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Oct 27, 2025 Web Exclusive By Hays Davis

Though unavailable since its 1973 vinyl release, singer Lyn Christopher’s self-titled debut album nevertheless found an extended life in the following decades. The song “Take Me with You” was embraced by crate-digging hip-hop fans as a beloved sample obscurity. And Kiss fans could point to the album’s inclusion of then-unknown backup singers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, marking the first appearance on record by the future Kiss members while the band was still known as Wicked Lester. Available on CD and vinyl, Real Gone Records brings Lyn Christopher from DJ mixtapes back into physical form.

After scoring a deal with Paramount Records that stemmed from a piano-backed audition with the label head, Christopher promoted her pop/R&B debut through multiple TV appearances. Without chart success, and with the rise of disco leading to the rejection of a recorded follow-up, Lyn Christopher went out of print when Paramount went under. Fast-forward to 2001, and a sampled “Take Me with You” can be found on Smut Peddlers’ “One by One,” with LL Cool J and Mobb Deep’s Havoc among the other artists that later breathed new, sampled life into Christopher’s song.

The album Lyn Christopher is very much a product of its time, and listeners of varying tastes may find certain songs providing a unique appeal. Christopher’s vocals are memorable throughout, and the rousing opener “She Used to Be a Ballerina” finds her delivering a bit like a funky Dusty Springfield, with bright brass punches and totally game backup singers driving alongside the singer. The winsome “I Don’t Want to Hear It Anymore,” written by Randy Newman, places Christopher in the range of Barbra Streisand’s work during that period, and “Is Everybody Happy” finds her surrounded by strings, galloping percussion, and accordion for a real early-’70s, feel-good production. Spare drums, a super-catchy bass line, and stings of electric guitar meet Christopher’s sultry performance to set up what would become her best-known song, “Take Me with You.” And yes, that’s Gene and Paul from Kiss among the joyous backing vocals on “Weddin’” and “Celebrate II,” along with uncredited handclaps from Kiss drummer Peter Criss. (www.lynchristopher.com)

Author rating: 7/10