As the former co-lead singer of
Con Funk Shun,
Michael Cooper has become accustomed to success as an artist. With the release of his debut solo album, the results are no different.
Love Is Such a Funny Game features a variety of rhythms. On November 4, 1987,
Cooper released his debut single "To Prove My Love." Produced and written by Denzil Foster, Thomas McElroy, and
Jay King, the dance single sailed its way up the Billboard R&B charts to the Number Three position.
Cooper chants his way through the verse and displays his falsetto in the chorus and bridge, something he rarely did while with
Con Funk Shun.
Cooper then slows down the rhythm with "Dinner for Two." With its thumping bassline, sax intro, and silky background vocals,
Cooper is able to unwind vocally with his authoritative yet passionate tenor. Produced by bandmates
Felton C. Pilate II, Ron Everette, and
Cooper, the single peaked at number 24, but warranted a better outing. Other notable singles featured on the album are "Quickness," "Look Before You Leave," a remake of the
Carole King classic "You've Got a Friend," and the title track. Overall,
Cooper creates a new sound and image for himself, but manages to retain the appeal that made
Con Funk Shun so popular. ~ Craig Lytle