Tongue in Chic cover

Tongue in Chic

Chic · 1982

32 min · 7 tracks · rhythm and blues

A vibrant blend of funk grooves and smooth melodies highlighting Chic's signature rhythmic sophistication.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hangin' Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    Chic (Everybody Say) — This track encapsulates Chic's signature sound with infectious hooks and a danceable groove that became a staple in clubs.
  • →
    I Feel Your Love Comin' On — The song combines romantic lyrics with an upbeat rhythm, showcasing Chic's knack for blending emotion with funk.
  • →
    When You Love Someone — This track highlights Chic's softer side, featuring lush instrumentation and heartfelt vocals that contrast with their more typical dance tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Chic's rhythmic sophistication but lacks the standout tracks of their earlier work.

What we noticed

  • The album closes with 'City Lights', which shifts to a slower tempo, providing a contrast to the preceding tracks and allowing for a reflective ending.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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

  • steady rhythmic movement
  • uplifting dance vibes
  • short, engaging tracks
  • consistent melodic flow

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its funk grooves, though not the most accessible entry point.
Themes
dance floor romance· club culture nostalgia· early '80s funk evolution
Career context
Released on November 1, 1982, Tongue in Chic was Chic's fifth studio album, following the commercial success of their previous album, Risqué. By this time, the band had solidified their position in the music industry as pioneers of disco and funk, yet faced the challenges posed by the shifting musical landscape of the early '80s.
Stylistic neighbors
Earth, Wind & Fire· Kool & The Gang· Prince

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • I Feel Your Love Comin' On

    The bridge shifts to a reflective tone as it contemplates the anticipation of love, creating a moment of emotional depth.

    This shift not only deepens the narrative but also contrasts with the earlier upbeat sections, adding complexity to the song's structure.

Tracklist

  • 1 Hangin' Start here 5:12
  • 2 I Feel Your Love Comin' On 6:53
  • 3 When You Love Someone 5:07
  • 4 Chic (Everybody Say) 4:47
  • 5 Hey Fool 2:59
  • 6 Sharing Love 2:41
  • 7 City Lights 4:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata