Album Review: Renault Sport Disco by Richard Lord (1978)
If you’re a fan of funky grooves and disco vibes that transport you straight to the dance floors of 1970s France, Renault Sport Disco by Richard Lord is worth a spin. Released in 1978 under LTD Records, this album might not be a household name today, but it’s got enough charm to make you hit repeat. With its genre firmly rooted in Funk/Soul and its style oozing pure disco energy, this record feels like a forgotten gem waiting to be rediscovered.
The standout track here is obviously “Renault Sport Disco.” It’s impossible not to get hooked by its infectious rhythm and playful vibe. The bassline? Super smooth. The strings? Totally lush. You can almost picture yourself cruising down the French Riviera in a shiny Renault with this tune blasting out of the speakers. What makes it memorable isn’t just the groove—it’s how effortlessly it captures that carefree disco spirit. Written by J. Barouh, J. D. Mercier, and R. Cavassuto, the track has a way of sticking in your head long after the needle lifts off the vinyl.
Then there’s the instrumental version of the same song—“Renault Sport Disco Instrumental.” While some might think an instrumental remix is just filler, this one actually shines on its own. Without vocals to guide the experience, the musicianship takes center stage. The guitar riffs are crisp, the percussion is tight, and the whole thing breathes a little more freely. It’s the kind of track that reminds you why disco was such a big deal back then—it wasn’t just about dancing; it was about celebrating music for music’s sake.
One thing I gotta say about this album—it’s oddly specific. Naming a project after a car brand screams marketing gimmick at first glance, but somehow, it works. Maybe it’s because the tracks feel as sleek and stylish as the vehicle they’re named after. Or maybe it’s just the sheer audacity of pairing something as mundane as a car with something as vibrant as disco music. Either way, it leaves an impression.
Reflecting on Renault Sport Disco, it’s kinda wild to think about how niche yet universal this album feels. Sure, it’s tied to its era, but good music doesn’t really age—it adapts. Listening to these tracks now, decades later, it’s clear they still have legs (and wheels). And honestly, if this album doesn’t make you want to grab a pair of bell-bottoms and hit the floor, nothing will.
Final thought? This album proves that sometimes the quirkiest ideas turn into the most fun listens. Who knew a car-themed disco record could still rev engines in 2023?
