DIVA TALK: “Chaka Khan is Still Every Woman”
By Louie Ranieri
Staff Writer
Music legend and Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan, released her 13th studio album, titled “CHAKZILLA,” on Sept. 18. This is her first album since “Hello Happiness” released in February 2019. The renowned diva, known for her hit songs such as “I’m Every Woman,” “Through the Fire,” “Ain’t No Body,” and “I Feel for You,” along with countless others, is now collaborating with other music legends on this album. You’ll be hearing the iconic sounds of Snoop Dogg, Sia, and Lenny Kravitz on a few new tracks. Chaka recently promoted her latest single, “Curious Subject,” from this album on “ColorsxStudios.” This is a German music platform where artists can perform and get exposure from around the globe. Chaka’s first appearance made headlines on social media when she soulfully belted her 1984 hit, “Through the Fire.” She left the world in awe and wanting more. A few weeks later, Chaka made a second appearance to sing “Curious Subject.” Chaka and her team knew exactly what they were doing when they hooked the world into listening to her for a second time. This brought great publicity and exposure to a new song, helping promote and sell her new album. In a recent interview with “ColorsxStudios,” Chaka was asked a series of behind-the-scenes questions that I found interesting. Chaka was asked, “What informed the sound of your new album, ‘CHAKZILLA?’” She replied with, “Pop. My pop element. That’s where I started. I think this is a special CD. Not just because of the lyrics and the music and the genius behind it. Usually, when I do an album, I’m done. Next! However, on this album, I find myself, you know, listening to it, like, for enjoyment. And that’s a big deal.” Chaka was then asked, “Your new single features Snoop Dogg. What made you want to work with him?” Chaka replied, “Snoop is somebody to look up to. What a genius. I adore his brain and his work ethic. And he’s got all these great, wonderful ideas that he’s actually doing. You see him on a skateboard with a joint in his mouth … and all of a sudden, the skateboard turns into a dachshund, a dog! Cool shit!” I stayed up all night just to be one of the first few people to hear Chaka’s new album, and it was well worth the wait! I skipped the first three songs, since they had already been released as singles weeks and even months earlier, only listening to the new songs that were released that night. “Cool You Down,” featuring Sia, is very Sia-coated. It carries the signature sound that Sia brings into her productions. It is a very fun and fresh song, especially for Chaka’s style. The intro guitar and bass strums are classic Chaka. Then comes in a different style of pop than Chaka is known for. This song would be a favorite if it were released earlier in the summer. The theme of the song is feeling heat and cooling down, which sounds like it would be summer-related. So, in my opinion, having a summer-related song drop almost three weeks into September, when Pumpkin Spice is everywhere you look and Halloween is in every store, I feel a disconnect with this song. It should’ve been released as one of the first three singles while the season of summer was still prominently with us. “I Know You Can” is possibly my favorite track from this album. This song is arranged so well. I love the energy, the message, and the style of this song. It connects to Chaka’s roots in funk and pop! Chaka is very spiritual, and this song interprets her beliefs while tying in a message of trust, love, and unity with the energy that surrounds her and gives her what she needs. The following lyrics paint the picture for what this song is about:
“One day, I had many things on my mind, / And I couldn't think of one thing that I wanted to do, / I called to you and asked you to send me a sign, and you did, / So I decided to believe in you … / Yes, I know you can do it, Yes I’ll help you get through it” This song gives me a sense of security and hope. This song is like an affirmation for me, as it has a message that is uplifting and reminds me that I can do anything with the right people by my side. With only reviewing a couple songs, I would give this album four out of five stars. It is up to date, relevant, catchy, and carries Chaka’s legacy in a great light! I hope you give this album a listen and enjoy it as much as I did!
