Kool and the Gang have mastered the classic James Brown style so well that their past few singles are on par with, or superior to, Brown's recent output. Those cuts, coupled with some fair to middling easy-listening jazz complete the album. "Funky Stuff" harks back to "Cold Sweat": The horns play simple arrogant riffs against precisely executed rhythm. The lyrics are jive—an effective chant of "... can't get enough of that funk stuff," interspersed with whistles and shrieks of "Paaaaaarty" and "Get down." It's the best dance tune since "Love Train." Unfortunately, while they have mastered the craft of the dance record, they've done little else. There just isn't enough for the mind and heart in the rest of the album. (RS 158)

RUSSELL GERSTEN