There can be little argument that Chic was disco's greatest band; and, working in a heavily producer-dominated field, they were most definitely a band. By the time Chic appeared in the late '70s, disco was already slipping into the excess that eventually caused its downfall. Chic bucked the trend by stripping disco's sound down to its basic elements; their funky, stylish grooves had an organic sense of interplay that was missing from many of their overproduced competitors. Chic's sound was anchored by the scratchy, James Brown-style rhythm guitar of Nile Rodgers and the indelible, widely imitated (sometimes outright stolen) bass lines of Bernard Edwards; as producers, they used keyboard and string embellishments economically, which kept the emphasis on rhythm. Chic's distinctive approach not only resulted in some of the finest dance singles of their time, but also helped create a template for urban funk, dance-pop, and even hip-hop in the post-disco era. Not coincidentally, Rodgers and Edwards wound up as two of the most successful producers of the '80s.
Rodgers and Edwards first met in 1970, when both were jazz-trained musicians fresh out of high school. Edwards had attended New York's High School for the Performing Arts and was working in a Bronx post office at the time, while Rodgers' early career also included stints in the folk group New World Rising and the Apollo Theater house orchestra. Around 1972, Rodgers and Edwards formed a jazz-rock fusion group called the Big Apple Band. This outfit moonlighted as a backup band, touring behind smooth soul vocal group New York City in the wake of their 1973 hit "I'm Doin' Fine Now." After New York City broke up, the Big Apple Band hit the road with Carol Douglas for a few months, and Rodgers and Edwards decided to make a go of it on their own toward the end of 1976. At first they switched their aspirations from fusion to new wave, briefly performing as Allah & the Knife Wielding Punks, but quickly settled into dance music. They enlisted onetime LaBelle drummer Tony Thompson and female vocalists Norma Jean Wright and Alfa Anderson, and changed their name to Chic in summer 1977 so as to avoid confusion with Walter Murphy & the Big Apple Band (who'd just hit big with "A Fifth of Beethoven").
Augmented in the studio by keyboardists Raymond Jones and Rob Sabino, Chic recorded the demo single "Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)" and shopped it around to several major record companies, all of which declined it. The small Buddah label finally released it as a 12" in late 1977, and as its club popularity exploded, Atlantic stepped in, signed the group, and re-released the single on a wider basis. "Dance, Dance, Dance" hit the Top Ten, peaking at number six, and made Chic one of the hottest new groups in disco. Chic scrambled to put together their self-titled first album, which spawned a minor follow-up hit, "Everybody Dance," in early 1978. At this point, Wright left to try her hand at a solo career (with assistance from Rodgers and Edwards), and was replaced by Luci Martin. It was a good time to come onboard; "Le Freak," the first single from sophomore album C'est Chic, was an out-of-the-box smash, spending five weeks on top of the charts toward the end of 1978 and selling over four-million copies (which made it the biggest-selling single in Atlantic's history). Follow-up "I Want Your Love" reached number seven, cementing the group's new star status, and C'est Chic became one of the rare disco albums to go platinum.
1979's Risqué was another solidly constructed LP that also went platinum, partly on the strength of Chic's second number one pop hit, "Good Times." "Good Times" may not have equaled the blockbuster sales figures of "Le Freak," but it was the band's most imitated track: Queen's number one hit "Another One Bites the Dust" was a clear rewrite, and the Sugarhill Gang lifted the instrumental backing track wholesale for the first commercial rap single, "Rapper's Delight," marking the first of many times that Chic grooves would be recycled into hip-hop records. Also in 1979, Rodgers and Edwards took on their first major outside production assignment, producing and writing the Sister Sledge smashes "We Are Family" and the oft-sampled "He's the Greatest Dancer." This success, in turn, landed them the chance to work with pop / R&B superstar Diana Ross on 1980's blockbuster opus, diana , and they wrote and produced "Upside Down," her first number one hit in four years, as well as another top-ten smash, "I'm Coming Out."
If you listen closely to Chic's early productions, the strings play a prominent role, especially on the beautiful ballads from the recordings for the band and Sister Sledge. It is also very significant to note the strong background vocalists on those recordings -- many of New York's finest session singers -- among them, one who would soon become a superstar Grammy winner in his own right, Mr. Luther Vandross, who also was a featured vocalist with the studio disco group, Change.
