Review
"The Dude" from 1981 is Quincy Jones at his smoothest, blending funk, soul, and disco into a seamless groove party. The album's roll call reads like a who's who of legends, with heavyweights George Benson, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Patti Austin, Joe Sample, and James Ingram stepping up to the mic. What you're really getting here is Jones' talent flourished out in nine tracks of excellence.
Kicking things off with "Ai No Corrida," a six-minute journey, the tune builds a bridge straight into Jones' impeccable worlds of rhythm and horn work, really setting the mood. The track "The Dude" has funk stamped all over it, driven by a hypnotic guitar riff and a beat that propels you forward. Then, smooth transitions like "Just Once" and "One Hundred Ways" reveal James Ingram's stunning vocal landscape as he drapes silky, souful ballads over Jones' polished backdrops.
"Razzamatazz," with Patti Austin's infectious energy, screams high-energy fun, while the electronically drenched "Turn on the Action" shows off Jones' love affair with synthesizers. Wrapping it up, "Velas" lays back with mellow tones, proving there's no mood Jones can't master. Across the board, Quincy's precise production shines—there's something so satisfying in its intricate arrangements and the timeless allure of early 80s flair.
Achieving mainstream success, "The Dude" launched three singles into the US Top 40 and landed Quincy Jones three Grammy Awards. It's a record where every track feels meticulously crafted yet effortlessly executed—an Orange House of sonic justice thrown down by one of the greatest to ever do it. - Draya
