"Too Hot" by Kool & the Gang

Top 10 Alert!

Song#:  0021
Date:  01/19/1980
Debut: 76
Peak:  5
Weeks:  18
Genre:  R&B, Soul



Pop Bits:  Kool & the Gang went through a slump after their last big hit, "Hollywood Swinging," hit #6 in 1974. Sometimes a couple minor changes is all that is needed to get back on track and that is what K&tG did. New member James "J.T." Taylor got bumped up to lead singer and they refined their sound by reducing the funk and adding more pop. It paid off well as the album and single "Ladies Night" were hits. This was the sound that would stay with them throughout their 80s hit-making period. "Too Hot" was the follow-up single to the #8 "Ladies Night."

ReduxReview:  Smooth and slinky, this song is kind of hard to resist. Plus that opening guitar lick is instantly recognizable. This is date night music to be played while sitting in front of a fire with a bottle of wine...and it gets too hot (and I don't mean from sparks catching the rug on fire and soon there is a 911 call).

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  With "Ladies Night," they also brought on board a new producer, Eumir Deodato, whose background was in jazz (as was the original K&tG). Deodato had his own #2 pop hit in 1973 with his funkified, jazzy version of "Also Sprach Zarathustra."

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