With the stumble of their previous album, Kool & The Gang opted to part ways with long-time producer, Eumir Deodato. Rather than search for a new one, the band would opt to take control, and self-co-produce 1983's In The Heart with Jim Bonnefond.
Their first single, Straight Ahead, would fail to make waves, poising the band for their second failure in a row. However, once the single Joanna was dropped, it soared all the way to number two, being proclaimed the most played song of 1984 by Broadcast Music International. The single, Tonight, would follow, and peak at a respectable number thirteen, but their final single, (When You Say You Love Somebody) In the Heart, would falter completely. It did, though, manage to hit the R&B charts, becoming a moderate hit.
Things start out for the album on the typical funk note for the that previous albums have brought with the title track. It's followed by Joanna, which admittedly, much lick Celebration, has never been one of my favorites from them, despite being considered one of their best. Though it is the reason I ultimately picked up In The Heart.
Tonight is probably my favorite from the record. It's an unexpected gem for me, since I've never heard it before. This is followed by Rollin', a very basic, if not extremely repetitive song, but on the heels of Tonight, kind of keeps a solid vibe going. Elevating it beyond what it probably deserves.
Personally, I don't know why the single, Straight Ahead failed on the charts. I think it's a really solid tune. Is it their best? No, but it's far from their worst. I suppose at the end of the day, when you look at the charts from that year, it puts it more into perspective. There were a lot of massive hits that year. You can check out all my Retro Spin posts from last year to see just that, as each day features the Billboard Hot 100 from that day in its respective year (shameless plug).
Much like previous albums from The Gang, things tapper off quite drastically on the back half, and I find myself losing interest from song to song. Things end on a "just okay" note. Overall, though, I'm not sad about my time spent with In The Heart.
Kool & The Gang would hit hard in 1984 with their biggest selling album of all time, Emergency. It's actually the first album I played through from the band, containing my favorite song from them, Misled. As such, my next post will actually be my last from the band, 1986's Forever. Granted, it's not their last entry into the 80's.
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