Chaka Khan Albums Ranked
Yvette Marie Stevens (born March 23, 1953), better known by her stage name Chaka Khan, is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. Her career has spanned nearly five decades, beginning in the 1970s as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus. Known as the “Queen of Funk”, Khan was the first R&B artist to have a crossover hit featuring a rapper, with “I Feel for You” in 1984. Khan has won ten Grammy Awards and has sold an estimated 70 million records worldwide. With Rufus, she achieved four gold singles, four gold albums, and two platinum albums. In the course of her solo career, Khan achieved three gold singles, three gold albums, and one platinum album with I Feel for You. She has collaborated with Ry Cooder, Robert Palmer, Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Guru, Chicago, De La Soul, Mary J. Blige, among others. In December 2016, Billboard magazine ranked her as the 65th most successful dance artist of all time. She was ranked at No. 17 in VH1’s original list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll. She has been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times as a solo artist and four times as a member of Rufus featuring Chaka Khan; the first time in 2012 as a member of Rufus. Here are all of Chaka Khan’s albums ranked.
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10. Epiphany: The Best Of Chaka Khan Volume One (1996)
“There are some voices you hear or you have the great privilege seeing in performance, whose artistry really gets into your blood and brings you renewed feelings toward life, love and the situations we find ourselves in. Chaka Khan is one of those incomparable vocalists you will never forget, once you hear one of her tunes. “
9. Naughty (1980)
“As far as I’m concerned, contrabass player Anthony Jackson is a living legend, a true genius, and represents the highest state of the art in modern electric bass playing. To me, Jackson is the true star of this CD. He very carefully and masterfully composed his bass lines to best fit these songs, and the result, along with Chaka’s “What Cha’ Gonna Do for Me” constitutes one of the most important electric bass recordings in history. It is hard to say which record is better.”
8.Destiny (1986)
“The follow-up to the highly success “I Feel For You” album from 1984, “Destiny” didn’t seem to find a home on the charts. Commercial success or not, it was another solid, if not groundbreaking effort from Khan. Exchanging some of the hip-hop-lite flavor that was very much a part of “I Feel For You”, Khan builds on her already established urbanized dance textures and brings in some rock influences, the latter drawing allusions to fellow icon, Tina Turner.”
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7. Funk This (2007)
“Chaka Khan is an extraordinary artist. She won two grammy’s for this album – Best R&B album, and best duet or group performance for her work with Mary J Blige on “Disrespectful.” The album contains several covers of outstanding quality including Khan’s duet with Michael McDonald “You Belong to Me” and Joni Mitchell’s “Ladies Man.” Also excellent new material, written and produced by Khan and others.”
6. Life Is A Dance: The Remix Project (1989)
“Love the idea of mixing Chaka Khan’s music. She has one of the most distinctive voices in the business. The first note that she sings you know it’s Chaka. She has made a permanent mark to the music business.”
5. Chaka Khan (1982)
“The vastly overlooked 4th solo effort from Chaka Khan. Featuring a underpromoted duet with Rick James, “Slow Dancin'” and the Grammy winning jazz-funk of “Be Bop Medley”, Chaka Khan certainly has the ingredients for success – nice rhythms, a bright horn section, and the pipes of Ms. Khan. If anything, “Tearin’ It Up” and “Pass It On” are surefire synth funk stormers.”
4. What ‘Cha Gonna Do For Me (1981)
“What Cha Gonna Do For Me” is one of the finest albums in Chaka Khan’s catalog. It has been reissued numerous times over the years on CD. But now BBR has released the definative version which includes two B-sides from the album, “Lover’s Touch” and “Only Once”, which marks the first time the latter song has appeared on any CD. Very fine mastering, extensive liner notes and super rare photos makes this an immediate collector’s item.”
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3. Chaka (1978)
“Chaka Khan has a one of a kind sound. She is versatile singing soul, r & b & jazz music. Chaka has been vocal on her mis comings but has pushed on to greatness. She has become a role model for young children which is wonderful. She is a class act when you hear that voice you know it’s Chaka Khan (Yvette Stevens) . One of Chicago’s best.”
2. Hello Happiness (2019)
“A funky album with no dull moments. Yes she is very loud on this record so I have to be in the mood to listen to it although the vinyl version does smooth out the edges a bit. Being so short makes for a great non compressed pressing. The songs grow on you with time. I’m not giving 5 stars because I think the mixing and production and production spoils her vocals a little too. Shame the music industry and buying public are so ageist preventing ‘like sugar ‘ from being the hit it ought to be.”
1. I Feel For You (1984)
“This lady has got what it takes…and then some… when it comes to belting out a song! Chaka is a diva among divas in the Soul world. She certainly lives up to her name (Chaka meaning “fire”), she burns with talent and there is no-one who can copy her, though many have tried! I Feel For You opens up with a wonderful dance track, “This Is My Night”, racey, dancey and definitely a great opening track. Just to slow the mood down a little she then moves onto a ballad called “Stronger Than Before” where Chaka combines her own unique style and flair with that wonderful rich voice.”
