Rufus & Chaka Khan, Live In Me | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 121st edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Live In Me” by Rufus & Chaka Khan.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 121^st edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Live In Me” performed by Rufus & Chaka Khan.

“Groove with the motion, let’s take it to the top / Ride with the feeling, there’s no way I’m gonna stop!” Ooh-wee! Rufus and Chaka Khan made a magical musical tandem – an understatement.  Among their best and most electrifying records is the non-single “Live In Me”. “Live In Me” is the fifth track from their gold-certified 1979 album, Masterjam. English musician, songwriter, and producer Rod Temperton (1949 – 2016) composed “Live,” while extraordinary musician, producer, composer, and icon Quincy Jones (1933 – 2024) produced it.

“Live In Me” begins with a lush, smooth instrumental introduction. After the tone is set, the band digs in more, setting a funkier vibe. Instrumentally, there is a stellar rhythm guitar riff, a robust anchor provided by the bass, and a sick drum groove. Later, mean-sounding horns add punch. Chaka Khan is the star of the show with her elite vocals. She sounds sultry during the first verse. “Gonna soothe you, put you in a trance, and get your senses aroused,” she asserts, continuing, “So there ain’t no use in holdin’ back, gotta let that feelin’ out.” She impresses with her upper register during the second verse, showcasing power (“And action speaks more tenderness than words could ever show, so…”). The chorus is marvelous –  tuneful and unforgettable!

“Live in me, come in my life
Fill me with all that sweet delight
I’m burnin’ up, steamin’ inside
So give me the love I need tonight.”

Some other notes regarding this fabulous cut.  The harmonic progression shines, particularly during the chorus, and during a temporary but dramatic key modulation (following the third verse).  Background vocals arrive during the outgoing chorus, adding to the excellence. Ultimately, “Live In Me” marks another masterpiece by the force that is Rufus and Chaka Khan. Funky, memorable, and filled with top-notch musicianship, this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime songs.