The disco fad was fading rapidly by that point, however, and 1980's Real People failed to go gold despite another solid performance by the band. Changing tastes put an end to Chic's heyday, as Rodgers and Edwards' outside production work soon grew far more lucrative, even despite aborted projects with Aretha Franklin and Johnny Mathis. Several more Chic LPs followed in the early '80s, with diminishing creative and commercial returns, and Rodgers and Edwards disbanded the group after completing the lackluster Believer in 1983. Later that year, both recorded solo LPs that sank without a trace. Hungry for acceptance and respect in the rock mainstream (especially after accusations that they had ripped off Queen instead of the other way around), both Rodgers and Edwards sought out high-profile production and session work over the rest of the decade. Rodgers produced blockbuster albums like David Bowie's Let's Dance, Madonna's Like a Virgin, and Mick Jagger's She's the Boss. Edwards wasn't as prolific as a producer, but did join the one-off supergroup The Power Station along with Tony Thompson as well as Robert Palmer and members of avowed Chic fans Duran Duran; he later produced Palmer's commercial breakthrough, Riptide. Edwards also worked with Rod Stewart (Out of Order), Jody Watley, and Tina Turner, while Rodgers' other credits include the Thompson Twins, the Vaughan Brothers, INXS, and The B-52's' comeback Cosmic Thing.
Rodgers and Edwards re-formed Chic in 1992 with new vocalists Sylver Logan Sharp and Jenn Thomas, and an assortment of session drummers in Thompson's place; they toured and released a new album, Chic-ism. In 1996, the reconstituted Chic embarked on a tour of Japan; sadly, on April 18, Edwards passed away in his Tokyo hotel room due to a severe bout of pneumonia. Rodgers continued to tour occasionally with a version of Chic, and, in 1999, his Sumthing Else label issued a recording of Edwards' final performance with the band, Live at the Budokan.
CHIC has been nominated for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nine times: 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2014. Rodgers and Chic continue to perform to major audiences worldwide as CHIC ft. Nile Rodgers.
In October 2010, Rodgers began his fight with prostate cancer. In October 2011, he released his autobiography entitled Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco, and Destiny. On July 29, 2013, Rodgers posted on Twitter that he was cancer free.
In 2013, CHIC ft. Nile Rodgers headlined the West Holts Stage on Friday night at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK, and played a variety of tracks both from Chic and from Nile Rodgers' extensive list of songs he had worked on for other artists. A compilation album, Up All Night, credited to The Chic Organization and featuring their productions for various artists between 1977 and 1982, was released the following Monday, 1 July, and entered the UK Compilation Albums Chart at number 2 a week later.
CHIC ft. Nile Rodgers played the iTunes Festival in London on September 14, 2013. CHIC ft. Nile Rodgers, opened The X Factor (UK TV series) live show on 2 November 2013 for Disco week. They performed a medley of hits including "Le Freak", "He's The Greatest Dancer" and "Good Times".
Rodgers announced in 2013 that he was working on a new Chic album, based on recently rediscovered tapes of unreleased material from the early 1980s. He also stated that Daft Punk is interested in working on at least one song of the unreleased material with him. Rodgers co-wrote and performed on three songs off Daft Punk's 2013 Grammy Award winning Album of the Year Random Access Memories including the Grammy Record of the Year Get Lucky with the duo and Pharrell Williams.
CHIC ft. Nile Rodgers headlined at the 2014 Essence Festival curated by Prince. Special guests performing with Chic during a segment of the show that highlighted Chic's songwriting and production work for other artists, were Kathy Sledge for Sister Sledge's "We Are Family", Janelle Monae for Sister Sledge's "He's The Greatest Dancer" and Prince for David Bowie's "Let's Dance". CHIC ft. Nile Rodgers headlined Bestival in the Isle of Wight, UK on September 7, 2014. Nile Rodgers played tribute to his guitar technician Terry Brauer at Bestival after learning of his death from cancer.
While chatting with Billboard's Kerri Mason, Rodgers announced a new Chic album and shared a never-before-heard new solo track. The upcoming album is set to feature collaborations from the David Guetta and Avicii. Rodgers described how a lick he played to test a freshly-repaired guitar caught the ear of DJ Nicky Romero, ending as an important part of a "huge song" on the upcoming album. Rodgers assumed "It sounds like a pop record".
A year later, it was announced that Nile Rodgers has signed a new record deal with Warner Bros. with a release of a new Chic album for the first time in in more than two decades this June. The album will be titled It's About Time. The lead single from the record, titled "I'll Be There", will come out March 20th. Beside this, Warner Bros. signed a deal with the label that Rodgers and music exec Michael Ostin formed, Land of the Good Groove. Rodgers decided to officially unveil the track “I’ll Be There” during the vernal equinox on March 20 to signify the rebirth of the Chic Organisation. The star received a box of lost Chic demos back in 2010, and “I’ll Be There” is one of those lost tapes finished for a new generation of Disco fans.
