Chic's 80's albums.. your thoughts

[neonlights]

I might be in the minority, but I love Chic's work from the 80s, almost as much as their classic stuff. Needless to say, I've been rediscovering a lot of it recently. I'd have to say "Hangin' " is probably one of my all time favourite funky Chic jams.. Though overall, I'd have to say my favourite album from this period would have to be "Take It Off." "Stage Fright," "Burn Hard" and the title track were a few great, underrated jams off that LP..

Anyone here care to appreciate (or hate, if you will) their '80s records? 8)

[discodjinn]

I think that the Take It Off lp was just fantastic-- a really strong sets of tracks with great playing. I never understood why it failed to sell better. Sure, it was a change in sound for Chic, but the crafting and vocals were just as good as anything else they'd done. I did think that "Stage Fright" was a curious choice for a lead-off single-- incredible guitar work notwithstanding-- because it wasn't exactly subject matter most listeners would relate to. I always thought that "Just Out Of Reach" or "Would You Be My Baby" would've gotten a better response. My favorites were "Flashback," "Babydoll," and "So Fine."

I saw gaps in the Tongue In Chic lp, but there were genuinely sublime moments. "When You Love Someone" was such a tour de force, shifting from ballad to upbeat in the last third, with that great instrumentation. "Hey Fool" was a pop gem, again sung so feelingly by Alfa Anderson. Loved "City Lights" (loved all the instrumentals Chic did). And "I Feel Your Love Comin' On." Does any other recording get to the heart of the matter so well, sexually speaking? The upward curve and plateaus, the climax that really is a climax-- try it in the bedroom. On the other hand, I was disappointed to have yet another fake live track, and I never cottoned to "Hangin'."

I liked the bittersweet aspects of the Soup For One soundtrack, just would've liked more original material to enjoy. It was a treat to hear Fonzi Thornton in lead vocals again.

This huge Chic fan has to say that the Believer lp was a big disappointment. The artificial drums and bass just overshadowed what was so great about the organic playing of the band. This was the same problem with Edwards' solo lp. Rodgers seemed better able to depart from the band-orientation with his two albums.

I guess you can tell, I've been listening carefully to the Chic work all these years. I'm with you, their 80s had some great stuff.

[FrontPage22]

"You Can't Do It Alone" has been sampled a lot lately (2wice by the P.Diddy-ler I think...). I really love it....smooth and sophisticated.

[DJDynasty]

I really liked

Chic - Rebels Are We

[mixtape]

just looking at the discography of chic and saw an LP i never saw before called Chic-ism from 1992 it said. Anybody ever hear this one ?

[Videoskooter]

Chic-ism has some good standard tracks on it, like "Chic mystique" but it's definitely not one of their best efforts as it leans more to the 90's house sound. It was promoted by Prince. In the "Sexy MF" clip, one of his dancers is prominently showing the sleeve of the Chic album. Very rare that Prince promotes other people's stuff.

Although I cherish their first albums the most, Chic was one of the bands I kept following during the 80's and they never dissapointed me. But the stuff they put out in the 70's was the max!

[FrontPage22]

I am listening to the 12" of "Dance, Dance, Dance" and that galloping bass and those soaring strings...they pull you in. Such a tight unit. Even thought not exemplary of the "Chic" sound, it is without doubt, my fave Chic song.

[neonlights]

I saw gaps in the Tongue In Chic lp, but there were genuinely sublime moments. "When You Love Someone" was such a tour de force, shifting from ballad to upbeat in the last third, with that great instrumentation. "Hey Fool" was a pop gem, again sung so feelingly by Alfa Anderson. Loved "City Lights" (loved all the instrumentals Chic did). And "I Feel Your Love Comin' On." Does any other recording get to the heart of the matter so well, sexually speaking? The upward curve and plateaus, the climax that really is a climax-- try it in the bedroom. On the other hand, I was disappointed to have yet another fake live track, and I never cottoned to "Hangin'."......
....I guess you can tell, I've been listening carefully to the Chic work all these years. I'm with you, their 80s had some great stuff.

