Rufus

Rags to Rufus, the second LP from the pop group turned soul band, is most notable for lead
singer Chaka Khan's inspired performances. The album's two hit singles, Stevie Wonder's
sexy "Tell Me Something Good" and Khan's "You Got the Love" derive both their tension and
charm from her tough, sexy vocals. She consistently transcends the limited group-written
material and the competent but thin instrumental work by singing with a pliancy... More >

With Chaka Khan pushed up front this looks like L.A.'s answer to Tower of Power--white funk players behind black singer. Chopswise neither the hornless five-piece band nor the horny three-octave voice is up to Oakland's pride, but I prefer the attitude, which is to admit your limitations and keep it simple. Maybe no one would have noticed if Stevie Wonder hadn't given them "Tell Me Something Good." But he did. (Grade: B)