Music Box

by Justin M. Kantor Producer T. Lifeenlisted a few different players on King's sophomore set. The resulting flavor is a bit jazzier than 1977's Smooth Talk, but also more formulaic and predictable. The fun, funky grooves are replaced here by thinner dance concoctions; and furthermore, the songs themselves aren't as substantial, lyrically or melodically. King does her best to shine over the humdrum, which she does most successfully on the two-part hustler "Steppin' Out" and catchy titletrack. Both of these numbers are rhythmically enticing, offering more variety than the predominating safe outings (the washy "Out There," very repetitive "Make up Your Mind"). She also tries her hand at a pair of slow-grooves -via a typical soul ballad, "Let's Start All Over Again," and the subdued, percussive "I Think My Heart Is Telling." The latter is remarkable for its restraint, and actually allows a nice forum for King to show her softer side. The jewels are few and considerably far between. Basically, the singer got caught up in what was probably RCA's attempt to fashion her into the somewhat mellowed-out, commercial disco trends of '79. But in the end, Music Box proved much less commercially successful than its predecessor. For listeners who simply appreciate King's passionate vocals, the set is worth sifting through; but for those looking for classic King grooves a la "Love Come Down" and "Shame," Music Box is better passed on.