Introduction
"Come Get It" is the groundbreaking launching album of renowned American funk musician Rick James, released in 1978. The record was provided under the Gordy label, which was a subsidiary of Motown Records. It reached number 13 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums charts and was accredited Gold in the United States, signifying sales of over 500,000 copies. This critical album helped to cement Rick James' status as a leading figure of the funk and soul genre, and presented audiences worldwide to his distinct mix of raw, unapologetic swagger, sexual magnetism, and cutting-edge music.
Background & Formation
After a troubled past marked by quick stints in numerous bands and a couple of brushes with the law, Rick James was all set to start his solo music career in the late 1970s. Having actually spent time in Los Angeles and Toronto collaborating with other artists, James was signed by Motown and set his sights on creating a new noise that would captivate audiences. He assembled a group called The Stone City Band, and together they crafted a wild-playing, hard-rocking design of funk that would set them apart from their peers.
Track Listing & Reception
"Come Get It" included eight initial tracks, each showcasing James' undeniable musical skills and commitment to pushing the limits of funk. Some of the most notable tunes from the album consist of:
1. "Stone City Band, Hello!" - This opening track starts with high-energy guitar riffs and showcases the tight grooves of The Stone City Band, making it an ideal introduction to James' signature sound.
2. "You and I" - As one of the standout tracks from the album, "You and I" ended up being a chart-topping hit and stays a funk anthem to this day, thanks to its contagious rhythm and memorable bassline.
3. "Sexy Lady" - With sultry guitar licks and smooth vocals, this ballad showcases James' ability to woo his listeners through his sexy delivery.
4. "Dream Maker" - This ballad works as a testament to James' aptitude for connecting with his audience on a psychological level, as he croons about the pursuit of dreams and joy.
5. "Be My Lady" - An unforgettable track including an appealing bass pattern and rhythm guitar, James keeps listeners dancing to his cool style.
6. "Mary Jane" - Perhaps the most renowned track from the album, "Mary Jane" has become synonymous with Rick James and is universally recognized as a funk classic.
7. "Hollywood" - A tune that highlights the darker side of fame and the difficulties that included success in the entertainment industry.
8. "Come Get It" - The title track and final song on the album, "Come Get It" is an effective, uptempo number that strengthened Rick James' location as a funk force to be reckoned with.
Upon its release, "Come Get It" received widespread praise for its ingenious noise and for breaking the mold of conventional funk albums. Critics applauded James' raw, uninhibited blend of funk, rock, and soul, as well as his exceptional songwriting and performance abilities. Audiences, too, accepted his contagious rhythms and unique style.
Tradition
In the years that followed, Rick James went on to become one of the most prominent and controversial funk musicians in history. He continued to produce numerous more successful albums in the 1980s, and his music has actually left an indelible mark on the material of modern music. By blending aspects of rock, soul, and R&B, "Come Get It" unlocked for Rick James and his fellow funk leaders to usher in a new age of music identified by limitless imagination, boldness, and outright defiance.
Artist: Rick James
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