Knights of the Sound Table cover

Knights of the Sound Table

Cameo · 1981

33 min · 8 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of funk and disco, layered with slick grooves and infectious rhythms that define Cameo's unique style.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Like It — This track encapsulates Cameo's signature sound with its catchy hooks and rhythmic complexity, making it an enduring favorite on dance floors.
  • →
    Freaky Dancin' — A standout track that blends playful lyrics with a groovy bassline, highlighting the band's ability to create fun, danceable music.
  • →
    Use It or Lose It — This song showcases Cameo's knack for combining humor with funk, featuring clever wordplay over an irresistible beat that encourages dancing.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 80% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and vibrant production, solidifying Cameo's place in funk while influencing future genres.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong, rhythmic track that sets a danceable tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo through the first four songs.
  • Each track features prominent brass sections and layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich, textured sound characteristic of funk.
  • The last two tracks slow down slightly, allowing for a more reflective mood before concluding with the hit single 'I Like It', which has a distinct groove.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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
  • vibrant dance floor vibes
  • playful and uplifting moods
  • short, engaging listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Features hit single 'I Like It' and is well-regarded by dedicated fans.
Career context
Released in January 1981, Knights of the Sound Table was Cameo's fifth studio album, following their breakthrough record, Feel Me. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as a leading force in the funk genre, building on the commercial success of previous hits and exploring new musical directions.
Stylistic neighbors
Parliament· Earth, Wind & Fire· The Gap Band

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Knights by Night 3:31
  • 2 Freaky Dancin' 5:23
  • 3 I Never Knew 4:40
  • 4 Use It or Lose It 4:11
  • 5 The Sound Table 3:41
  • 6 Don't Be So Cool 4:14
  • 7 I'll Always Stay 3:54
  • 8 I Like It 4:12

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata