What makes Central Heating by Heatwave notable?

Central Heating features the hit single The Groove Line, which became a defining track for Heatwave, reaching the top ranks of the charts. The album's blend of funk and disco not only contributed to its commercial success but also influenced subsequent artists within the genre, solidifying Heatwave's legacy during a transformative era in late 70s music. Released on March 31, 1978, Central Heating was Heatwave's second studio album, following their successful debut, Too Hot to Handle. This album marked a pivotal moment in their career as they solidified their sound and began to gain international recognition. Following the commercial success of their earlier hits, this record further established them as prominent figures in the funk genre.

How many songs are on Central Heating?

Central Heating has 9 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Central Heating

Heatwave · 1978

41 min · 9 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of funk and disco, infused with infectious grooves and upbeat melodies that invite celebration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Groove Line — This track encapsulates the essence of the album with its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus, becoming an anthem of the disco era.
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Mind Blowing Decisions — With its smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics, this song showcases Heatwave's ability to blend emotional depth with danceable grooves.
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Happiness Togetherness — This uplifting track emphasizes themes of unity and joy, representing the positive spirit that permeates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong grooves and vocal arrangements but remains within familiar funk and disco templates.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat tempo that carries through to the end.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, enhancing the communal feel of the music.
The album's title track features a prominent brass section that punctuates the rhythm, adding to its danceable quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Put the Word Out 6:35
2 Send Out for Sunshine 4:28
3 Central Heating 4:48
4 Happiness Togetherness 4:01
5 The Groove Line 4:22
6 Mind Blowing Decisions 4:19
7 The Star of a Story 5:49
8 Party Poops 3:55
9 Leavin' for a Dream 3:26

What to play next

Listen next

Hot Property

1979

Go back to

Too Hot to Handle

1977

Full Heatwave discography Artists like Heatwave

funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata