Artist: Cameo Album: Machismo

Year: 1988
Duration: 43:51

A Critical Review of Cameo's Album Machismo

If you're a fan of funk and R&B, then you've likely heard of the iconic band Cameo. This celebrated group has been around since the 1970s, and their music has served as a backdrop to many of our fondest memories. One of their standout albums, Machismo, remains a favorite among fans old and new. In this article, we're going to take a critical look at this album. We'll explore the history of Cameo and the music genre of the album, discuss the best songs of the album, as well as highlight its most innovative parts. Finally, we'll give our honest thoughts and critique of this iconic funk masterpiece.

Before we dive deep into Machismo, let's take a quick look at the history of the band. Cameo formed in New York City in 1974 and was initially known for their raw, funk-heavy sound. Throughout the years, they've added elements of R&B, soul, and even rock to their music, cementing their place in music history and making them one of the most successful bands of their time.

Machismo was released in 1988, and it marked a shift in the band's sound. While their previous work had been more raw and gritty, Machismo was a more polished and refined sound. The album features a mix of smooth R&B ballads and upbeat dance tracks that showcase the band's versatility.

Now, let's get into the best songs of the album. You Make Me Work is a standout track that perfectly blends funk and R&B. The lyrics are catchy and upbeat, while the instrumentation is a groovy and funky masterpiece. I Want You is another excellent track, where the band's lead singer, Larry Blackmon's, smooth vocals take center stage. Skin I'm In is the final track of the album and provides a perfect conclusion with its upbeat sound, catchy melody, and funky horn section.

One of the most innovative parts of Machismo is the use of horns and other brass instruments throughout the album. The horn section adds a depth and richness to the band's already exciting sound. The use of a mix of live and electronic instruments was also a bold move, as it produced a seamless blend that resulted in a fresh and exciting new sound.

Critically speaking, Machismo does have its flaws. While the album overall is fantastic, some tracks feel repetitive and lackluster in comparison to the standout tracks. In addition, some may argue that the album's overly polished sound lost some of the band's raw charm and grittiness.

Overall, Machismo is a fantastic album from a legendary funk band. It showcases the depth of Cameo's versatility and their ability to produce memorable music. While the album has some flaws, they are negligible in comparison to the album's overall quality. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring Machismo and encourage anyone who has not listened to it yet to give it a try.

Overall, Machismo is a fantastic album from a legendary funk band. It showcases the depth of Cameo's versatility and their ability to produce memorable music. While the album has some flaws, they are negligible in comparison to the album's overall quality. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring Machismo and encourage anyone who has not listened to it yet to give it a try.