Description
Commodores: Shut Up and Dance | Funk/Soul CD
Product Information
- UPC: 9002986544036
- Catalog Number: CD 154.403
- Product Type: Music CD
- Genre: Funk/Soul/R&B
- Format: Audio CD
- Release Date: 1993
- Publisher: ACD (Licensed from Tentcrest Ltd. t/a The Merlin Group, UK)
- Label Code: LC 6369
Overview
"Shut Up and Dance" (also known as "Commodores '93") is a 1993 album by the legendary funk and soul group Commodores, released during their post-Lionel Richie era. This collection features 12 tracks including original compositions and updated versions of classic hits, showcasing the band's evolution while maintaining their signature funk and soul sound. Led by longtime members Walter "Clyde" Orange and William "WAK" King, along with vocalist J.D. Nicholas (who joined after Lionel Richie's departure), this album blends the group's classic sensibilities with contemporary early 90s R&B production. The album includes a modernized version of their iconic hit "Brick House '93" alongside new material like the title track "Shut Up and Dance" and "No Tricks." The latter portion of the album features two medleys that blend several of the album's standout tracks, providing an interesting remix approach that was popular during this era of R&B music.
Product Features
- Format: Standard audio CD with digital stereo sound (DDD)
- Content: 12 tracks including original compositions and updated classics
- Musical Style: Blend of classic funk/soul with early 90s R&B production
- Special Features: Includes updated version of their classic hit "Brick House"
- Group Lineup: Features core members Walter Orange, William King, and J.D. Nicholas
- Songwriting: Multiple songs co-written by group members
- Bonus Content: Includes two medley tracks combining several album songs
Interesting Facts
The Commodores' Evolution
"Shut Up and Dance" represents an interesting chapter in the Commodores' long career. Originally formed in 1968 by students at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University), the group achieved tremendous success in the 1970s and early 1980s with Lionel Richie as co-lead vocalist. After Richie's departure for a solo career in 1982, the group continued with J.D. Nicholas (formerly of Heatwave) joining as vocalist. This 1993 album demonstrates their continued evolution a decade after Richie's departure, showcasing their ability to adapt to changing R&B sounds of the early 90s while maintaining elements of their classic funk foundation. The decision to include an updated version of "Brick House" (originally released in 1977) reflects both a recognition of their legacy and an effort to connect their past success with their contemporary sound.
J.D. Nicholas's Songwriting Contributions
One notable aspect of this album is the significant songwriting presence of vocalist J.D. Nicholas, who co-wrote several tracks including "No Tricks," "Let's Get Busy," "Missing You," and "Don't Rock It." This demonstrates his importance to the group's creative direction in this era, well beyond simply replacing Lionel Richie as a vocalist. Nicholas joined the Commodores in 1984 after previously performing with the British soul group Heatwave (known for hits like "Boogie Nights" and "Always and Forever"). His songwriting contributions helped shape the group's sound during this period, blending his background in British soul with the Commodores' established American funk and R&B foundation.
The Innovative Use of Medleys
An interesting production choice on this album is the inclusion of two medleys that remix and combine multiple songs from the album. Track 11 combines "Let's Get Busy," "Living On The Edge," and "No Tricks," while track 12 blends "Missing You," "Brick House '93," and "Shut Up and Dance." This approach was somewhat common in 90s R&B and dance music, particularly in remix culture and club-oriented releases. By including these medleys, the album offered listeners both the full versions of songs and creative reinterpretations that might appeal to DJs and dance audiences. This reflects the group's awareness of contemporary music trends while providing added value to the album package.
Track Listing
- No Tricks (5:00) Written by J.D. Nicholas / Howie Rice
- Shut Up and Dance (4:15) Written by W.A. King Jr. / S.-H. King / T. Dawson
- Brick House '93 (4:11) Written by W. King / W. Orange / L. Richie / R. LaPread / T. McCleary / M. Williams
- Living on the Edge (4:16) Written by Betty Reynolds / Sheldon Reynolds
- Let's Get Busy (3:38) Written by J.D. Nicholas / W. Hitch / T. Stanton
- Everything Reminds Me of You (4:25) Written by Jimmy George / Lou Perdini
- Missing You (4:00) Written by J.D. Nicholas / C. Cymone / S. Reynolds
- Don't Rock It (4:19) Written by J.D. Nicholas / J. Strawberry Fields / M. Charloff
- Your Smile (4:13) Written by W. Orange / W. Arnold
- Take My Hand (4:21) Written by W. Orange / S. Jordan
- Medley: Let's Get Busy - Living On The Edge - No Tricks (5:41)
- Medley: Missing You - Brick House '93 - Shut Up And Dance (3:53)
Publishers
Licensed from Tentcrest Ltd. t/a The Merlin Group, UK Various publishing rights as noted per track
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#Commodores #FunkSoul #90sRnB #ShutUpAndDance #BrickHouse #JDNicholas #WalterOrange #WilliamKing #ClassicFunk #90sMusic
