Patrice Rushen Straight From The Heart 2LP

Strut present the definitive edition of Patrice Rushen's landmark album from 1982, Straight From The Heart.

Recorded during Elektra's drive for "sophisticated dance music" as many jazz artists created their own arrangements of disco and boogie, the sessions marked a progression for Patrice as she began exploring sonics as much as songwriting. Singles from the album included "Breakout!," "Number One" and the global hit "Forget Me Nots." The album became Patrice's bestseller globally from her time with Elektra/Asylum, securing a Grammy nomination.

In more recent years, the album has become a regular source for samples in the world of hip hop and R&B. Most famously, Will Smith's theme for the film Men In Black and George Michael's "Fastlove" were both based, to varying degrees, on "Forget Me Nots."

Strut's new reissue of "Straight From The Heart" is presented in its full original artwork and feature bonus 12" versions of the album's singles including a previously unreleased extended mix of "Tired Of Being Alone." Package includes rare photos by Bobby Holland and a new interview with Patrice Rushen. All tracks remastered from the original tapes by Technology Works.

... [T]he material here is as slick as ever, but not at the expense of lighter rhythms or less memorable melodies.