Coming soon: Funk

Review: A funk masterpiece that redefined r&b and pop, this album blended gritty street themes with polished, danceable grooves and left a big mark on music when it dropped in 1981. James was already well known, but this LP catapulted him to superstardom, solidifying his signature "punk-funk" style and leaving an indelible mark on pop music. Kicking off with the incendiary 'Give It to Me Baby', James delivers an irresistible mix of slap bass, soaring horns and electrifying energy. The track became a club staple, setting the stage for the album's raw yet refined sound. The iconic 'Super Freak' is a funky, synth-driven anthem that remains one of the most recognisable basslines in music history, later sampled by MC Hammer for 'U Can't Touch This'. Beyond the hits, Street Songs is full of depth. 'Ghetto Life' paints a vivid picture of James' upbringing with a groove-heavy backdrop, while 'Fire and Desire', a stunning duet with Teena Marie, slows things down with its emotional intensity and soulful vocal interplay. 'Call Me Up' and 'Below the Funk (Pass the J)' further feature James' ability to fuse funk with rock and r&b seamlessly. The album's influence on pop music is immeasurable. It bridged funk and mainstream pop, inspiring artists from Prince to Bruno Mars. Its unapologetic energy and genre-blurring sound helped shape the future of r&b, hip-hop and dance music, proving that funk could be both raw and radio-friendly. Over four decades later, Street Songs still stands as a defining statement of funk's evolution into the pop landscape.