Nile Rodgers & CHIC - It's About Time

Nile Rodgers & CHIC
It's About Time
2018
Spotify

There are some bands who are above reproach. Their contribution to disco not to mention all the work Nile Rodgers has done across the musical spectrum mean their music has a very special place in history. It't the blistering disco guitars, the muddy bass and the fucking groove that make CHIC standout, you instantly know what you are listening to regardless of who else the bring on the track. This is bright fun disco, either get on board or GTFO. "Boogie All Night" featuring Nao brings in the warm encompassing vibes of disco and pairs it with Nao's otherworldly vocals to make this incredibly fun and modern sounding track. It's clear that in the 25 years since their last album CHIC have not lost their lust for dancing, with each song begging you to get out on the floor. The first two tracks blast off into outer space with Mura Masa adding an interesting electronic element to the opener "TIll the World Falls". "Sober" with Craig David is a 90s R&B romp, but feels a little too on the nose to be all that likable. "DO You Wanna Party" with Lunchmoney Lewis however sweeps any shaky tracks aside with a blend of hip hop and disco that isn't laughably bad as they usually are. The song just gets your body fucking moving from the moment it clicks in. It's clear that Nile Rodgers and CHIC have a formula for their music and there is not much deviation on It's About Time, but honestly who gives a shit? There is a reason they are still around after this many years and it's because their music cooks so relax and allow the disco to take over.

The lone instrumental "State of Mine" does feel a bit like upgraded hold music. "State of Mine" does have some pretty amazing musicianship going on, but you just can't shake the corporate sound that is all over it. it does feel clear that the younger personalities are needed to keep this record fresh. When they really buy in the album really works, but when it feels like they are just dipping their toe in the disco waters it's hard to get on board. Elton John features on "Queen" but his voice almost vanishes when paired with the super high notes of Emelle Sande. Hallie Steinfeld also does nothing to make her appearance on the record anything but entirely forgettable. They really benefit from the powerful nostalgia vibes early on in the record, but as it progresses and things slow down so does that good momentum that they have garnered up until this point. Lady Gaga seems to reprise her old school turned up disco style from her early records here, but the music just is not quite bombastic enough to match her vocal Look, as long as CHIC released something that was half decent people were still going to clamor for it, but this album is more than that and sometimes a celebration is exactly what we needed. This album is going to make CHIC the hot new band on the scene, but I doubt that was ever the point anyway.

7.0 out of 10