Almighty Funk Lordz
White Women is Chromeo’s fourth album and it looks to be the one to catapult them into mainstream fame. Since 2002 Chromeo (made up of Dave 1 and P-Thugg) have flown under the radar, creating incredible dance tunes for anyone willing to dig deep into their music. After what some have called the best performance at Coachella, the world seems to be ready to dance its way into Chromeo’s world of disco balls and slap bass.
“Jealous (I Ain’t With It),” the album’s most recent single, has just enough pop in it to give the Canadian duo the mega-hit they’ve been waiting for. They had originally rejected the sound, stating that the guitar riff in the opening of the song was too Katy Perry-y. Once the synths and funk bass come in, there’s no denying Chromeo’s signature groove. That, mixed with fun lyrics about Dave 1 being tormented by his girl talking with other guys, seems to be the recipe for a radio hit.
Chromeo might be the only musical entity to make respecting and empowering women sexy. “Over Your Shoulder” has Dave 1 assuring all the ladies that they’re beautiful just the way they are, “Cause it’s those little imperfections that make beauty in my eyes / I want to be in the intersection of your thighs.” Getting in women’s pants has never been so un-sleazy.
Not every song on White Women will have you throwing on leg warmers or dancing in your undies like Tom Cruise in Risky Business. Tracks like “Lost On The Way Home,” which features Solange, sound more like something you would blast from a boombox outside your girlfriend’s window on a rainy night after an argument. “Old 45’s” is another nostalgic-sounding song that brings the listener back to a simpler time when a song on a jukebox cost a nickel and people still fell in love.
There’s no denying the ’80s disco/funk vibe on this album, and that might not be for everyone. Those people aren’t your friend. White Women is fun (at times even funny), insightful, and musically masterful. White Women will make you laugh, cry, dance, and fall in love.