One of those records that everyone seemed to own, back in the day – and for good reason, too – as Rufus and Chaka have a way of opening ears of folks who dig so many different styles – from soul to rock to funk and jazz – but all with a groove that's totally their own! The record's one that definitely broke the group big out of their Chicago roots – thanks to the incredible "Tell Me Something Good" – an amazing workout that's the perfect mainstream showcase for Chaka's great voice, made even better by the use of one of those cool Peter Frampton-vocoder thingies! The album also features some other excellent material that's a bit more restrained, and more in the band's usual jazz funk mode – like "Ain't Nothing But A Maybe", "You Got The Love", "Smokin Room", and "Sideways". CD

An under-appreciated gem by Rufus – the group's last album before Chaka left to depart on her successful early 80s solo career – and a nice one nonetheless! There's a trace of 80s groove in the mix – especially on the bass and percussion – but these elements are handled with all the warmth and jazziness that we've come to love from the group's 70s recordings – and Chaka's voice, as always, keeps things strongly soulful no matter what the setting! The album's overflowing with catchy groovers – and titles include "Secret Friend", "Jigsaw", "Better Together", "Music Man", "True Love", "Quandry", "Lilah", "Sharing The Love", and "Losers In Love". CD

Stunning work from Rufus & Chaka Khan – still very much at the height of their powers on this late 70s release – and still doing things at a level that nobody else can touch! The blend of jazz and soul is completely sublime – given a bit of extra help on arrangements by Clare Fischer and Seawind, both talents who are also at their best during this 70s stretch too – but the real power still comes from the core energy of Rufus, and the way they can effortlessly fuse these slinky, soulful grooves – and, of course, from the massive Chaka Khan – every bit the shining jewel in the group's crown, yet still not broken off as a superdiva on her own. The whole thing's great – and titles include "Street Player", "Stranger To Love", "Turn", "Change Your Ways", "Take Time", "Turn", and "Best Of Your Heart". CD

The very first solo album from Chaka Khan – recorded after a great 70s run in Rufus, and an instant-classic that showed the world that she might be an even more amazing artist on her own! All those fantastic vocals from the previous albums with Rufus seem to get even more center stage action here – set up with these superb arrangements from Arif Mardin, who does the same thing for Chaka that he'd done for Aretha Franklin a decade before – pushing her immediately into the role of superstardom, but in a way that's doesn't sacrifice her art at all – and which in fact may well make it even better! Titles include the long-running classic "I'm Every Woman" – but we love even more the incredible "Love Has Fallen On Me" – a funky gem that seems to evoke the Chess/Cadet scene that was in Chicago during Chaka's early years – next to other great tunes that include "I Was Made To Love Him", "Sleep On It", "We Got The Love", "Life Is A Dance", and "Sleep On It". CD

A wicked soul set from Output/Input – a project spearheaded by Melvin Lee Davis, who worked behind Chaka Khan for years – experience that definitely shows in the warmth and richness of this set! The record's got a great classic/contemporary vibe, one that almost takes us back to the sound of Incognito in their glory days – but with a spin that's nicely different too – maybe more soul at the core than jazz funk, as Davis opens the door to vocals from a range of different singers – Antonio McLendon on most of the core cuts, but also work from O'Bryan, Audrey Wheeler, and Brent Carter too. Titles include "Don't Be Scared", "Doin Alright", "Time Of Our Lives", "I'm In Love", "Really No Chance", "Love Of Another Guy", "Here We Go Again", and "True Love" – plus the CD bonus track "Every Time You Touch Me". CD

A contemporary gem from Paulette McWilliams – the Chicago singer who was part of Rufus before Chaka Khan, worked with Luther Vandross, and who's given the world decades of great contributions after cutting her rare solo debut on Fantasy Records in the 70s! This set shows Paulette very much in charge of her game, and working at a level that really lives up to her legacy in soul music – with well-crafted tunes that really gain a lot from her vocals, set up in these lean, but grooving arrangements that always let you know that the singer is the star of the scene! Titles include "Sometimes Your Eyes", "New Tunes Old Grooves", "Share", "These Are The Sweet Things", "Tell Me You Love Me", "Take A Drink Of Me", and "That's How I Am". CD

An early 80s gem from Aretha Franklin – one of the best of her years at Arista Records, thanks to solid help in the studio from the mighty Arif Mardin! Mardin's in perfect form here – the same blend of older soul and jazzier, more sophisticated styles that he was also bringing to Chaka Khan at the time – although Franklin's arguably more deserving of his talents, given her long relationship with the producer! There's a full, mature feel here – one that really gets Aretha back in gear as a singer, and shows off her talents to a new generation in new ways – yet all without trying too hard for a crossover hit. Tunes include a few originals by Franklin, and titles include "Kind Of Man", "Whole Lot Of Me", "Love All The Hurt Away", "You Can't Always Get What You Want", "It's My Turn", "There's A Star For Everyone", and "Hold On I'm Coming". CD features bonus tracks – "Hold On I'm Comin (12" ext)", "Livin In The Streets (12" ext)", and "It's My Turn (single)". CD