"Sharing the Love" by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan

Song#:  0837
Date:  12/05/1981
Debut:  92
Peak:  91
Weeks:  5
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  Rufus began life in 1972 and the initial line-up featured a young singer named Chaka Khan. They hit big with their second album "Rags to Rufus," which featured the big #3 hit "Tell Me Something Good." More hits followed and thanks to the star power of Khan, the group began billing as Rufus featuring Chaka Khan. But later in the 70s the group was experiencing some internal issues including rumors that Khan was going solo. She confirmed that and issued a debut in 1978, which outsold the latest Rufus album. Her follow-ups continued to do well while Rufus' went on a decline. But contractual obligations forced her to work with the rest of Rufus for two more albums. She did, but obviously the sessions were tough and many times she recorded her part alone without the band. The last obligatory album was "Camouflage," which featured this minor pop entry. Although the song went to #8 at R&B, the album became their lowest peaking on the pop album chart since their debut in 1972. After one more album just by Rufus, the group called it quits. But not before issuing one final live album with Khan that supplied one more hit.

ReduxReview:  I can kind of understand how this one tanked on the chart. It's a fairly bland ballad that is only improved by Khan's vocals. In fact, her vocals are almost too much for this tiny song to handle. It's like watching a thin, scrawny kid trying to hold a hundred pound weight above his head - unbalanced and on the verge of collapse.

ReduxRating:  5/10

Trivia:  Rufus was originally formed by former members of the band The American Breed. That group had a #5 hit in 1967 with "Bend Me, Shape Me."

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