Chic
It’s About Time
(Virgin EMI)

Flicking electric and the title of the tune repeated with floating sweet female vocals gets our toes a’tapping on “Till the World Falls” the opening song on Chic’s new album, It’s About Time.

There’s more dancing to the slightly slower, great bass groove of “Boogie All Night,” a weirder lead vocal here but an even more infectious chorus. But the heavy snap and string sway of “Sober” is probably the biggest mover of all the opening tunes. The chorus is even more catchy than what proceeded it, and LunchMoney Lewis’s rap mid-way is fun.

Hearing piano lines wiggle around Nile Rodgers’ guitar at the opening of the instrumental “State Of Mind,” is really what I was hoping for within these 10 tunes. The piano and Rodgers’ sing-able guitar lines (he is even humming behind them) and then his wailing, with the wonderful drums and bass popping, makes all too real the calibre of the musicians here (and how much I love hearing Nile Rodgers play).

Lada Gaga weighs in singing the remake of the band’s classic “I Want Your Lover.” I do like me some Gaga, but I’m not sure this is anything other than a star turn for modern listeners. And then there is Elton John (yes, that Elton John) giving forth on “Queen.” His voice is pretty much covered in the layered vocals and the lyrics are trite.

It’s been nearly 30 years since we have heard any new recording from Nile Rodgers and Chic. Yes, you better believe It’s About Time!