Chic
Chic is an influential American disco and funk band that was formed in 1976 in New York City by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards. The duo was inspired to create a unique musical style after attending a Roxy Music concert, which, combined with their vision, led to the birth of the band.
Formation and Early Years The original lineup included Nile Rodgers, Bernard Edwards, drummer Tony Thompson, and two female vocalists, Norma Jean Wright and Luci Martin. Chic quickly became known for its distinctive sound, characterized by catchy melodies, danceable grooves, and sophisticated production techniques.
Rise to Fame Chic gained prominence in the late 1970s with a series of hits that defined the disco era. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1977, included the hit singles "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)" and "Everybody Dance," both of which showcased their innovative blend of disco and funk. Their second album, "C'est Chic," released in 1978, featured the iconic track "Le Freak," which became one of their most successful songs and is still celebrated today.
Impact on Music Chic's influence extended beyond their own recordings. They were pivotal in shaping the sound of the disco genre and have been credited as a major influence on various artists across multiple genres, including hip-hop, pop, and R&B. Their music has been sampled extensively, with "Good Times," another of their major hits, being one of the most sampled songs in music history.
Later Years and Legacy The band experienced a decline in mainstream popularity during the early 1980s as disco fell out of favor, but they continued to perform and record. Chic's legacy has seen a resurgence in recent years, with their music being featured in contemporary media and celebrated in popular culture. They have continued to tour and create new music into the 2020s, demonstrating their lasting appeal.
Chic remains a vital part of the music landscape, embodying the spirit of funk and disco while continuing to influence new generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
Believer
A2 You Are Beautiful 4:34
A3 Take A Closer Look 4:38
A4 Give Me The Lovin' 4:52
B1 Show Me Your Light 3:57
B2 You Got Some Love For Me 4:52
B3 In Love With Music 3:52
B4 Party Everybody 4:51
Written-By, Arranged By, Conductor – Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers
Label: Atlantic – 80107-1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Disco
Chic's 1983 album Believer is often seen as an underrated, forward-looking release that struggled commercially due to the post-disco backlash, despite featuring strong tracks like the electro-funk "You Are Beautiful," the moody title track "Believer," and the soulful "You Got Some Love For Me".
While some found it less impactful than earlier work, critics praise its innovative blend of disco roots with synthesizers, drum machines, and electro-funk, showcasing Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards experimenting with sounds that foreshadowed 80s dance music, even if it marked the end of Chic's original run. It moved Chic towards electro-funk and new wave, incorporating synthesizers and drum machines, which felt fresh but alienated some fans.
Highlights include the uplifting "You Are Beautiful," the atmospheric "You Got Some Love For Me," and the raw "Give Me The Lovin'". The title track, "Believer," subtly addressed the "Disco Sucks" era, with lyrics about perseverance, reclaiming the dance floor, and even using the word "dance".
Believer failed to chart highly, partly due to internal disagreements over singles and the shifting music landscape, leading to the band's temporary split. Many now view it as a pioneering album, ahead of its time, with its innovative sounds influencing later 80s dance hits, even if it was overlooked initially.
While not a massive hit, it's now considered a strong entry, especially for fans of Chic's evolution. Deeply overlooked" and important for its futuristic sound. In essence, Believer is a fascinating, if melancholic, snapshot of Chic looking forward, delivering complex grooves and innovative production that cemented its status as a cult classic.
C’est Chic
A2 Le Freak 5:23
A3 Savoir Faire 5:01
A4 Happy Man 4:17
B1 I Want Your Love 6:45
B2 At Last I Am Free 7:08
B3 Sometimes You Win 4:26
B4 (Funny) Bone 3:41
Written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers
Label: Atlantic – SD 19209
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1978
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk, Disco
Chic's C'est Chic (1978) is a landmark disco album, praised for its sophisticated funk, killer grooves, and iconic hits "Le Freak" and "I Want Your Love," showcasing Nile Rodgers' guitar and Bernard Edwards' bass, setting a standard for intelligent dance music that influenced genres like house and hip-hop, though some find tracks repetitive, it's generally hailed as a joyful, essential classic with strong rhythms and memorable hooks.
Features two major #1 hits, "Le Freak" (a massive crossover success) and the equally iconic "I Want Your Love," noted for its shimmering production, defined by the "chucking" guitar of Rodgers, Edwards' melodic basslines, and Tony Thompson's powerful drumming, with tasteful strings and keyboards.
Its sophisticated yet catchy approach became a template for dance-pop and post-disco, deeply impacting house and garage music. Opens strong with "Chic Cheer," includes upbeat tracks like "Happy Man," and offers depth with "At Last I Am Free," though some call tracks like "Savoir Faire" filler.
Widely considered a masterpiece and an essential listen, capturing the essence of disco at its peak, even if some note its occasional repetitiveness.
In essence, C'est Chic is a vibrant, fun, and musically rich album, lauded for its tight arrangements and enduring dancefloor appeal, solidifying Chic's place as disco royalty.
c est chic