Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan’s self-titled album was released November 17, 1982 and finds her inching away from the funk sound that dominated her time with Rufus the previous decade. This time, she leans toward the cutting edge of R&B, dance, and pop that would take center stage on her next album I Feel For You.

A song like “Best In The West” with its kitschy western theme would be hard to take seriously if it wasn’t for Chaka’s A-1 vocal performance. But it wouldn’t have been out of place on her previous album What Cha' Gonna Do For Me.

For its singles, the album courted a post-disco audience with the sexy, buzzing “Tearin' It Up.” Chaka also turns in a mostly demure cover of Michael Jackson’s “Got To Be There” that built up some traction on quiet storm radio stations.

The highlight of the album though is the dramatic drug-confessional “Twisted” that compliments Chaka’s sky-high range with rock drums and blaring guitars.

Just like her “Night In Tunisia” tribute the previous year, Chaka makes an even deeper dive into jazz with “BeBop Medley” which rightfully earned her another Grammy win, but this time for best Jazz Vocal Arrangement.