Artist: Chic Album: Chic-ism

Year: 1992
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of Chic-ism by Chic: Dance Music at its Finest

Chic-ism, the fourth studio album by the legendary disco-funk band Chic, released in 1992, marks the return of the band after a lengthy hiatus. Chic, founded by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards in 1976, is regarded as one of the most successful and innovative bands in the disco and funk genre. Their music has transcended its era and their influence can be traced in contemporary pop and dance music. In this article, we take a critical look at Chic-ism, its music style, the standout tracks, the innovative aspects of the album, and the overall critique of the album.

Chic-ism falls under the dance/funk genre, reflecting the band's signature sound. The album features ten tracks, including one instrumental, and a blend of traditional instrumentals and electronic elements. The production quality of the album is superb, thanks to Nile Rodgers' exceptional recording and mixing skills. The music style is upbeat and energetic, with contagious grooves and melodies that compel you to dance. The album's music might be considered too formulaic for some tastes, particularly the fans of chic's earlier music. However, the upbeat nature makes the album a perfect get-up-and-dance album.

The standout tracks on the album are Chic Mystique, Jusagroove, and Your Love. Chic Mystique features the powerful vocals of Sylver Logan Sharp and Michelle Cobbs, on top of a percussion-heavy rhythm that builds up to an epic chorus. Jusagroove, on the other hand, opens with Nile Rodger's signature guitar riffs, before exploding with funky basslines and horns. Your Love is a romantic song, with an infectious groove and smooth harmonies. The three tracks encapsulate the album's theme of dance, love, and groove.

Chic has always been known for its innovative music. Chic-ism is no different. The album features elements of electronic instruments, such as the synthesizer and drum machine, which give the album a fresh and contemporary sound. The band was also one of the first to embrace sampling as a creative tool, as evidenced in the track Chic Mystique. The sampling adds to the music's mystical atmosphere and highlights the band's mastery of its craft.

Critically speaking, Chic-ism is not without its flaws. The album's formulaic nature might turn off some fans who expected to see Chic's trademark innovation and experimentation. The album's length could also be improved, as some tracks, such as Chic Cheer sounding repetitive. Nevertheless, Chic-ism remains an enjoyable album, with its infectious rhythms, memorable hooks, and standout tracks.

Chic-ism by Chic is a worthy addition to the band's discography and a showcase of their signature sound and style. The album's upbeat dance groove, contagious melodies, and innovative elements make it ideal for fans of the dance/funk genre and listeners who want to explore the roots of contemporary pop and dance music. Chic-ism might not be the band's best work, but it highlights their contribution to the music industry and their legacy as one of the most influential bands in the world.