Cameo Songs Ranked
Cameo is an American soul-influenced funk group that formed in 1974. Cameo was initially a 14-member group known as the New York City Players; this name was later changed to Cameo because there was already another band using that name. When his manager asked him to choose a new name for the band, Larry Blackmon saw a billboard ad for Cameo cigarettes outside of the window of the hotel he was staying at and chose that name. As of 2009, some of the original members continue to perform together, while two others were hired by the hip hop group Outkast. In 2015, Cameo announced a new residency show at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, opening in March 2016. On February 20, 2019, Larry Blackmon of Cameo announced “El Passo”, the first new single from the band in 19 years. Here are all of the Cameo songs ranked.
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13. A Good-Bye (Single Life, 1985)
“”A Good-Bye” is often an overlooked Cameo classic. This love song is so meaningful, and easily stirs emotions, with one particular line: “A goodbye is just a device to bring you back to me.” “And I know way down in my soul that you’ll come back to me.” Now that’s one emotional chorus section, in my opinion!”
12. Urban Warrior (Single Life, 1985)
“Urban Warrior” gives an inventive style of arm-folding rapping—Cameo style! The off-step drumming adds something of a Hip-Hop/Rock & Roll effect (i.e. Run DMC). It’s rather a bit shocking coming from a group of innovative Funk pioneers. But, as the song unravels, it becomes more apparent that Mr. Blackmond is damn well capable of tackling any style/genre of music! Hearing Larry sing is one thing, but a “rapping” Larry Blackmond is too sexy for words!”
11. I’ll Never Look For Love (Single Life, 1985)
“I’ll Never Look For Love” promptly rolls in the grand piano in time for another slow, somber balled. Larry begins with his deep iconic baritone, then jumps a level or two, vocally. The keyboard often twinkles in and out, holding its own, and really gives this track the special touch that it needs to stimulate your mind and warm your heart.”
10. Shake Your Pants (Cameosis, 1980)
“Get on the dance floor you hipster. Quit standing there with your arms folded. It’s time to shake your pants. Shake your damn pants right now!”
See more: Cameo Albums Ranked
9. Rigor Mortis (Cardiac Arrest, 1977)
“The first cameo jam that I remember and my all time favorite because of the funky bass line, and one of the first songs that I heard of where the title was never sung”
8. Funk, Funk (Cardiac Arrest, 1977)
“What can I add to the song’s title? If you love funk, you gotta have “Funk Funk” in your collection. It is classic C-Funk (Cameo Funk) and classic funk of any kind. Take it from P-Funk, if you don’t have “Funk Funk” you ain’t got the funk at all. It’s off da funkin’ chain!”
7. Single Life (Single Life, 1985)
“Single Life” is my most memorable song from the boys of Cameo, and one of my personal favorites. Larry Blackmon eliminates all dilly-dallying and confesses up front that he’s not looking for a serious relationship, because having singular fun “feels so good!” The arrangement is welded tight with a jaws-Esque, lock-step beat, and paired with amped rock-guitars. There is a great stretch of synth and bass, particularly on the bridge section, where the synth streams along, then causes an abrupt collision with the explosive Rock guitar—love it! By the way, this song marked the beginning usage of the spaghetti wild-western whistle that Cameo owned in the mid-’80s. Edgy? Yes! Overall—PHENOMENAL!”
6. It’s Serious (We All Know Who We Are, 1978)
“I really really like Cameo – they dropped a bunch of fun, funky singles over the course of their 15-year career, and you can’t go wrong with any of their compilations. However, like many of their 70s funk/80s boogie brethren, Cameo was just mailing in the albums – they dutifully recorded one every year, but very few rise above the “collection of jams” formula This one, in particular, doesn’t have any sense of urgency and would be completely avoidable if it weren’t for “It’s Serious” – a vicious party jam that rocks their finest bassline ever.”
See more: Umphrey’s McGee Albums Ranked
5. She’s Strange (She’s Strange, 1984)
“I happen to like new jack-esque drums as these are when used right. The occasional power chord flashes are also very well-placed. Befitting the title its touch is quite light but it’s catchy and instantly likeable. I feel this has a level of craft comparable to some of Michael’s output at the time though still obviously quite different mood-wise.”
4. Word Up (Word Up!, 1986)
“For all the fierce antics and garish cod-pieces covering Larry Blackmon’s crotch, Cameo were often seen as more (lack of) style over substance, which is a shame since “Word Up” has one of the most infectious and original opening trios of songs of any album.”
3. I Just Want To Be (Secret Omen, 1979)
“Timeless and unmistakable sound of Cameo. This is a great dance party song. I listen to it on the road and rock out, forgetting about traffic. Get this and be happy.”
2. Candy (Word Up!, 1986)
“I happen to like new jack-esque drums as these are when used right. The occasional power chord flashes are also very well-placed. Befitting the title its touch is quite light but it’s catchy and instantly likeable. I feel this has a level of craft comparable to some of Michael’s output at the time though still obviously quite different mood-wise.”
1. Attack Me With Your Love (Single Life, 1985)
“”Attack Me With Your Love” begins with a sassy intro in acapella, then follows a ferocious Tiger growl. Could it be Larry preparing to go in for the kill, vocally? Most definitely! The percussion is then ushered in with one swift beat, and struts overtop the melody in a catwalk, up-town fashion. True Cameo fans will notice the absence of the rock-guitars, as they take a short leave of absence this time around. However, the synthesizer soars through the entire tune, reaching a much wider sonic-spectrum than in any other Cameo classic!”