III is the third album released by the R&B band The S.O.S. Band on the Tabu label in November 1982. It was produced by Ricky Sylvers and Gene Dozier. The album peaked at #27 on the R&B albums chart. It also reached #172 on the Billboard 200. The album yielded two Billboard R&B chart singles, "High Hopes" and "Have It Your Way", each peaking at #25 and #57 respectively. "High Hopes" also reached #49 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart. The third single, "Groovin' (That's What We're Doin')", peaked at #47 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart and #72 on the UK Singles Chart. "High Hopes" is notable for being the first collaboration between the group and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who would go on to write and produce several hits for the group. The album was digitally remastered and reissued on CD with bonus tracks in 2007 by Finesse Records. (wiki) ==================================== by Amy Hanson Following a mediocre second album, 1982's S.O.S. Band III is the sound of the S.O.S. Band regaining their equilibrium, a tight set that capitalized on the slick style of newly recruited producers Ricky Sylvers and Gene Dozier, and made the Top 30 in December 1982. It's driven primarily by up-tempo, funk-inflected R&B that utilized the early-'80s tricks of the trade for pizzazz, with just a few ballads to temper the tide. Naturally, the set shines brightest among the thumpers because, as sweet as the ballads could sound, the group was always fiercest when agitating the dancefloor. (That said, they brought a beautiful ballad, "Have It Your Way," into the charts early in 1983.) The single "High Hopes," written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (who would, of course, go on to produce the band), pairs a catchy hook with a quirky, synthesized flavor that is completely representative of the sound that the band and songwriters alike were honing. The process was repeated to lesser effect across "Can't Get Enough," while "Looking for You" and "Groovin' (That's What We're Doin')" put the boys back in smoother R&B-flavored waters. Although it's patchy in places, III can still be counted a success, the smooth ride across a slight stumble that would ultimately heave them to the top of the charts for another three years.