Pop-funk is here to stay, the dance scenes of Like Sugar pumped-up with all the 1970’s rhythm it could muster and made for ready for today’s audience. The beat is beyond infectious, the chorus a syrup topping to a banana sundae. It screams summer, heat, midnight dances and dare I say it – yes I do – it’s real groovy. Having started her career in the 1970’s Chaka Khan has over fifty year’s experience in the music scene and it shows. The music is flawless, and the producer Switch, who has also worked with the likes of Beyoncé and MIA shows his DJ hand in creating a song that deserves to be dance-record of the decade.
Directed by Kim Gehrig and choreographed by Olivier Casamayou, the music video for Like Sugar is a treat for the eyes that matches the ears. With the dancers dressed, for the most part, in 1960-70s outfits that just beg for the inclusion of a roller disco. Combine this with bright colours, and direct looks from the dancers to the camera, and it yells for you to get up and join in. But just in case you didn’t get how deliciously tempting it is, the repeating chorus of; “It’s like sugar, so sweet/Good enough to eat” with a playback loop of the dancers’ moves will ram it home for you. If you’re not dancing to this hip-hop funk beat, then you must be dead.
Chaka Khan, the stage name for Yvette Stevens, is most famously known for her hit disco songs I Feel for You(1984), Ain’t Nobody (1983), I’m Every Woman (1978). Like Sugar (2018), her first new song in a decade, lines up perfectly against these iconic hits. Appearing on Hello Happiness (2019), Chaka Khan’s newest material in twelve years has a tempo more electric-pop-dance, while many of her previous albums have an RnB and soul vibe, which showcases Chaka Khan’s versatility as an artist, whilst continuing to grow her audience base.
Other songs by Chaka Khan we love:
- Disrespectful (feat. Mary J Blige) (2007 – Funk This)
- Super Life (2007 – Funk This)
- Keep Givin’ Me Lovin’ (1992 – The Woman I Am)
- I Feel for You (1984 – I Feel for You)
- Ain’t Nobody (1983 – Stompin’ at the Savoy)
- Any Old Sunday (1981 – What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me)
- I’m Every Woman (1978 – Chaka)
Other artists you might like:
- Cheryl Lynn
- Patrice Rushen
- Teena Marie