Totally agree with you about the "Take It Off" album!

I love how you describe "I Feel Your Love Comin' On". :) For me the big gap on "Tongue In Chic" was definitely the fake live track "Chic (Everybody Say)," a filler track if there ever was one. Though perhaps notable as the last Chic track to use a string section (until the Chic-ism reunion, that is)

I know a lot of fans dislike "Believer".. I admit, I do enjoy it, even if it's probably a step down.. I like the fact that they brought in more synthesized elements into their sound, but the grooves were getting a little tedious on some of the tracks. Like the title track; catchy and starts off promising but never really goes very far.. I do find Nile Rodgers ill-advised attempt at rapping on "Party Everybody" to be pretty amusing though haha.. "Hi-Ho-doncha know..there's a party..everywhere i go" :lol:

Nile Rodgers' solo albums were ace though.. Especially "Adventures in The Land of The Good Groove," probably the solo album closest to the Chic sound.. I liked "B-Movie Matinee" too.. I agree though, Bernard's was kind of bland. It had it's moments but overall was a bit lacking. I wish he would have used it to showcase his bass playing a little more..

[Nano]

I have Chic-ism and agree with Johan. The album is polished, the writing OK, but hearing it from beginning to end (it's all segued) is a bit monotonous. However, "Chic Mystique" rocks. It helps that it's the first track, but it certainly rocks.

[thebigern]

One of the best rhythm sections EVER!
Chic never stopped making great music. And the 80's music gives little previews of Nile & Nards future outside production. Listen to Believer for shades of Let's Dance. The Chic-Ism album is not only solid, but its available many places for very little money. Although it's not one of their best [esp. the dated rap stuff], it's still better than most dance albums that came out in 92.
Check out their biography for a more indepth and fascinating look on their history!

[Zef]

Yowsah Yowsah Yowsah!
80's Chic
1. I feel your love comin' on
2. Just out of reach
3. So Fine
4. You got some love for me.
5. 26
6. Stagefright
7. Hey fool.
9. Real people.
10.Show me your light.

All brilliant I think!

[Pete B]

Open Up is a classic, great track

You Are Beautiful off Beliver is pretty good.

I like a few tracks of Nile Rogers LP

[Zef]

Wow how could I have forgotten about open up!

[KayJayEm54]

There's no denying, CHIC were a massive influence in my music collection of the late 70's and early 80's. Who could forget the likes of I Want Your Love and the inimatable words - 'Do you feel like you ever want to try my love and see how well it fits?' Well mine must have fitted like a glove for my wife as we've been together since the album was released!!

Nile & Bernard could do no wrong in my eyes and yes, their later albums did sound different than their first ones, but hey life and music would be really boring if everyone turned out the same song melody song after song for ten years.

There is a CHIC song for every emotion and if the emotion needs it, you'll find it - from happy thoughts of Dance, Dance Dance and Everybody Dance to more mellow sounds of A Warm Summer Night and Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song).

I'm still waiting for new material from the current CHIC line-up and although I'm expecting some of the same tried and trusted CHIC formula, I can't wait to hear how they have developed in the 21st Century.

This is one CHIC fan who's Feet Keep Dancing to Flash Backs of the Good Times spent Hanging with some Real People - a true Believer who gives a big Chic Cheer everytime I hear their music - even in our local Homebase at the weekend!!!!!

[SandraDee]

a true Believer who gives a big Chic Cheer everytime I hear their music - even in our local Homebase at the weekend!!!!!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


Isn't it great when you're in some dreary hellish place like a DIY shop & some brilliant disco music is playing?

[KayJayEm54]

The funny thing was that I currently have 'I Want Your Love' as my ring-tone and thought I was receiving a phone call. Weird to pick up my phone and try answering it when it wasn't actually ringing and it was the current track playing in-store.

I've also got 'Le Freak' as my text tone so that everytime I receive a text my phone goes 'Aaaaaaaah ... Freak-Out......'

It's funny how many of my daughter's parents want that ring tone too - true Chic followers who instantly recognise some of the huge anthems from the Chic-era!!!!