Chocolate Milk
Chocolate Milk was an American funk and soul band formed in 1974 in New Orleans, Louisiana, following the rise of bands like Kool & the Gang and Earth, Wind & Fire. Initially established in Memphis, Tennessee, they relocated to New Orleans where they became the studio band for renowned songwriter and producer Allen Toussaint, which significantly influenced their musical style and trajectory in the industry.
The band was active primarily throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, contributing to the vibrant music scene of New Orleans during that period. Their sound is characterized by a hard funk style infused with soulful melodies, which was a hallmark of many New Orleans-based acts. The lineup included notable members such as saxophonist Amadee Castenell, whose contributions were vital to their unique sound.
Chocolate Milk released several albums during their career, although they did not achieve the mainstream success of some of their contemporaries. Nevertheless, they garnered a loyal following and are often cited as an underrated group outside the mainstream spotlight. Their music continues to resonate with fans of funk and soul, highlighting the rich musical heritage of New Orleans.
Action Speaks Louder Than Words
A2 Time Machine 4:32
A3 My Mind Is Hazy 4:42
A4 Confusion 4:12
A5 Pretty Pimpin' Willie 4:00
B1 Tin Man 3:21
B2 Chocolate Pleasure 3:36
B3 People 2:54
B4 Ain't Nothin' But A Thing 2:59
B5 Out Among The Stars 5:35
Written by Castenell Jr. (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5), Chocolate Milk (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5), Richards (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5), E. Dabon (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5), Richard (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5), Smith III (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5), Williams (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5), Harris (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5), Tio (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5), R. Dabon (tracks: A1 to A5, B2 to B5)
Label: RCA Victor – APL1-1188
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Bayou Funk
Chocolate Milk's 1975 debut, Action Speaks Louder Than Words, is a highly-regarded New Orleans funk/soul classic, praised for its tight musicianship, strong grooves, and politically-charged title track, blending traditional R&B with modern funk, with tracks like "Time Machine" and "Ain't Nothing But a Thing" highlighted as standout deep cuts, making it a timeless collector's item sampled heavily by hip-hop artists.
Produced by the legendary Allen Toussaint, the album features rich, funky grooves, powerful horns, a solid rhythm section, and polished vocals, embodying classic New Orleans funk with a cool, jazzy, and sometimes socially conscious edge.
The song "Action Speaks Louder Than Words" is a slow, moody funk track with a strong political message, built around a Moog bassline and searing guitars, becoming a major influence and sample source for artists like Public Enemy and Aaliyah.
Beyond the hit, tracks like the jazzy "Time Machine," "Ain't Nothing But a Thing," and "My Mind Is Hazy" are celebrated as essential funk cuts, notes Soul Brother Records.
The album is considered a must-have for funk and soul fans, valued for its quality from start to finish, avoiding filler, and its lasting impact, especially within hip-hop, mention Amazon.in and Juno Records.
Overall, it's a landmark debut, a solid funk LP with standout tracks and deep grooves, retaining its relevance and desirability for collectors.
The album has seen several modern reissues, including limited edition color vinyl pressings (e.g., blue or red) in 2015, 2024, and 2025, reflecting its enduring appeal to funk devotees.
Chocolate Milk
A2 How About Love 5:52
A3 Spread A Little Love 4:56
A4 You've Got Your Spell On Me 3:07
B1 Let The Music Take Your Mind 4:22
B2 Crazy About You 3:31
B3 Party Happy 3:16
B4 Running Away 3:43
B5 Pluck It 5:16
Written by Chocolate Milk
Label: RCA Victor – APL1-1399
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Chocolate Milk's 1976 self-titled album isa New Orleans funk/R&B record known for its groovy rhythms, socially conscious lyrics, and blend of funk, soul, and R&B, featuring singles like "How About Love," showcasing the band's energetic sound rooted in the Crescent City's rich musical heritage but with unique flair, produced by legends like Allen Toussaint.
Sound: Groovy, energetic, blending traditional New Orleans funk with broader R&B influences, incorporating synthesizers and tight horn arrangements. Producers: Allen Toussaint and Marshall Sehorn, key figures in New Orleans music. Notable Tracks: "How About Love," "You've Got Your Spell On Me," "Let The Music Take Your Mind," and "Never Ever Do Without You". Significance: Established the band in the funk scene, drawing from New Orleans' rich musical history while offering a distinct sound.
In essence, the album is a vibrant example of 70s funk, capturing the unique spirit of New Orleans music through the lens of Chocolate Milk's soulful and funky vision, solidifying their place in funk history. Available in expanded editions with bonus tracks like 7" single versions of "Girl Callin'," "Say Won'tCha," and "Grand Theft".