What makes Zapp II by Zapp notable?

Zapp II features the hit single 'Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing)', which became a staple in club playlists and helped popularize the electro-funk sound. The album's innovative use of talk box effects influenced future R&B and hip-hop artists, establishing Zapp as a key player in shaping the sound of the era. Released in December 1982, Zapp II was the second album from Zapp, following their self-titled debut. The band was solidifying their place in the funk and electro scene, building on the success of their first record which had established them as pioneers of the genre.

Zapp II works well if you're into steady, consistent groove, long, immersive listening sessions and dance floor engagement.

How many songs are on Zapp II?

Zapp II has 6 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Zapp II

Zapp · 1982

40 min · 6 tracks · funk

Funky grooves interlace with synthesizer melodies and robotic vocals, creating an infectious dance atmosphere that defines early 80s electro-funk.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing) — This track combines catchy hooks with a playful vibe, showcasing Zapp's signature talk box technique and becoming an enduring party anthem.
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Dance Floor — Clocking in at over eleven minutes, this track encapsulates the band's knack for extended grooves and infectious rhythms that invite listeners to move.
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Playin’ Kinda Ruff — With its smooth blend of funk and electronic elements, this track highlights the band's experimental edge while maintaining an engaging danceability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Zapp II combines infectious grooves and innovative talk box use, solidifying its place in the electro-funk genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong groove in 'Dance Floor', immediately establishing an upbeat tempo that persists through the first three tracks.
The final track, 'A Touch of Jazz', serves as a reprise of earlier themes, blending elements from 'Playin’ Kinda Ruff' to create a cohesive conclusion.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 groove
long, immersive listening sessions
dance floor engagement
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in December 1982, Zapp II was the second album from Zapp, following their self-titled debut. The band was solidifying their place in the funk and electro scene, building on the success of their first record which had established them as pioneers of the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: Parliament· George Clinton· The Gap Band

Tracklist

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

1 Dance Floor 11:12
2 Playin’ Kinda Ruff 6:42
3 Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing) 4:59
4 Do You Really Want an Answer? 6:40
5 Come On 5:14
6 A Touch of Jazz (Playin’ Kinda Ruff, Part II) 6:08

What to play next

Listen next

Zapp III

1983

Go back to

Zapp

1980

Full Zapp discography Artists like Zapp

electro funk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata