Cameo was one of the leading groups proffering funk and R&B, with hits like 1980s "Shake Your Pants" and 1985's "Single Life." But as their most successful single, "Word Up," put a little too much pop in the mix, their main audience grew weary of them. So much so the group's great 1990 single, "I Want It Now," didn't get airplay and barely made a dent on the charts.
Emotional Violence, their first effort for Reprise, has the group as a trio featuring
Larry Blackmon, Charlie Singleton, and
Tomi Jenkins. They all get lead vocals here. Despite the best intentions,
Emotional Violence is business as usual, but without the innovative edge. But fans may be surprised to find out some good work is here. The hard-edged title track has producer
Blackmon deftly mixing the group's classic sound with hip-hop flourishes. "Raw But Tasty" is one of their playful, funky tracks and has a killer hook and great guitar solos from Singleton. The song also has a minute-long rap segue that diminishes its appeal. "Another Love" is reminiscent of their 1987 hit, "Don't Be Lonely," but without the charm. Surprisingly despite all of the rhythmic adventures,
Emotional Violence most assured track is a ballad. "Love Yourself" has their customary, off centered melodic sense and has them getting their messages across without being pedantic. The last track, the horn laden, "That Kind of Guy," with its
Earth Wind and Fire sanguinity, seems an odd way to close an album steeped in ambivalence.
Emotional Violence unfortunately doesn't have many tracks of distinction and has the group not trusting their own gifts. ~ Jason Elias