CoronaVinyl Day 162 (Two First Names): Street Songs by Rick James

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Today's CoronaVinyl category is "two first names."  Back in August, I did a category called "all first names," featuring Sam & Dave's greatest hits.  That category related to bands or groups.  This one relates to individuals that have first names and last names that could be first names.  Some examples include Chuck Berry, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Elton John, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Billy Paul, George Harrison, George Michael, Lionel Richie, Lou Reed, Huey Lewis, Rod Stewart, Carla Thomas, Mariah Carey, Gene Vincent, Bonnie Tyler, James Taylor, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Joe Jackson, Buddy Guy, Montell Jordan, Carl Douglas, Wyclef Jean, Paul Simon, Carly Simon, Gary Clark, Jr., Ricky Martin, Will Smith, Robert Randolph, Tommy James, Kim Gordon, and Wesley Willis, to name a few.

And, of course, there is funk and soul legend Rick James.  With his garish fashion sense, overtly sexual lyrics, outspokenness, and longtime hardcore drug use ("cocaine is a hell of a drug"), James was both famous and infamous.  Of course, his popularity resurged in 2004, after his appearance and comedic dramatization on Chappelle's Show as part of one of the hilarious Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories.  "I'm Rick James, bitch" was both a high point for Chappelle and one of those damn things that, after that, everyone felt the need to say to Chappelle.  Sadly, James died later that year.

Anywho, I have his 1981 album Street Songs, which was his fifth studio album and I think is fairly considered his signature album.  The album cover tells you everything you need to know about Rick James.  He's dressed is black leather pants, a black leather jacket, unzipped to show his bare chest, and thigh-high red leather boots.  Magnificent.

The album itself is a zesty combination of funk, soul, disco, and R&B, with an early '80s flair.  Backing vocals on the album are provided by the likes of The Temptations, Teena Marie, The Mary Jane Girls, and Welcome Back, Kotter actor Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, and Stevie Wonder even makes an appearance with a harmonica solo on "Mr. Policeman."

Street Songs was his highest-charting album, reaching #3 on the Billboard album chart and #1 on the Billboard R&B album chart.  It has two of his most well-known songs.  "Give It To Me Baby," which has appeared in various commercials over the years, hit #40 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it also reached #1 on the Billboard R&B Singles and Hot Dance Club Play charts.  "Super Freak" -- which was famously sampled by MC Hammer on "U Can't Touch This," earning James a Grammy for composing the song -- reached #16 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, and #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play charts.

The Spotify version of the album has two bonus tracks -- the 12" versions of "Give It To Me Baby" and "Super Freak."

Favorite song from Side 1:  "Give It To Me Baby"

This is just a great, catchy, uptempo funk song.  As a former bassist, I appreciate the funky bass intro.  Temptations founding member Melvin Franklin provides that deep bass backing vocal.

Favorite song from Side 2:  "Below The Funk (Pass The J)"
This one is another fast-paced funky number about James's upbringing in Buffalo and rise to fame.