Bar-Kays - Nightcruising (1981/2008)

Review by Amy Hanson, AMG

By 1981, the Bar-Kays were firmly at the front of the synth-laden R&B pack that would come to dominate much of the scene. But, although they had left their Stax era chops behind, four albums into their Mercury career the band was still capable of flinging some fine funk your way. Best described, perhaps, as contemporary and more urban dance, Nightcruising showcased the band in fine form. Multiple lineup changes hadn't detracted too much from their overall proficiency, a seamless sound ineffably aided by their long-term relationship with producer Allen Jones. The sonics here are slick, bright, and punchy, and when the Bar-Kays are good they're nearly unstoppable, a trait best experienced across the hits "Hit and Run" and the deliciously lunatic "Freaky Behavior," which is packed with electronic antics and just a hint of Rick James styling. But there are other nice touches as well, particularly across the older school-styled "Touch Tone" and "Traffic Jam." Where the band stumbles, however, is across their ballads. They're nice enough to be sure, but listeners have never looked to the Bar-Kays to fill that void. And ultimately, it's this mishmash of style and intent that detracts from the overall package. Rather than try to please everyone, the band should stick to what they do best -- thrill the grooves off a crowd.