Album: Ask Rufus
Artist: Rufus & Chaka Khan
Release Date: January 19, 1977
Genre: Funk/Soul
Length: 0:37:17
Label: ABC Records
Producer: Rufus
Rolling Stone Top 500 (2012): N/A
Rolling Stone Top 500 (2020): #499
A soul album disguised as funk...
Reaching #1 on the US Billboard Top Soul LPs and #12 on the US Billboard Top LPs in 1977, Ask Rufus is the fifth album by Rufus and their third featuring Chaka Khan, and the album eventually went on to certify Platinum in the United States.
A synth melody with a deep crescendo from the flaring horns opens up Ask Rufus in the best way possible with "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)". The intro of the song quickly transitions to a head groovin' beat and melody that carries throughout the song. Chaka Khan informs the listener of her talents fairly quickly on with dreamy vocal runs, high sustained pitches and catchy phrasing. This song may not be the most popular on the album, but it was certainly a great choice to open Ask Rufus up as it captures the band with Khan perfectly.
"Close The Door" offers a more intimate performance from Rufus and Chaka Khan. The band lays down a more chill beat than the first track, and Khan presenting a more simple but dynamic vocal performance when compared with the high energy of "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)". The orchestral performance from the string section combined with the percussive sounds, riveting bass guitar, and piano chords resonates well enough to showcase the entire band and Khan's chemistry.
Chaka Khan has a strong influence on the entire album and the enjoyment of it all. The song "Slow Screw Against The Wall" is an instrumental jam and while the musicianship is there, Khan's presence is sadly missing. The following song "Earth Song", which is arguably the worst song with both Khan and Rufus, is a sigh of relief when you hear Chaka Khan join. The low notes she hits in the song, with the smooth transition to high pitched sustained notes captures the insane range Khan has in her voice.
The most famous song from the album, "Everlasting Love" really shines in terms of band chemistry with Khan. The complimenting instruments behind her vocal phrasing throughout, admirably brings Khan to the forefront of the song and lets the listener know she is the focal point, but the band isn't something to glance over. The simple rhythms performed throughout are hard to not notice, as the way they mix with Khan's unique style brings this song to legendary status for the group.
The soul-like voice Khan has is no surprise, as at this point in her career she cemented herself as a legendary vocalist, but Ask Rufus secured her as one of the greatest of music history. The range she has while making it seem easy, along with the tone of her voice is a special talent. Her ability to mix her unique style seamlessly with the band is incredible to hear.
Rufus in this band makes their purpose well known right off the bat, which is to let Khan take the lead and they just play for her. "Magic In Your Eyes", and "Better Days" embody this impeccably with their way of playing during the chorus'. Their more laid back performances throughout let Khan shine through, which could be seen as both a blessing and a negative point in the album. The band has great style, tone and talent but rarely let that shine through.
If you're a vocalist interested in powerful female singers, Khan is the right person to listen to and Ask Rufus is a great album to get the full Khan effect. While each member performs to their personal peak, the band is slightly disappointing as they constantly give the listener the idea they have more talent to bring out, but hold back so that Chaka Khan can shine. I would recommend this album if you love powerful vocal performances, but if you're looking for a forty minute funk jam, I could only recommend a few songs like "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)" and "Egyptian Song" and even the latter is a funky stretch...
Favorite Songs: "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)", "Everlasting Love", "Egyptian Song"
Least Favorite Song: "Earth Song"
Production Quality:
Mix = 5/10
Innovation = 4/10
Songwriting Quality:
Arrangement = 8/10
Lyricism = 7/10
Instrumentation Quality:
Vocal Timbre = 10/10
Instrumental Timbre = 7/10
Group Chemistry = 8/10
Overall Likability:
My Personal Rating = 7/10
Overall Rating: 6.8/10
Any confusion on how the rating is weighted/calculated, please look at my "About" page.
Remember this is all my opinion! Let me know if you agree, disagree or have any comments!