"Doin' That Thing to Me" contains a reference to the mythological wizard Merlin in its lyrics. By some strange twist of nature, mythology was certainly at work when those reviewing Chic-Ism on its release in 1992 dismissed it purely because Chic were old hats. In actuality, the worst thing about it is the cover. Chic-Ism certainly isn't likely to make album of the century listings, but as Chic albums go, it's fine if a tad '80s, which is to be expected as it was recorded only two years into the '90s. What were critics expecting of Chic -- synthesizers à la Kraftwerk? Kicking in with the infectious "Chic Mystique," a little too long at six and a half minutes, it's pretty much business as usual. This leads into "Your Love" and "Jusagroove," both keeping pace before slowing down for "One and Only One." "In It to Win It" is a perfect update of their New York disco-funk style, a recipe that bands like the Brand New Heavies emulated in later years. The last stretch of the album includes "High," a beauty that is close enough a slowed down "Good Times." "MMFTCF (Make My Funk the Chic Funk)" and a better edited reprise of "Mystique" conclude. ~ Kelvin Hayes, All Music Guide
Chic (Main Performer), Al Brown (Strings), Bernard Edwards (Bass), Bernard Edwards (Arranger), Bernard Edwards (Conductor), Bernard Edwards (Vocals), Bernard Edwards (Producer), Bernard Edwards (Group Member), Nile Rodgers (Guitar), Nile Rodgers (Arranger), Nile Rodgers (Conductor), Nile Rodgers (Vocals), Nile Rodgers (Producer), Nile Rodgers (Group Member), Dennis Collins (Vocals), Dennis Collins (Vocals (Background)), Tawatha Agee (Vocals), Tawatha Agee (Vocals (Background)), Julien Barber (Strings), Elena Barere (Strings), Steve Boyer (Engineer), Briz (Vocals (Background)), Sterling Campbell (Drums), Michelle Cobbs (Vocals), Michelle Cobbs (Vocals (Background)), Victor Deyglio (Second Engineer), Patrick Dillett (Engineer), Tom Durack (Engineer), Max Ellen (Strings), Steve Elson (Sax (Alto)), Steve Elson (Sax (Baritone)), Steve Elson (Sax (Soprano)), Steve Elson (Sax (Tenor)), Sonny Emory (Drums), Winterton Garvey (Strings), Gerald Tarack (Strings), Jon Goldberger (Engineer), Jon Goldberger (Mixing), Mac Gollehon (Trumpet), Mac Gollehon (Flugelhorn), Mac Gollehon (Piccolo Trumpet), Juliet Haffner (Strings), Stan Harrison (Sax (Alto)), Stan Harrison (Sax (Tenor)), Roy Hendrickson (Second Engineer), Richard Hilton (Keyboards), Richard Hilton (Programming), Richard Hilton (Engineer), Regis Iandiorio (Strings), Hiro Ishihara (Second Engineer), Brenda King (Vocals), Brenda White-King (Vocals), Rich Lamb (Second Engineer), Andres Levin (Programming), Richard Locker (Strings), Bob Ludwig (Mastering), Katherine Miller (Second Engineer), Dave O'Donnell (Engineer), Dave O'Donnell (Mixing), Gene Orloff (Concert Master), Matthew Raimondi (Strings), David Schiffman (Second Engineer), Richard Sortomme (Strings), Marti Sweet (Strings), Mitsue Takayama (Strings), Fonzi Thornton (Vocals), Fonzi Thornton (Vocals (Background)), Budd Tunick (Production Coordination), Gerardo Velez (Percussion), Frederick Zlotkin (Strings), Art Smith (Drum Technician), Sylver Logan Sharp (Vocals), Sylver Logan Sharp (Group Member), Geraldo Velez (Percussion), Justin Luchter (Second Engineer), Oscar James (Strings), Oscar James (Copyist), Al Brown & His Tunetoppers (Strings), Jenn Thomas (Vocals), Jenn Thomas (Group Member), Princessa (Rap)
