Chaka Khan, Hello Happiness | Album Review 💿

Grammy-winning R&B icon Chaka Khan comes roaring back after a lengthy hiatus with a hella funky, feel-good album of originals, Hello Happiness.

After a 12-year hiatus, one of R&B’s most dynamic voices has finally returned.  That would be the one and only Chaka Khan, renowned for gems such as “Tell Me Something Good” (with Rufus), “Through the Fire”, and “I’m Every Woman” among many others.  Long hiatuses between albums have been the norm for Khan in her late career.  The last time out, Funk This (2007) earned Khan her 10^th Grammy win, yet just her first career win for Best R&B album.  Could Hello Happiness land the iconic singer another Grammy? Only time will tell.

“Hello Happiness”

Despite being absent from the game for so long, Chaka Khan doesn’t exactly spoil the listener when it comes Hello Happiness.  This is a tight, seven-track, 27-minute affair.  The hella groovy title track, ✓ “Hello Happiness” kicks things off chocked-full of energy, good vibes, and high-flying vocals from Khan.  The production is on-point, incorporating elements of disco, soul, and dance brilliantly (strings, synths, keys, sigh). Lyrically, there’s not much depth, but that’s clearly not the M.O. – this is all about dance floor, and of course, those robust, unmatchable pipes.

“I have searched so far and wide, can’t seem to find / Got so sick and tired of boys wastin’ my time / And then you took my hand.” Oh snap! ✓ “Like a Lady” is the lengthiest song of Hello Happiness, running five minutes in duration. The good news is that “Like a Lady” is five-minutes’ worth of sheer goodness.  Like “Hello Happiness,” perhaps the lyrics leave a bit to be desired.  Nonetheless, the production (those keys and strings, man) and overall vibe are irresistible to the nth degree, while Chaka Khan continues to flex those funky vocals.

“Don’t Cha Know”

In regard to length, “Don’t Cha Know” creeps past three minutes as opposed to five.  That said, traditionalists will likely prefer the more straightforward opening duo. Why? “Don’t Cha Know” is definitely more about moving those feet and recreating disco in 2019 as opposed to being a memorable ‘song.’ It’s arguably the most innovative ‘record’ of Hello Happiness yet has the word ‘retro’ written all over it at the same time.

✓ “Too Hot” is a return to form – traditional form that is. Khan is ‘turned all the way up’ with her feisty, sharp-cutting vocals clearly in command.  Arguably the crème de la crème of “Too Hot” is the pre-chorus where Khan asks, “Who’s gonna feed my fire / When I need it to sweet up / And if you think you’re man enough for me / Then, baby, do you like it rough?” The four-minute ✓  🤩 “Like Sugar” keeps Hello Happiness on the upswing, thanks in large part to one of the funkiest grooves of the album.  Adding to the glory is the use of a 70s disco sample – sigh.  Khan doesn’t lie when she sings, “It’s like sugar, so sweet / Good enough to eat / When you feel the funky beat / Get up on a-yo’ feet.”

“Isn’t That Enough”

“Isn’t That Enough” has a tall task to follow up the brilliant one-two punch of “Too Hot” and “Like Sugar.” Perhaps it doesn’t supplant either, but the blend of soul and reggae keeps up the feel-good, foot-tapping vibes of Hello Happiness.  Again, as if it needs to be reiterated, the vocals are rock-solid.  The second ‘lady’ song of Hello Happiness arrives at the end of the album, “Ladylike.” Like everything that precedes it, the groove plays a gargantuan role in the record’s success.  That said, it’s not quite as overt compared to the other records. Still, “Ladylike” is incredibly soulful, highlighting Khan’s best attribute – no need to say anymore.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Chaka Khan makes a compelling return with Hello Happiness.  From an initial listen, this album may not pack a huge punch to some listeners, but successive listens reveal more of its magic. Two things make this a success: Khan (duh) and interesting production work.  The lyrics have their moments, but Hello Happiness is more vibe and the long-awaited return of a legend more than anything else.

✓ Gems: “Hello Happiness,” “Like a Lady,” “Too Hot” &  🤩 “Like Sugar”  

Chaka Khan • Hello Happiness • Diary / Island • Release: 2.15.19

Photo Credits: Diary / Island