Out now on Craft Recordings is a remixed classic. Sylvester’s Step II wasn’t just another disco record—it was a declaration. Released in 1978, it shimmered with attitude, soul, and unfiltered joy at a time when both the genre and its leading man were daring America to catch up. Backed by the powerhouse duo Two Tons O’ Fun (Martha Wash and Izora Armstead) and a crack studio band anchored by Patrick Cowley’s synth wizardry, Sylvester made the dancefloor his pulpit.

The opener, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” is pure transcendence—church and club colliding in a glitter storm. Sylvester’s falsetto soars like a gospel soloist channeling divine ecstasy through sequins and sweat. “Dance (Disco Heat)” extends that same euphoria, a pulsing sermon in four-on-the-floor rhythm that doesn’t fade so much as ascend.

Beyond the anthems, Step II reveals the artist’s R&B heart. “Was It Something That I Said” aches with classic soul phrasing, while “Just You and Me Forever” feels like a slow jam from another galaxy. Nearly fifty years on, Step II remains a fearless fusion of sanctified spirit and synthetic groove—music that refuses to apologize for its joy.

Craft Recordings works its usual magic on the vinyl release, with a special “disco ball” clear-glitter version for those of us who wish to experience the music as it was initially envisioned. Craft has also released deluxe download and CD versions with alternate remixes of “Dance” and “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”. 

In 1978, Sylvester stood as a beacon for authenticity and visibility. Openly gay and proudly flamboyant, he brought queer Black identity to the mainstream long before pop embraced it. Step II wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural breakthrough. “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” became both a disco anthem and a liberation hymn, uniting gospel fervor with electronic futurism.

Long before “representation” became a buzzword, Sylvester was representation—radiant, fearless, and mighty real.

Don’t miss this celebration of an artist who was totally original and whose music has stood the test of time. 

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