40 years of ‘Rapture’. We’re taking a closer look at the credits and contributions behind one of the most defining R&B albums of its time.
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Album of the day. One of my all-time favorite bands to spearhead the boogie movement of the late-'70s and early '80s is Detroit's own Al Hudson and the Partners, famously known as One Way, which featured lead vocalist Alicia Myers. Known for her glowy three-octave contralto, which had a Chaka Khan-meets-Anita Baker flair, Myers recorded four solo albums between 1981 and 1984, along with her work with the aforementioned group, But the one album from her solo catalog that shines brightly from front-to-back is her 1981 debut album, Alicia. Produced by Al Perkins and in part by former bandmate Kevin McCord, who also wrote/co-wrote several of the album's songs, this eight-song set is a dazzling showcase of early '80s sophisticated soul and funk, split between ballads and bass-heavy rollerskating party jams, all of which Myers adeptly tackled with grace and spunk.
From its funk jams such the album opener, "Don't Stop What You're Doin'" and "Spirit of the Boogie," which sounds oddly similar to Al Hudson and the Partners' 1979 hit, "You Can Do It" to its elegant, emotive ballads "We Can't Stay in Bed Forever" and gospel-inflected "Life, Joy, and Happiness," there's nothing short of killers on here. But this album will forever be known for its two monster classics, the quiet storm staple "If You Play Your Cards Right" and the gospel boogie anthem, "I Want to Thank You." The latter jam was a big lane change from the salacious flavors of early '80s R&B—in an era where Prince, Rick James, the Dazz Band, Cameo, and others thrived, "Thank You" was a funky song that praised the goodness of the Lord. It's endured as an old-school favorite, gay favorite, and a cookout jam that never ceases to get people on their feet.