Bar-Kays - Dangerous (1984)

Review:
Able to move with the times, bringing all the elements of the new
breed into their sound, and keeping their funk roots intact while
traversing the slippery slope of 1980s dance, the Bar-Kays scored
another hit with 1984's massive Dangerous LP. Whittled down to a hefty
octet for this outing, the Bar-Kays easily proved they were still up
to their old tricks, smoothly updating their sound while continuing to
take some well-intentioned and good-humored jabs at more than a few
peers along the way. This now-traditional penchant, never meant to
hurt and only done in homage, is perhaps best heard across the album's
three hit singles. Not only was the monstrously sassy "Freakshow on
the Dance Floor" an integral part of the film Breakin', but the
incorporated elements from Midnight Starr's "No Parking on the
Dancefloor" were just evident enough to prove that the similarities
were deliberate. Following on the heels of that hit came the mid-tempo
groover "Dirty Dancer," which tongue-and-cheekily captured the essence
of Michael Jackson's current "Billie Jean," leaving the synthed-out
"Sexomatic" following quite happily in Prince's purple footsteps. And
while it's true that these songs may well be the best elements of
Dangerous, the band wasn't done yet -- not by a long shot. The title
track remains an outstanding sliver of smooth dance that seamlessly
incorporates more than a few Euro-disco splashes into the mix. It's
very much of its era, but still compellingly fresh nevertheless.
Elsewhere, the band rounds out the relative frenzy with one single
ballad, the well-intentioned "Lovers Should Never Fall in Love,"
capping off another effusive, energetic set. And although, at the
time, it seemed as if the Bar-Kays were unstoppable, Dangerous would
prove to be the band's last major hit -- making this album one to
savor. (Amy Hanson-All Music Guide).