Artist: Cameo Album: Cardiac Arrest

Year: 1977
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: Cardiac Arrest by Cameo

If you're a fan of old school funk and R&B, then you've definitely heard of the band Cameo, famous for hits like Word Up! and Candy. But in this post, we're going to dive deeper into one of their lesser-known albums, Cardiac Arrest. Released in 1977, this album was the second one from the band and helped to establish their signature style. We'll take a brief look at Cameo's history, explore the genre of the album, discuss the best songs on it, examine its most innovative parts, and offer a review of the album as a whole.

Cameo was formed in 1974 in New York City by Larry Blackmon, Tomi Jenkins, and others. They were a band that set itself apart from others through their unique style of funk and R&B that included elements of rock and hip-hop. Their music was characterized by catchy melodies, groovy basslines, and infectious beats that had fans grooving on the dancefloor. As they continued to release more albums, they gained a loyal following among funk and R&B music aficionados.

Cardiac Arrest, the subject of our review, is a prime example of the early days of Cameo's discography. It is a blend of funk, soul, and R&B with a touch of disco, all delivered in classic Cameo style. The album starts strong with the title track, Cardiac Arrest, a funky tune that packs a punch and sets the tone for the rest of the album. The next standout track is Your Love Takes Me Out, a groovy jam that showcases the band's signature sound.

One of the most innovative parts of Cardiac Arrest is the way the band incorporates different instruments into their music. For example, in Stand Up, they use handclaps and drum machines to create a unique beat that still sounds fresh today. The horns in Funk Funk are also a highlight of the album, adding depth and texture to the already funky track.

Another standout song is Find My Way, a slower and more soulful song that showcases the band's ability to create ballads as well as dance hits. Feel Me is also noteworthy for its use of synthesizers and catchy melody. These two tracks show that Cameo was not just a one-trick pony, but a band capable of creating a variety of sounds within their genre.

Now, let's get to the critique of the album. While there are many great tracks on Cardiac Arrest, there are also a few weaker ones. For example, Sparkle and Funk Funk can come off as a bit repetitive and lackluster compared to the rest of the album. However, these songs are still fun to dance to and fit in with the overall vibe of the album.

In conclusion, Cardiac Arrest is a solid album that showcases the early days of Cameo. Their signature sound is present throughout, with catchy melodies, groovy basslines, and infectious beats. The album's innovative use of different instruments adds depth to the sound, and there are standout tracks like Cardiac Arrest, Your Love Takes Me Out, and Find My Way. While there are a few weaker tracks, they don't detract from the overall quality of the album. If you're a fan of old school funk and R&B, then Cardiac Arrest is definitely worth a listen.