This is an improvement over Hancock's disco-era productions since at least it is grounded in Herbie's own '70s funk outings ("Chameleon," etc.) instead of generic dance music. Technically, this is an R&B album -- not disco -- with funkier, more flexible rhythm sections, more intriguing electronic instrumental decorations by Hancock, and some first-class instrumental contributions by the Brothers Johnson, the Escovedo family and Michael Brecker. Herbie even gives himself solo breaks on "Magic Number" and "Satisfied with Love" that redeem both tracks and there is a spooky foretaste of techno-pop on "The Twilight Clone." True, this album is still dominated by the R&B vocals of Sylvester, Gavin Christopher and Vicki Randle but Hancock's own sonic signatures make this record listenable. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide
Personnel involved in this album, besides Herbie himself, include among others: Melvin "Wah Wah Watson", Ray Parker Jr., Sylvester, Paulinho da Costa and the Escovedo siblings.
Track listing
"Magic Number" 7' 21 - lead vocals by Sylvester
"Tonight's the Night" 6' 28
"Everybody's Broke" 7' 05
"Help Yourself" 6' 40
"Satisfied With Love" 6, 28
"The Twilight Clone" 8' 15
Synthesisers
Amongst the other synthesisers employed on this album, an Alpha Syntauri[1] (modified Apple ][ computer) was used for some of the tracks.
Liner-notes on the CD version, from "Jazz Originals Series", say "There are no strings, or other orchestral instruments on this album. All of these orchestrations are performed by Herbie Hancock on various synthesizers."
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