Music Box [Bonus Tracks]

by Evelyn "Champagne" King

Overview

Producer T. Lifeenlisted a few different players on King's sophomore set. The resulting flavor is a bit jazzier than 1977's Smooth Talk, but also more formulaic and predictable. The fun, funky grooves are replaced here by thinner dance concoctions; and furthermore, the songs themselves aren't as substantial, lyrically or melodically. King does her best to shine over the humdrum, which she does most successfully on the two-part hustler "Steppin' Out" and catchy titletrack. Both of these numbers are rhythmically enticing, offering more variety than the predominating safe outings (the washy "Out There," very repetitive "Make up Your Mind"). She also tries her hand at a pair of slow-grooves -via a typical soul ballad, "Let's Start All Over Again," and the subdued, percussive "I Think My Heart Is Telling." The latter is remarkable for its restraint, and actually allows a nice forum for King to show her softer side. The jewels are few and considerably far between. Basically, the singer got caught up in what was probably RCA's attempt to fashion her into the somewhat mellowed-out, commercial disco trends of '79. But in the end, Music Box proved much less commercially successful than its predecessor. For listeners who simply appreciate King's passionate vocals, the set is worth sifting through; but for those looking for classic King grooves a la "Love Come Down" and "Shame," Music Box is better passed on. ~ Justin M. Kantor

Product Details

Release Date:	05/04/2018
Label:	Funky Town Grooves
UPC:	0886979092723
Rank:	82721

Tracks

1. Music Box
2. Let's Start All Over Again
3. Out There
4. No Time For Fooling Around
5. Steppin Out, Pt. 1
6. Steppin Out, Pt. 2
7. Make Up Your Mind
8. I Think My Heart Is Telling
9. It's OK
10. Music Box [12" Version]
11. Out There [12" Version]
12. Make Up Your Mind [12" Version]
13. Out There [7" Version]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Evelyn "Champagne" King   Primary Artist
Leo Adamian   Drums
Kim Miller   Guitar
Nat Lee   Keyboards,Synthesizer
William Kimes   Guitar
Steve Robbins   Keyboards
Irene Cara   Vocals (Background)
Luther Vandross   Vocals (Background)
Rubens Bassini   Congas,Percussion
Scottie Miller   Guitar
Kimberley Carlson   Vocals (Background)
Raymond Earl   Bass
Robert Berry   Bass
Sam Peake   Sax (Alto),Sax (Tenor),Piano (Electric)
Will Lee   Bass
Stephen A. Love   Guitar
Jocelyn Shaw   Vocals (Background)
Dennis Richardson   Keyboards
Annie Sutton   Vocals (Background)
Theodore Life   Guitar

Technical Credits

Acy Lehman   Art Direction
Ken Dudley   Composer
Bill Green   Composer,Assistant Producer,Composer
Tony Calvert   Reissue Producer
Nancy Parisi   Coordination
Art Kaplan   Contractor
Barry Towler   Liner Notes
Dana Cobbs   Producer
Frank Bernadine   Assistant Engineer
Pauline Conboy   Stylist
Sheila Adkins   Producer
William Kimes   Composer
Matt Murphy   Production Manager
Joe Freeman   Composer
Warren Schatz   Executive Producer
Rick Rowe   Engineer
Reuben Cross   Composer
Maria Triana   Mastering
John H. Fitch, Jr.   Composer
Donald Cleveland   Reissue Producer
Sam Peake   Composer,Assistant Producer
Darroll Gustamachio   Engineer
Nick Sangiamo   Photography
Bob Schwaid   Direction
Theodore Life   Composer,Producer
George Andrews   Horn Arrangements,String Arrangements
Gene Leone   Engineer
Mikki Farrow   Composer