Well, the title itself is a statement of intent, bold but aware of its own means. After the white predominance of the first half of the decade, "Club Classics vol. II" bursts onto the scene and returns black music to the top position in the pop charts. And it does so by combining the past of soul and R'n'B with the present rap and electronic , while incorporating a recovery of the African musical roots. The result is an "intelligent" dance , elegant and never vulgar, yet immediate and hip-shaking. The electronic component predominates without ever being heavy or excessive, and the music retains a warmth that is all black.

The whole thing is driven by magnificent female voices (notably Caron Wheeler, who performs the mega hits "Keep on Movin'" and "Back to Life") and by Jazzie B, whose singing style may not boast technical prowess, but is endowed with enviable charisma, posing as a kind of credible soul guru, without, however, failing in the role of rap master of ceremonies; the sophisticated arrangements are also his work. Jazzie B is also joined in directing the project by Nellee Hooper, who would later be acclaimed as the producer of Madonna and above all the creator of the Bjork phenomenon...not a small feat.

The impact of the work is devastating: most of the rhythm and blues that dominated the charts until a few years ago finds its source in these songs, yet without having a shred of its good taste. A noteworthy fact: they come from Bristol, and there is no doubt they are an influence for the standard-bearers of trip hop. It is no coincidence that the then-unknown Massive Attack appear as guests on one track.

Closing thought of the review: if today's club classics were like this, in the disco I wouldn't just sit there with a Jack and Coke mentally rating the feminine backsides shaking in front of me. Perhaps I'd even dance, despite having the agility of a cement mixer.

Tracklist Lyrics and Videos

01   Keep on Movin' (feat. Caron Wheeler) (06:01)

Keep on moving
don't stop like the hands of time

Click clock
find your own way to stay

The time will come one day.
Why do people choose to live their live this way?

Keep on moving
don't stop
no
keep on moving

Keep on moving
keep on moving
don't stop
no

Keep on moving.

It's our time
time today
the right time is here to stay

Stay in my life
my life always
yellow is the colour of sunrays.
I hide myself from no one
I know the time will surely come when -
You'll be in my life

my life
my life always

yellow is the colour of sunrays.

Keep on moving
don't stop like the hands of time

Click clock
fing your own way to stay
the time will come one day.

Keep on moving
don't stop
no
keep on moving
...

I know the time
time today
walking alone in my own way

Extremely cold and rainy day
friends and I have fun along the way

Yes
we do! I hide myself from no one

I know the time will really come when -
You'll be in my life
my life always

yellow is the colour of sunrays.

Keep on moving
don't stop like the hands of time
...
Keep on moving
don't stop
no
keep on moving.

02   Fairplay (feat. Rose Windross) (03:58)

03   Holdin' On (Bambelela) (03:51)

04   Feeling Free (live rap) (04:16)

05   African Dance (06:07)

06   Dance (03:42)

07   Feel Free (feat. Do'Reen) (05:04)

08   Happiness (dub) (05:33)

09   Back to Life (a cappella) (03:48)

10   Jazzie's Groove (02:41)

Loading comments  slowly