Album: Prisoner

Introduction
"Prisoner" is the 16th studio album by American vocalist and actress Cher, released on October 22, 1979, by Casablanca Records. The album marked a considerable modification in her musical design, as it primarily featured disco music, a popular genre at the time. Despite the success of the songs "Take Me Home" and "Hell on Wheels", the album got combined evaluations and underperformed commercially. Nevertheless, "Prisoner" remains a vital part of Cher's discography and shows her flexibility as an artist who constantly adjusts and transforms herself.

Background and Recording
During the late 1970s, Cher was primarily focusing on her acting career, appearing in films such as "Good Times", "Chastity", and starring in her television series, "The Sonny and Cher Show". Nevertheless, after disco music became a widespread trend, Cher decided to try out the category and transform her musical instructions. This intended to revitalize her profession; her previous albums had actually failed to attain the success of her 1960s hits.

"Prisoner" was recorded at the Studio 55 in Los Angeles, with Cher collaborating with different songwriters and manufacturers, consisting of Bob Esty, Michele Aller, Ron Dante, and Michael Bolton. The album showcased Cher's powerful vocals and included an array of disco-infused tracks, dance beats, and even a touch of rock and roll.

Music and Lyrics
The album's sound mainly concentrated on disco music, with a mix of positive dance tunes and slower ballads. The opening track, "Prisoner (Love Theme From 'Eyes Of Laura Mars')", set the tone for the album with its catchy melody and dance ambiance, while tracks like "Holdin' Out For Love" and "Shoppin'" kept the disco style alive. The album likewise consisted of rock-infused tracks like "Boys & Girls", which showcased Cher's flexibility as an artist.

Lyrically, the album checked out styles of love, passion, and heartbreak, in which Cher's powerful and emotive singing delivery perfectly conveyed these emotions. Tunes like "Mirror Image" and "Dancing Partner" touch on the complexities of relationships, while "Outrageous" handle the pain of unrequited love.

Release and Reception
Upon its release in 1979, "Prisoner" got combined evaluations from music critics. While some applauded Cher's vocal efficiency and appreciated her attempt to endeavor into the disco category, others criticized the album for being formulaic and lacking creativity. In spite of the mixed critical reception, the singles "Take Me Home" and "Hell on Wheels" ended up being extensively successful, peaking at number 8 and 59 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, respectively.

The album, nevertheless, underperformed commercially, peaking at number 22 on the Billboard 200 chart and rapidly fading from the general public's attention. This underperformance can be credited to the rapidly decreasing appeal of disco music at the end of the 1970s.

Tradition and Impact
In spite of its combined reception and underperformance, "Prisoner" stays a significant part of Cher's discography. The album showcased her adaptability as an artist, welcoming the disco genre while staying true to her singing prowess and emotive storytelling. Today, as Cher continues to reinvent herself and dominate various music categories, "Prisoner" stands as a testament to her ability to adapt and evolve throughout her profession. It shows that Cher is not simply a prisoner of her past however a trailblazer who continues to press borders and stay appropriate throughout generations.