What makes Cicero Park by Hot Chocolate notable?

Cicero Park includes the hit single 'Brother Louie', which reached No. 1 on the UK charts and became one of the band's signature songs. The album is notable for its fusion of genres, influencing subsequent disco and funk artists and helping to solidify Hot Chocolate's reputation as pioneers in the British soul scene. Released in June 1974, Cicero Park was Hot Chocolate's fourth studio album, coming off the success of their hit single 'Emma' from the previous year. This album marked a significant moment in their career as they transitioned into a prominent force within the disco and funk scenes, showcasing their unique sound that blended pop sensibilities with deeper grooves.

Who is Cicero Park for?

Cicero Park works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, infectious groove for dancing and heartfelt melodies and emotions.

How many songs are on Cicero Park?

Cicero Park has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Cicero Park

Hot Chocolate · 1974

42 min · 10 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of disco rhythms and soulful melodies that captures the essence of 1970s dance culture.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Brother Louie — This track encapsulates the band's ability to weave storytelling with infectious grooves, addressing themes of love across racial divides which resonated deeply during its time.
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Disco Queen — A quintessential disco anthem, this song showcases the upbeat energy and rhythmic complexity that characterized the genre, highlighting Hot Chocolate’s knack for danceable tunes.
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Could Have Been Born in the Ghetto — This track features socially conscious lyrics set against a funky backdrop, reflecting both personal and broader societal themes that were relevant in the mid-70s.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Cicero Park blends funk and disco with strong melodies but lacks consistent cohesion across its varied styles.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Cicero Park', opens with a prominent brass section that sets a lively tone for the album.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocals, particularly in 'Brother Louie', enhancing the communal feel of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
infectious groove for dancing
heartfelt melodies and emotions
long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in June 1974, Cicero Park was Hot Chocolate's fourth studio album, coming off the success of their hit single 'Emma' from the previous year. This album marked a significant moment in their career as they transitioned into a prominent force within the disco and funk scenes, showcasing their unique sound that blended pop sensibilities with deeper grooves.
Stylistic neighbors: Chic· Earth, Wind & Fire· Kool & The Gang