Street Songs 1981 Album

Rick James

OK, basically everyone and their mother considers Street Songs to be Rick's magnum opus. But I go the other way, just a bit. For me, this was a lot like the albums that came before it, except for a couple of changes: A) the songs are shorter, which was like a concession to get them played on the radio, and B) the two synth-notes at the end of each measure of "Super Freak". This was mentioned way more in-depth during the "Bitchin" documentary which ran on Showtime, but it was like that stupid little touch shot that song far up the charts. It made it more palatable for the New Wave crowd. "Give It To Me Baby" is the other dance monster here, but nothing else touches those lofty heights. What works for James is the attitude, but at times he's just restating stuff from earlier records without much substance behind the sentiment. No wonder the star fell so fast, as this was something that became a more common occurrence as the 80s wore on. Still, an essential record, both for James and the crossroads of funk and pop music in general.