Le Freak: Music Inspired by Chic compiled by Joey Negro review

Image: Joey Negro

Chic were an unstoppable force. In many ways they still are. Throughout the seventies almost anyone with ears was exposed to the hit machine that was fronted by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. Classics were created, crowds were wowed and elation took hold of music lovers as one of the most timeless groups began to shine. 

Tracks like 'Everybody Dance', 'I Want Your Love' and of course 'Le Freak', created the blueprint for hugely successful disco records. You only have to glance at Chic's back catalogue to be reminded that everything that the producers touched turned to gold. Although their formation has changed, Chic still secure headline gigs to this day, both at large scale festivals and club nights.

Joey Negro, a resident for Glitterbox, an all round groove enthusiast and a spinner of these tracks recognises their value and place within today's dance music scene. Spurred on by his love for the group and all they stand for, he has compiled an album full of tracks that have been inspired by Chic. Behold, fourteen luxurious cuts of disco and funk. 

It begins with Ann Margret's 'Everybody Needs Somebody Sometimes', a sultry dancefloor-ready number followed by a special remix version of Delegation's 'Heartache 909' (above). It is complete with those hurt-filled lyrics that are so characteristic of disco tracks (as Prosumer so eloquently explained to us recently), dressed up with full bodied sax. Something that is almost identical to that signature Edwards and Rodgers sound.

Onto Van Jones' 'Not About That' and the sassy female vocal is juxtaposed with melancholic strings and a mesmerising groove. A few tracks later we're treated to divine rhythms in the form of GQ's 'Shake' (below). It's bursting with those dramatic piano builds and euphoric beats that make Chic-esque tracks so special.

The highlight of the compilation rests with Odyssey's 'Together', a shimmering, dreamy guitar led track with heaps of sex appeal. It's no surprise it steals the spotlight - it's the only track on the album Rodgers and Edwards produced. The album comes to a close suitably with two of Joey Negro's own productions, highlighting the impact Chic have had on his on studio skills. 

These tracks represent what Chic's style was all about. They're bold without being cocky, flamboyant without being cheap. This music is so sure of itself; it's not murky, it's sterling and bright, just like the mirror balls that accompanied so many of the songs on dancefloors around the world. 

The album can feel a bit samey in parts, after all it has been framed around one sound. Although all these homages to Chic have the same brilliant flavour, it leaves you pining for the real deal.

Le Freak: Music Inspired by Chic is a nod to a specific sound that dance music owes so much to, and its relevance within the scene is still concrete. Disco led nights are hugely popular, and artists like Late Nite Tuff Guy, The Revenge and Greg Wilson are more in demand than ever. Props to Joey Negro for a respectful album, as we toast to Chic as icons, as trend setters, and as musical legends. 

The album is due for release on Friday 30th October.

Check out Joey Negro's upcoming gigs