Throwin' Down
Rick James · 1982
40 min · 9 tracks · funk
A vibrant fusion of funk and disco with infectious grooves and Rick James' trademark flamboyant energy.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Dance Wit' Me Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its upbeat tempo and catchy hook, exemplifying James' ability to create dance floor anthems.
-
→
Standing on the Top — Featuring The Temptations, this track blends smooth harmonies with energetic instrumentation, showcasing James' knack for collaboration and cross-genre appeal.
-
→
Teardrops — 'Teardrops' stands out for its emotional depth and smooth melodies, highlighting James' versatility as a songwriter who can balance fun with heartfelt themes.
-
→
Throwdown — This title track embodies the party spirit of the album while demonstrating James' signature funk style through rhythmic grooves and engaging vocals.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong grooves and collaborations but has some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a faster pace that energizes the album.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in 'Standing on the Top', which showcases Rick James' collaboration with The Temptations.
- The album closes with 'My Love', a slower ballad that contrasts sharply with the preceding upbeat tracks, creating a dynamic shift.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dance floor party vibes
- steady groove for celebration
- flamboyant energy bursts
- catchy sing-along moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quiet, subdued listening
- seek deep introspective themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its vibrant funk and collaboration with The Temptations.
- Career context
- Released on May 13, 1982, 'Throwin' Down' was Rick James' fourth studio album, following the commercial success of his breakthrough project, 'Street Songs'. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his status as a leading figure in funk and R&B, capitalizing on his earlier hits to further expand his audience.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· George Clinton· Sly and the Family Stone
Tracklist
- 1 Dance Wit' Me Start here 7:16
- 2 Money Talks 4:50
- 3 Teardrops 4:49
- 4 Throwdown 3:17
- 5 Standing on the Top 3:51
- 6 Hard to Get 4:07
- 7 Happy 5:29
- 8 69 Times 4:11
- 9 My Love 2:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.