Chaka Khan has enjoyed a nearly 60-year music career, which is far longer than many artists can say. Though she may no longer be in her commercial heyday, the “Ain’t Nobody” diva is still in fine form and holding her own. It’s in this era of her life that the icon is still adding to her catalog and trying on something new with her latest album Chakzilla.
With a catalog like hers, Chaka only needs to put out new music when she’s truly inspired. That’s perhaps why Chakzilla is her first new release since 2019’s Hello Happiness. This time around, the source of inspiration seems to be Sia. The singer-songwriter, producer Greg Kurstin and Khan are the chief architects behind the album’s sound. The trio reaches into Chaka’s past of funk, disco and soul and includes hints of jazz to craft an outing that has its moments — even if it doesn’t offer many surprises.
Many of the songs included here sound good enough, and Sia’s pen is evident throughout. But none really rise to the level of her past hits or more recent jams such as “Like Sugar.” Instead, they give a mostly upbeat vibe while Chaka offers platitudes about life, love and perseverance. But she does liven things up with featured guests like Snoop Dogg on “Boogie’s In My Soul” and Lenny Kravitz on “Bring The Party.”
By far, the most intriguing track on the project is the third single “Curious Subject.” The song seems to illustrate the singer’s current outlook on life, with her taking a joyous thrill as she vamps about being alive at this time in her life. Her musings are set against a jazzy groove that’s slightly reminiscent of her beloved deep cut “I Know You, I Live You.”
Chakzilla doesn’t break any new ground for Chaka Khan, but it does show that the legendary entertainer still knows how to make a fierce statement as she settles into her next era.
Chaka Khan Chakzilla [Amazon][Apple Music][TIDAL]
