Customer Reviews

Single Life

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When I was Growing up, I was constantly told " This doesn't concern you, this is BIG people business, or Big people Talk". Cameos "Single Life" CD is Big Peoples music. This album is often overlooked when people discuss Cameos body of work, but once found, it is a treasure chest that brings forth much pleasure. "Attack me with your Love" kicks off proceedings, with its addictive piano hook/chorus, was a hit at its initial time of release. "Single Life" follows which was huge. The True treasures of this CD are to be found in the lesser known tracks." I've got your Image" is a full blown soul outing, with a horns section in full effect (which is missing in today's soul scene.)As well as the quiet storm clasic"Look for Love", my favorite track is "Goodbye". The Horns are to the form in this outing as well, and whilst it might not be an immediate hit, repeated listening will emphasize the quality on display. This Album came after "She's Strange", and would be followed by the album that blew open the door for Cameo............... Word Up!!!

I have this album on CD format,on a rare German-Manufactured copy of the disc. Once again,Cameo displays musical versatility & quality musicianship. Their playing demonstrates a wide range of styles including Rap,Reggae and Rock. Even though Cameo switches styles throughout this 1985 disc,their One-of-a-Kind Funk Sound dominates the overall feel & vibe of the album. "Attack Me With Your Love" is Loose & Laid-back Funk with a synthesizer-laced groove while "Single Life" is a Ruff & Ready,almost risque Jam about the thrills of 'living the single life'. Though those jams are kickin',the absolute highlight of the album can be found in "I've Got Your Image",a beautifully-arranged uptempo number that is defined by its instantly infectious keyboard melody. Another standout track is the Rap inflected "Urban Warrior" as well as the mellow & moody "A GoodBye",with its distinctly Rock-Flavored Sound. All and all,this album satisfies,grooves & soothes the listener at the same time. Single Life can definately be filed under "Cameo's Greatest" list.

I have always idolized the men of Cameo for their wild and risqué in-your-face lyrics, style, and attitude. My Mother used to love Cameo and owned several of their albums including "Single Life." I fondly remember one night, when I was very young, in 1985, my Mother was getting all primped up for a night out with her girlfriends. And while she kept busy in her bedroom mirror preparing her big beautiful hair, this album was BLAAARING on max. The LP circled around to #2, and soon after that, I was floored, as my ear canal EXPLODED IN DELIGHT from the bridge section of the song "Single Life." It was the first time I had ever experienced something so highly profound. The vibe of the oboe-sounding keyboard, whistling from out of the speakers, throughout our house, soaring through the midnight hour, captivating my SOUL, was beyond any and every thing i've EVER imagined! There was something about that foreign siren that took a hold of me. I felt like I was taking a fantasy ride through hyper-space, anxiously awaiting the next stop to synthesizer glam-land, while guided by the bottom-heavy bass, and the nerve-racking heavy-metal guitar as chauffeurs. That sound was the beginning of my obsession with Cameo. And ever since then, I have had the utmost respect for these pioneers of Funk Music!. I have owned "The 12" Collection", and "Funk Essentials" for some time now, but there is nothing like owning the actual print work itself.

"Single Life" tracks

#1 - Attack Me With Your Love begins with a sassy intro in acapella, followed by a ferocious Tiger growl. The synthesizer reaches a much wider sonic-spectrum, leaving a gaseous glow guaranteed to cause hysteria. The percussion struts over top the catwalk in an up-town fashion, shutting out the rock-guitar's, as they take a short leave of absence this time around.

#2 - Single Life, my most dearest song. Larry Blackmon eliminates all dilly-dallying, and confesses up front that he's not looking for a serious relationship, because having singular fun Feels Sooooo Gooood!. The arrangement is welded together with a bass-stalking, lock-step beat, and paired with amped rock-guitars. This song marked the beginning usage of the spaghetti wild-western whistle that Cameo owned in the mid-80's ....edgy? yes, overall - PHENOMINAL!

#3 - I've Got Your Image. I love the rhythm in this song. The lyrics are quirky and soulful, with a tag-team effort from Larry and Charlie. There are many elements to this trumpet-dominated jazzy hit.

#4 - A Good-Bye. This is an often overlooked Cameo classic. So meaningful, and easily stirs emotions with lyrics such as: "And I know way down in my soul you'll come back to me....as i look in your eyes I see it's over."

#5 - I'll Never Look For Love. Promptly rolling in the Grand Piano in time to match the tick-tocking drums. Larry begins with his low-toned iconic baritone, then jumps a level raising his tone and voice. The keyboard twinkles in and out, holding it's own.

#6 - Urban Warrior gives a inventive style of arm-folding rapping...Cameo style. The off-step drumming adds something of a Rock & Roll effect (i.e. The Beastie Boys & Run DMC). The keyboard has a one-touch method as it loops through ever so often.

#7 - Little Boys, Dangerous Toys concludes the album. The lyrics in this song, to me, are totally bizarre, for instance: "Now hold on to me pretty baby If you want to fly, I'm gonna melt the fever sugar, Rolling back your eyes" and, "If what they say is true...You're a boy...and I'm a girl, I will never fall in love with you." But then again, nothing surprises me when it comes to Cameo, hence their wild & crazy influence on fans such as myself, and everyone in between.

When describing just how influential these Men were, I normally consider the term "cutting-edge." Then I briefly realize that such a term would prove to be an understatement. Cameo were OVER the edge and prominent. If "Single Life" was a warmup for Cameo's stardom, it hit them like a synth-smoking bolt of neon lightning from the heavens, trailed by an earth-shattering thunderclap. The nostalgic qualities this album possesses after just a few notes into Attack Me With Your Love are very powerful to me, and remind me of the follow-up sound to their album "Word Up." This 1985 souvenir transcends with tidbits such as the saxophone, the trumpet, the trombone, the timbales, the synthesizer and the drum machine, all wrapped in expensive, illuminating, colorful wrapping paper, and tied with a cute OvErSiZeD red bow.

I've been looking for this in CD for many years. Finally found it. Have it in all versions, LP, CD and Cassette. If I had an 8 track, I'd probably look for that too. One of Cameo's best.