Rating:
Genre:
R&B
Release Date: 09/25/2007
Three years on from
Chaka Khan's recording of
Classikhan with
the London Symphony Orchestra,
Funk This is likewise heavy on fresh looks at some of
Khan's favorite songs, but its sources involve the likes of
Jimi and
Joni instead of
Leiber & Stoller. Recorded with a core of
Jimmy Jam,
Terry Lewis, and
Bobby Ross Avila, with guest contributions from
Mary J. Blige,
Michael McDonald, and
Rufus guitarist
Tony Maiden,
Funk This sounds like much of it was recorded live, giving it a loose, not-fussed-over sound, though there are some questionable moves -- like the favoring of a smoothed-out synth over a crunching guitar riff during
Rufus'
"You Got the Love," or the use of a talk box on
McDonald's
"You Belong to Me." The covers do work more often than not, highlighted by
Prince's
"Sign 'O' the Times" and
Joni Mitchell's
"Ladies Man" (an unlikely but very smart choice). There's a handful of new songs, including the nostalgic
"Back in the Day," where
Chaka looks back to when she was known as
Yvette Stevens, and the fast and furious
"Disrespectful" -- where
Jam and
Lewis try to capture some of
Rich Harrison's breakbeat-heavy
"Crazy in Love"/
"1 Thing" magic -- but the one that sticks out most is
"Hail to the Wrong," which could be mistaken for a new version of an excellent album cut from 1980's
Naughty or 1981's
What Cha' Gonna Do for Me.
Chaka sounds mostly excellent from track to track, especially during the more relaxed moments.
~Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
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