Year Song UK
[5]
1982 "Don't Be Mistaken" —
"16 Minutes of 1st Light" —
1983 "Explain the Reasons" 65
1984 "Wish You Were Here" 71
1989 "Loving You" —
"You Had It All" —
1990 "So Easy" —
"Right or Wrong" ―
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

References
  1. "Top of the Pops 2: Where Are They Now? - Paul Hardcastle". BBC. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  2. Collar, Matt. "Paul Hardcastle - Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  3. McAleer, Dave; Gregory, Andy; White, Matthew (15 November 2010). The Virgin Book of British Hit Singles, Volume 2. Random House. p. 177. ISBN 9780753522455. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  4. Blues & Soul, Issues 552-563. Napfield Limited. 1990. p. 14. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  5. "FIRST LIGHT - full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 22 February 2020.


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