Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Head Of The Class of "Old Skool", April 24, 2002
This album truly represents a pinnacle for both the collective known as Rufus, as well as soul music in the mid-seventies.
Rufus and Chaka Khan had put some serious funk on vinyl before they recorded "Ask Rufus", and this album is quite a departure from their previous efforts. Much more lush and subdued than their previous recordings,Ask Rufus is sheer magic from opening cut to closing coda.
Rufus follow the lead of 70's pioneers Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder in that they made they made the transition from a "singles" band (admittedly, with some mighty fierce singles in their catalogue) to "album" band, where tracks are thought out and programmed to provide maximum pleasure to the listener. As a result, there is not one single moment of filler on this album.
The opening kick of "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)" reminds you that Rufus probably kicked funk grooves as well as any of their seventies compatriots. Surprisingly, it is the only heavy funk jam on this entire album. From track two, the incredibly beautiful Close The Door, through the end of the CD, the mood goes soft, and restraint shines brilliantly. It shows a side of Chaka rarely seen on the band's earlier performances - the ability to use that incredible voice to wow, rather than plow you over.
The two best tracks on Ask Rufus, "Everlasting Love" and "Better Days" give Chaka the chance to show off the best pipes in the industry. While many listeners have always been amazed by Ms. Khan's wailing abilities, it is her incredible talent to show bliss and pain through her voice that makes these tracks stand out.
"Hollywood", another stellar track is the kind of tune that you can easily swing and sway along with. It's impossible to sit still when this jam is playing.
"Magic In His Eyes", "Earth Song" and "Egyptian Song" also shine. Each of these tracks flow with a rhythmic smoothness that is missing in modern music.
Soul albums this good simply are not made anymore. Despite all the "neo-retro" revivalism going on in the r&b world today, there will never be another golden era of music like the mid 70's r&b age. And Ask Rufus is right at the head of the class of this entire "old skool".
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
SOLID FROM END TO END!, June 8, 2000
Being such a powerful presence on her own, one tends to forget that Yvette Marie Stevenson (better known as the wondrously voluptous Chaka Khan) was once a member of this top notch band. This 1977 release was a benchmark for future R&B groups to follow. From the synth intro to "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)" the band never falters. This album is that rare gem that manages to balance the key elements I look for in a 5 star recording; good lyrics, superb musicianship, a singer who actually seems proud of her voice and isn't afraid to wail her heart out, pristine sound quality, memorable hooks and last but not least, unveil something new with every listening. On these levels, "Ask Rufus" succeeds brilliantly. The ballads are all standouts; "Close The Door" is fairly straightforward until it's bridge when drummer Andre Fischer does some subtle, jazzy improvisations complemented by Bobby Watsons' supple, deep bass grooves, "Earth Song" is one of many tracks featuring the sublimely gorgeous string arrangements of Claire Fisher and evokes a relaxed, intimate feel. The hits "Everlasting Love",( one of Ms. Chaka's best vocals ever, building from a very sexy, deep throated croon to her trademark ecstatic wail) has become a quiet storm staple deservedly so, "Hollywood" is the catchiest hook on the album sung in a comfortable, confident alto and tightly harmonized on the chorus. This song also features some great guitar work by Tony Maiden (acoustic and electric that lends the track it's jazzy, highbrow feel, one listen and this tune will be in your head for days. The mellow, smoothed out vibe on "Magic In Your Eyes" is perfect bedtime listening (my brother Wilson first made me really listen to how the strings surge in the background after the second chorus) and dares you not to be relaxed while it's on. My personal favorite is the insistent, hopeful "Better Days", (Special Note: listen to how Chaka's voice melts into the synth line on the word 'ahead' in the first chorus, it's one of many little production touches that elevate this piece of music to the level of art),features great lyrics about looking forward to a long, happy relationship with the one you love. The hook is repeated several times into the fade and lingers long after song has ended. The closer, "Egyptian Song" is stunning and problably the most ambitious thing these guys have ever put on record. To put it most aptly, it's a grandiose, sweeping mini-epic highlighted by Chaka's spine-tingling vocals, and more of Ms. Fisher's string arrangements which are always in perfect taste, never obtrusive. To close a pop album with a song about your ancestry and pride is further proof that these people were willing to take chances and it paid off. In all, great music from a great, influential band and the most gifted, sexiest singer of her generation. I'm proud to call this one a classic.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five Star Classic Album, August 6, 1999
By A Customer
This album was not only a hit with the critics but it was a major hit with the fans. This album out sold all of the other previous albums by Rufus and Chaka Khan. This album marks a period of experimentation by Khan and the group. For example, for the first time Chaka sings in a very low octave at the beginning of the song "Everlasting Love." During an interview, after the album's release, she stated that she wanted to explore the lower ranges in her voice.This album is a classic because it includes some of their best songs like "Close The Door," "Everlasting Love," "Earth Song," "Egyptian Song." Every song on this album is excellent. Not only did this album sell a million-plus, it was nominated for a Grammy in 1978 for best R&B performance by a duo or group. Rolling Stone member Ron Wood performed some guitar work on the album. Overall this album is a classic because the band decided to take a chance and go in a new direction and as a lover of all kinds of music I am glad they did.
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by Rufus & Chaka Khan 
