AMG Review of After Midnight

Ron Wynn
All Music Guide

The finest Manhattan album in their second incarnation. The original group with George Smith had a slightly rougher, more traditional R&B/doo-wop sound, while the soul unit featuring Gerald Alston was smoother, but no less anthemic, especially on ballads. This album didn't make it as high on the pop charts as their self-titled '76 work, but had more consistently compelling tracks. "Shining Star" and "Girl Of My Dream" are masterful ballads.