LP Review: Party 'Til You're Broke
Released: 1981
LP Charts: #24 R&B, #73 pop
Accounting for the absence of Chaka Khan, Rufus’s official lineup remained unchanged from their previous album.
However, I am delighted to report that Angela Winbush and René Moore had joined the unofficial flock. Proteges of bassist Bobby Watson (some other website say he and Moore were brothers), the two young singers and songwriters would find fame on their own recording as René & Angela. Their backing vocals and musical sensibilities provide a needed warmth for this album.
The opening “Tonight We Love” is an alright midtempo dance number. And I hate to admit it, but the saccharine “Hold On To A Friend” wins me over. I think it’s because of the backing vocals which feature Winbush, Moore, and long-time Rufus associate Lalomie Washburn (who co-wrote the track).
Another perennial Rufus chum, Gavin Christopher, wrote the decent “Love Is Taking Over”, which is chock full of chunky synth bass. “Secret Love” is an incredibly lightweight song, but it’s catchy as hell. “Party 'Til You're Broke” is hyperactive dance funk.
Hawk Wolinski co-wrote the at-times bombastic “Can I Show You”. Between its alternating slow sways and thundering horns, there’s a really good song here, but Maiden’s vocals can’t carry it. Maybe if Chaka Khan or Angela Winbush had the reins…
The album was doing well enough thus far, but it hits some rough patches on the back end. “You’re Made for Me”? Meh. “What Is It” is another track limited by the limited vocalist. Sorry, Hawk, but it’s the truth.
The pleasant groover “We Got the Way” temporarily stops the bleeding because (surprise!) it was written by Watson, Winbush, and Moore. In fact, “We Got the Way” is basically a René & Angela song snuck onto this LP. All the vocals are sang in unison by Rufus, Winbush, and Moore, but the young outsiders’ voices are most prominent.
“Afterwards” gets credit for trying to mesh LA pop with new wave. It doesn’t totally work, but at least it’s short (3:08).
ALBUM GRADE: C
A charming effort from the band that fans will find mostly nice, especially Side One.
Song Scores
Tonight We Love: 6/10
Hold On To A Friend: 7/10
Love Is Taking Over: 6/10
Secret Love: 6.5/10
Party 'Til You're Broke: 6/10
Can I Show You: 6/10
You’re Made For Me: 5/10
What Is It: 4/10
We Got the Way: 6.5/10
Afterwards: 5/10