The queen of funk keeps one foot in the past and an eye on the future on her first album in 12 years
Re-emerging after a spell in rehab, Chaka’s back with her 23rd album and it sizzles with fresh vigour and a voice that still sounds as incredible as ever. She’s teamed up with UK producer DJ Switch, who’s previously worked with M.I.A., and singer Ruba Taylor for a short 27-minute set of seven songs that do not hang about.
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Like the woman herself, Hello Happiness slips and trips through many styles and moods, from vintage disco to experimental funk. Like A Lady has huge roomy production with Philly-style stabs of strings and an elastic bass, and while Too Hot prowls into life sounding like an old blues standard, it soon turns into a sultry R&B anthem and then an everything-but-the-kitchen sink wig out.
This is a kinetic comeback. Resistance is futile.
Alan Corr @CorrAlan2
