C.K.

by

Chaka Khan

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With songs penned by Prince, accompaniment by the likes of Stevie Wonder, the late Miles Davis, and George Benson, the one-and-only Chaka Khan displays her magnificent range and emotion on this eclectic blend of various styles, from funk to jazz to pop standards.

The best cuts are a cover of Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", an obvious attempt to recycle the sales of her earlier "I Feel For You", and the two jazzier numbers "End of a Love Affair" and "I'll Be Around".

One of life's (or at least the music industry's) "mysteries" is why this was not a bigger seller for the singer. Her label just didn't appreciate the talent that it had, obviously opting to push younger, and, without a doubt, less-talented artists.

She, and all of her fans, deserved better.

Track listing and times:

1. Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours - 4:48

2. Soul Talkin' - 4:18

3. It's My Party - 5:12

4. Eternity - 4:03

5. Sticky Wicked - 6:57

6. The End of a Love Affair - 5:12

7. Baby Me - 4:06

8. Make It Last - 4:47

9. Where Are You Tonite - 4:56

10. I'll Be Around - 5:20

At this point, it's probably safe to say that it's damn near impossible for Chaka Khan to make a BAD album, and I don't want people to think that I'm saying that about this album, because I'm not. However, it does come as a bit of a letdown following the greatness of "I Feel For You" and "Destiny" which are probably two of the most robust soul/funk albums of the 80s, as well as arguably being Chaka's two most worthwhile achievements. While it does have its share of OK songs, the heart and soul of Chaka just doesn't seem to be in it the way it was before, lacking a solid, sensual slow jam like IFFY's "Through The Fire," and the uptempo numbers don't quite pack the same vocal punch the title track from IFFY, or Destiny tracks "Love Of A Lifetime" and "It's You." She does show a smoky, jazzy sensuality on "The End Of A Love Affair" and "I'll Be Around," but unfortunately, those two songs don't sound at home alongside the other material on this album. Not a terrible album, but there are other, better places to start if you want a truly satisfying helping of what this great lady of soul has to offer.