American Generation 1978

 

The album was released in 1978, and although it was produced in New York

a sound closer to Euro-pop and European disco than in previous

albums.

The change was radical, and the original line-up (Jacks, Oliver

and Wooten) is replaced by a new trio (Ednah Holt, Dodie Draher

and Jacqui Smith Lee). The group makes an appearance in Jean Yanne's

by Jean Yanne, Je te tiens, tu me tiens par la barbichette, and took part in the film's soundtrack, recording two songs, La barbichette (you make me feel it) and Forever dancing, which were later released as singles.

In the same year, The Ritchie Family contributes backing vocals with the Village People to a project retracing the life and career of Josephine Baker on Phylicia Allen's album “Josephine Superstar”.

The album American Generation failed to match the success of previous U.S. releases, reaching number 148 on the U.S. Billboard charts. The band enjoyed greater success in Europe, with American Generation reaching #49 in the UK and even breaking into the top 10 (#8) in the Netherlands. The song was remixed and released in the Netherlands in 1997, but did not chart again.