Robert Christgau: Dean of American Rock Critics

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Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan

  • Rufusized [ABC, 1974] B+
  • Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan [ABC, 1975] B
  • Ask Rufus [ABC, 1977] C+

See Also:

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Rufusized [ABC, 1974]
Chaka's got a mostly new, mostly black band, and it makes a difference, especially in the in-house songwriting, with hooks courtesy guitarist Tony Maiden. The lyrics are worth catching, too, especially the answer to "Rocket Man," in which the wife croons "The universe is calling you" without a hint of sarcasm. Guess that's what assuming the spiritual mannerisms of Stevie and Aretha--launching your voice into free fall, I mean--can bring you to. B+

Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan [ABC, 1975]
No doubt they think they're getting classy, but I think they're getting cute--compare the hip-skipping "On Time" to last year's booty-bumping "Rufusized." They're also starting to keep the composing royalties in the family. Exception, Bee Gees Go Home Division: Chaka's up-and-over "Jive Talking." B

Ask Rufus [ABC, 1977]
So Chaka's turning into a "sophisticated song stylist." Just what we needed. What she needs is sophisticated songs. They never learn. C+