Album: Throwin' Down

Introduction
"Throwin' Down" is the fifth studio album by legendary American singer, songwriter, and musician Rick James. Released in 1982 under the Gordy Records label, the album functions as a follow-up to his highly successful 1981 album "Street Songs". A combination of funk, soul, and R&B, this release marks a turning point in James' profession as he tried to stay up to date with the success and impact that he gained from his previous projects. The album is a showcase of James' talent and features a distinct sound, rich melodies and consistencies, and his trademark cool grooves.

Track Listing and Background
"Throwin' Down" consists of eight tracks, each highlighting a different aspect of James' musicianship. The album starts with "Dance Wit' Me", a lively and up-tempo dance tune which ended up being a popular single upon its release. This track sets the tone for the rest of the album and is followed by the similarly energetic "Money Talks".

The album moves to a more soulful noise with "Teardrops", which showcases James' proficient falsetto and strong storytelling through its lyrics about heartbreak and lost love. Another standout track is "Throwdown", a memorable and effective anthem that conveys the album's total style of strength and determination. It also displays James' ability to successfully integrate deep funk grooves and emotional melodies.

"Standing on the Top" is a partnership between Rick James and the American soul and funk band, The Temptations. This disco-inspired, danceable track highlights the synergy between the two groups as their vocals balance and match one another. The combination of their unique noises makes it a standout on the record.

The album's most psychological track, "Hard to Get", is an enthusiastic ballad that showcases Rick James' soulful and excellent singing variety. This slower pace tune communicates vulnerability as James sings about the complexities of a romantic relationship. The song "Happy" returns to the album's upbeat funk sound, delivering a strong groove and catchy chorus that encourages listeners to dance and take pleasure in life.

The album comes to a close with "72-331", an enigmatic instrumental piece co-written by James with members of his backing band, the Stone City Band. This track functions as a testament to their diverse musicianship and collective skills.

Reception and Legacy
While "Throwin' Down" did not gather the same level of industrial success and recognition as its predecessor, "Street Songs", it is still considered a solid entry in Rick James' discography. The album peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart, and number 6 on the Top Black Albums chart. The single "Dance Wit' Me" reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Throwin' Down" is remembered for its diversity in sound and style, showing a vast array of influences from disco and dance to soulful ballads. With its mix of original tunes and collaborations, it encapsulates Rick James' special ability to blend funk, soul, and R&B seamlessly, while still exploring his own signature noise. For many years, it has gotten a higher appreciation amongst fans and critics alike, standing as a testimony to Rick James' lasting effect on contemporary music.