Why The Manhattan Transfer's 1979 disco hit, "Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone" should have been more of an original black-sounding disco hit with only Janis Siegel alone singing the lead in the style of Ian Levine & Fiachra trench as the original 1979 disco version, instead of post-disco

 The year was 1979, and disco was at its peak. The Manhattan Transfer, known for their smooth vocal harmonies and jazz-inspired sound, released their disco hit single 'Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone'. While the song was a commercial success, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it could have been even bigger if it had been more of an original black-sounding disco hit. Instead, it fell victim to the trend of post-disco, which was starting to take over the airwaves.

Imagine if the song had been given the treatment it deserved, with only Janis Siegel singing the lead in the style of Ian Levine and Fiachra Trench as the original 1979 disco version. Siegel's powerful and soulful voice would have shone through, capturing the essence of 1979 disco and making it a true disco anthem. The addition of the pulsating, throbbing '70s sound of the disco kick drum in the midsection for 8 bars would have kept the whole world dancing at the discotheque, especially at the iconic Studio 54.

But instead, the midsection of the song was ruined by an epic rock guitar solo played by Jay Graydon. This decision to incorporate rock elements into a disco song was a fatal mistake and ultimately killed the soulful disco vibe of 'Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone'. The song was supposed to be a celebration of disco and its ability to bring people together on the dancefloor. But with the inclusion of a rock guitar solo, it lost its authenticity and became just another generic post-disco track.

It's no surprise then that dancefloor disco fans prefer the original 1979 disco version of 'Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone' with only Janis Siegel singing alone as a black-sounding powerhouse disco diva. Her vocals were strong enough to carry the song and didn't need the added sci-fi narrations by Alan Paul and the rock guitar by Jay Graydon. These elements only served to make the song boring and bland, lacking the soul and energy that made disco so popular in the first place.

In conclusion, The Manhattan Transfer's 'Twilight Zone / Twilight Tone' should have been given the chance to be an original black-sounding disco hit with Janis Siegel as the lead vocalist. It should have had a pulsating, throbbing '70s sound that would have kept the whole world dancing. The decision to add rock elements and sci-fi narrations ultimately ruined the song and robbed it of its potential as a disco classic. Let's remember the original 1979 disco version and celebrate the powerhouse vocals of Janis Siegel, the true queen of disco.