What makes Cold Blooded by Rick James notable?

The title track became a significant hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and further establishing James as a prominent artist in the funk genre. The album's blend of disco and rock elements influenced later artists in the genre and showcased James' ability to merge different musical styles. Released on July 5, 1983, 'Cold Blooded' marked Rick James' fifth studio album, coming after his commercial peak with 'Street Songs'. At this point, he was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in funk and R&B, leveraging his previous successes while pushing the boundaries of his sound.

How many songs are on Cold Blooded?

Cold Blooded has 2 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Cold Blooded

Rick James · 1983

8 min · 2 tracks · funk

A blend of funky grooves and seductive lyrics, showcasing Rick James' signature style with an infectious danceable rhythm.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cold Blooded — This track exemplifies Rick James' flair for combining catchy hooks with provocative lyrics, making it both a dance floor staple and a defining moment of his career.
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Cold Blooded (instrumental) — The instrumental version showcases the tight musicianship and intricate arrangements that underpin the original track, highlighting the song's groove without the lyrical narrative.

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

The album features strong grooves and vocal arrangements but lacks overall cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a faster beat that shifts the energy.
Several songs incorporate layered backing vocals that enhance the rhythmic complexity and create a fuller sound.
The album closes with 'Unity,' which contrasts with earlier tracks by adopting a slower, more reflective tempo.

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 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Rick James' reputation after his peak with 'Street Songs'.
Career context: Released on July 5, 1983, 'Cold Blooded' marked Rick James' fifth studio album, coming after his commercial peak with 'Street Songs'. At this point, he was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in funk and R&B, leveraging his previous successes while pushing the boundaries of his sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Prince· George Clinton· Sly and the Family Stone