"Playmates" is the fourth studio album by the English rock band Small Faces, released in 1977. This album marked a reunion of sorts for the band members Steve Marriott, Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones, and new member Rick Wills. Ronnie Lane, one of the original founding members, had departed the band prior to the recording of this album.
The album "Playmates" was recorded around the same time as another Small Faces album titled "78 in the Shade". Both albums were part of the band's efforts to revive their musical career in the late 1970s, following their earlier success in the 1960s.
While "Playmates" and "78 in the Shade" were recorded during this reunion period, the albums reflected a mix of styles influenced by the changing music landscape of the 1970s. The band experimented with rock, pop, and elements of funk, adapting to the trends of the era while staying true to their roots.
Despite the reunion and the release of new material, the albums did not achieve the same level of commercial success as the Small Faces' earlier works from the 1960s. Nonetheless, "Playmates" remains a significant chapter in the band's history, showcasing their enduring musical talents and their attempt to adapt to evolving musical tastes.
Overall, "Playmates" serves as a reminder of the Small Faces' legacy and their contribution to the British rock scene, both in their heyday and during their reunion phase in the late 1970s.
