Naughty cover

Naughty

Chaka Khan · 1980

40 min · 10 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of funk, soul, and R&B infused with Chaka Khan's powerful and emotive vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Clouds Start here — This track stands out for its infectious groove and uplifting lyrics, showcasing Khan's vocal prowess while becoming a signature anthem for her live performances.
  • →
    Move Me No Mountain — A powerful ballad, it highlights Khan's emotional depth, featuring soaring melodies that reveal her ability to convey vulnerability amidst strength.
  • →
    So Naughty — With its playful lyrics and catchy chorus, this track encapsulates the fun and cheeky spirit of the album, emphasizing Khan's confident persona.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends funk and R&B with strong vocals and varied arrangements, showcasing Khan's artistry.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and strong rhythmic grooves, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that contrasts with the preceding energy.
  • Chaka Khan's vocal delivery varies from powerful belting to softer, more intimate moments, particularly in tracks like 'Move Me No Mountain' and 'Our Love's in Danger.'
  • Several tracks incorporate brass and string arrangements, adding layers of texture and richness to the overall sound.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • uplifting and joyful vibes
  • danceable rhythms for motivation
  • catchy hooks and melodies
  • engaging sing-along moments
  • dynamic vocal performances

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified her reputation with hits like 'Clouds' and showcased her sound evolution.
Career context
Released in March 1980, 'Naughty' was Chaka Khan's fourth studio album and followed her successful self-titled album from 1978. At this point in her career, she had already established herself as a formidable solo artist after her tenure with Rufus, reaching new heights of popularity and musical exploration.
Stylistic neighbors
Aretha Franklin· Stevie Wonder· Annie Lennox

Tracklist

  • 1 Clouds Start here 4:29
  • 2 Get Ready, Get Set 3:44
  • 3 Move Me No Mountain 4:16
  • 4 Nothing's Gonna Take You Away 3:42
  • 5 So Naughty 3:58
  • 6 Too Much Love 3:54
  • 7 All Night's All Right 4:26
  • 8 What You Did 3:59
  • 9 Papillon (a.k.a. Hot Butterfly) 4:11
  • 10 Our Love's in Danger 3:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata