But give her the right context, the right song, and the right producer, and she will create a classic every time. "What Cha' Gonna Do For Me?" from the 1981 album of the same name is a perfect example. Here, she had a song penned by Hamish Stuart of Average White Band plus superstar producer Arif Mardin (who had a golden touch for bringing out the groove or soul in any track) at the helm.
Every element of this song is in its right place. Chaka's lead and backing vocals (as always) are on point. The twin guitars are playing these tasty, dueling riffs, split into separate channels for maximum rhythmic effect. There are synths that strategically underpin parts of the track, but they're tastefully used. (The same can't be said for a lot of other R&B tracks of this era, which overused synthesizers.) And then the legendary Steve Ferrone (who has been full-time drummer for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers since 1995) locks in this funk groove, a millisecond behind the beat; it's the same way the late Al Jackson, Jr., from Booker T. & The MG's used to drum: just behind the beat, but as consistent as a metronome. It's a technique that gives the track a swinging, funky feel.
Also, I'm typically not a fan of keyboard bass. It always sounds a little wan and cheesy to me compared to electric or upright bass. But everything else on the track is so organic--including how the drums are miked (you hear the perfect separation of the hi-hats and ride cymbals in each speaker, the way you would hear them played live)--that the keyboard bass not only is passable, but it lends a nice little thump and another layer of texture to the whole affair. (In actuality, there's electric bass on the track, too. It's most prominent in the breakdown around the 3:12 mark.)
Just a great, feel-good groove from Queen Chaka.
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