Album: Lite Me Up

Introduction
"Lite Me Up" is a studio album by popular American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and author Herbie Hancock, launched in 1982. This album, produced by Hancock himself along with Alphonse Mouzon and David Rubinson, marked a departure from his previous jazz-fusion sound, adopting a more pop-centric, radio-friendly approach. Influenced by R&B, funk, and pop, "Lite Me Up" includes partnerships with artists such as Rod Temperton, Jeffrey Osborne, Gerry Brown, and lots of others.

Background and Recording
Herbie Hancock, already developed as an extremely influential jazz musician by the late 1970s and early 1980s, was likewise exploring the worlds of R&B and pop throughout this period. The success of his 1981 album "Magic Windows", which included a disco-infused noise, set the stage for his a lot more pop-oriented album "Lite Me Up" in 1982.

For this album, Hancock collaborated with Rod Temperton, an accomplished British songwriter and manufacturer best understood for his work with Michael Jackson. While Hancock had actually dabbled in R&B and disco previously, dealing with Temperton pushed him to fully accept the noise.

The recording sessions for "Lite Me Up" took place at different studios in Los Angeles, California, consisting of Eldorado Recording Studios, Larrabee Sound Studios, and The Automatt, along with at The Complex in West Los Angeles. The album was mixed and mastered by Bruce Swedien, a world-renowned engineer.

Track Listing and Musical Style
"Lite Me Up" comprises eight tracks, showcasing an R&B and funk-infused noise that was brand-new area for Herbie Hancock at the time:

1. "Lite Me Up"
2. "The Bomb"
3. "Gettin' to the Good Part"
4. "Paradise".
5. "Can't Hide Your Love".
6. "The Fun Tracks".
7. "Motor Mouth".
8. "Give all of it Your Heart".

The album's sound is heavily affected by 1980s R&B and dance-pop trends, with strong usage of synthesizers, drum makers, and memorable hooks. Just like much of Hancock's earlier works, the standout function of 'Lite Me Up' is the keyboard work that stays main to the tunes, even in the more pop-driven noise. In terms of vocals, the album includes Herbie Hancock himself accompanied by guest vocalists like Jeffrey Osborne, who sings lead vocals on "Paradise", and Gwen Guthrie, who sings backup vocals on "The Bomb".

Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Lite Me Up" was consulted with mixed evaluations. Some critics praised the pop perceptiveness and appealing hooks on tunes like the title track and "Paradise", while others lamented the departure from Hancock's more speculative jazz-fusion roots. The album peaked at No. 135 on Billboard's Top LPs & Tape chart in 1982 but saw most of its chart success on Billboard's Top Soul LPs chart, where it reached No. 29.

In spite of the controversy amongst critics, "Lite Me Up" strongly established Hancock's versatility as an artist and paved the way for his future experiments with electronic and dance music. The album stands as a remarkable picture of 1980s pop and R&B, showcasing Herbie Hancock's capability to adapt and innovate in a continuously changing musical landscape.