Episode 2: Ask Rufas by Rufas and Chaka Khan

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January 14, 2025 • 68 mins

Backwards Beats - Episode 2: Ask Rufus by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan

Episode Summary

In this episode, Dan and Carl dive into Ask Rufus, the 499th album on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Albums of All Time. This marks a significant departure for Rufus from their funk roots, as the album embraces orchestral arrangements and jazz influences, showcasing Chaka Khan's extraordinary vocal range and the band's musical prowess. They break down the tracks, explore the musical transitions, and debate whether this album deserves its spot.

Key Points Discussed

Album Overview: Rufus' transition from funk to a more jazz and R&B-oriented sound.
Chaka Khan's Impact: Her vocal brilliance is the anchor of this album. The guys discuss her rise to fame, both with Rufus and as a solo artist.
Track-by-Track Review:
At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up) - A fusion-y opener with a powerful horn section, but the band leaves its intro lick behind.
Close the Door - Strings dominate this ballad, taking listeners into 1970s orchestration trends.
Slow Screw Against the Wall - The episode's most puzzling moment. This instrumental track falls flat, earning a skip recommendation.
Earth Song - A unique track with a complex song structure, blending funk and orchestral arrangements with jazz influences.
Everlasting Love - The album’s standout track, later covered by Mary J. Blige, solidifies its legacy.
Hollywood - A groovy track with rich vocal harmonies and standout keyboard patches. Dan dives into the synthesizer history behind the sound.
Magic in Your Eyes - The perfect R&B groove, with tight bass and keyboard interplay.
Better Days - Featuring organic percussion elements and a cool "cuîca" sound that adds a personal, rhythmic touch.
Egyptian Song - An orchestral-heavy closer that strays into musical theater territory and leaves the hosts debating its place as the album’s final track.

Featured Segments

Quality Time: A deep dive into Earth Song and its ambitious orchestral arrangements, featuring detailed track breakdowns.
Would You Hit It?: Dan and Carl discuss whether Ask Rufus is vinyl-worthy and if it makes their personal rotations.

Fun Facts & Tidbits

Stevie Wonder's Connection: Rufus' hit Tell Me Something Good was written by Stevie Wonder, cementing their place in music history.
Synth Spotlight: Dan shares his journey down the synthesizer rabbit hole, exploring whether the Yamaha GX1 or a Mini Moog was used on this album.
Shaka Khan's Longevity: From Tell Me Something Good to her solo hits like I'm Every Woman, her career spans over 54 years with 70 million records sold.

Music Referenced