In other news, Rodgers gave an update on his new solo material with a new track called "Do What You Wanna Do" and announced that a Chic-inspired musical is in the early stages of production.
Sober
Chic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stefflon is a bad chick
Tell 'em, tell 'em, te-te-tell 'em
A bad chick
Said it's Friday night
Yeah, the weekend's here
And I know you know my routine, baby
But it's okay 'cause you're living so good
Yeah, it feels so right
But when that liquors in our system
Baby, we on a different rhythm all day
And when you're dancing to the music
I know that you're gonna lose it
Oh baby
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
Tryna get a little closer
but you're pushing me away
I hate to stand to look at you as you go on your way
But it's okay, baby, it's all good
'Cause the weekend's over, you'll be back just like you should
But when that liquors in our system
Baby, we on a different rhythm all day
And when you're dancing to the music
I know that you're gonna lose it
Oh baby
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
I'm rolling through the jungle, it's a madness
London, step up! Stefflon is a bad chick
Who want it? You don't really want it
'Cause I keep 'em humming, keep 'em coming, keep 'em runnin'
And I run up, step up
Stefflon wet up the place, get mad
Get wicked and wild out
run up, ru-ru-ru-run up, run up
Every time I come, runner run up
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
The lyrics of the song "Sober" by Chic featuring Stefflon Don, tell a story of a tumultuous relationship that only seems to work when one party is not under the influence of alcohol. The first verse sets the tone for the weekend, with the singer saying how he knows his partner's routine and that it's fine because she's living so good. However, things take a different turn when they both get drunk. The lyrics describe how the singer's partner changes when she's under the influence, and the relationship becomes hard to manage.
The chorus, "She only loves me when she's sober," repeats several times and indicates that the singer's partner only shows affection when she's not drunk. The second verse talks about how the singer tries to get closer to his partner but is pushed away. When the weekend is over, the singer is hopeful that his partner will come back to him, but the cycle starts all over again when they start drinking.
Overall, "Sober" is a song that highlights the difficulty of maintaining a relationship when one or both partners have issues with alcohol. It's a message that is relevant to many people, particularly in today's age of recreational drinking culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell 'em
Inform them.
Stefflon is a bad chick
Stefflon is a woman of great confidence, strength and badassery.
Tell 'em, tell 'em, te-te-tell 'em
Repeat the message, don't hold back.
Said it's Friday night
Expressing that today is Friday night.
Yeah, the weekend's here
It is the time of the week to relax and enjoy oneself, the weekend is here.
And I know you know my routine, baby
Assuming the listener knows what they enjoy doing on a Friday night.
You ain't got no fear
The listener is unafraid to enjoy the night without any worry.
But it's okay 'cause you're living so good
It's fine because the listener is enjoying the moment.
Yeah, it feels so right
The listener is pleased with how the night is going.
But when that liquors in our system
However, when they begin to drink alcohol...
Baby, we on a different rhythm all day
Their behavior changes and they become more carefree.
And when you're dancing to the music
Specifically when they are dancing...
I know that you're gonna lose it
They will lose control and become carefree.
Oh baby
An affectionate address to the listener.
She only loves me when she's sober
The listener only feels affectionate towards the singer when they are not under the influence of alcohol.
Tryna get a little closer
Attempting to draw the listener closer to them...
but you're pushing me away
But the listener is rejecting them.
I hate to stand to look at you as you go on your way
The singer dislikes watching the listener leave.
But it's okay, baby, it's all good
The singer understands and is okay with the situation.
'Cause the weekend's over, you'll be back just like you should
Knowing that the listener will return as per their routine.
I'm rolling through the jungle, it's a madness
Describing the scene they are experiencing as chaotic.
London, step up! Stefflon is a bad chick
Encouraging London to recognize the confidence and strength of Stefflon.
Who want it? You don't really want it
Asking who is ready for a challenge, while also realizing they may not be up to it.
'Cause I keep 'em humming, keep 'em coming, keep 'em runnin'
They keep people excited and active, motivated and on the move.
And I run up, step up
The singer is willing to confront and challenge anyone.
Stefflon wet up the place, get mad
Stefflon's presence energizes and excites the audience.
Get wicked and wild out
They want to dance and let loose.
run up, ru-ru-ru-run up, run up
Encourages listeners to keep moving and stay hyped.
She only loves me when she's sober
The listener only feels affectionate towards the artist when they are not under the influence of alcohol.
She only loves me when she's sober
The listener only feels affectionate towards the singer when they are not under the influence of alcohol.
She only loves me when she's sober
The listener only feels affectionate towards the singer when they are not under the influence of alcohol.
She only loves me when she's sober
The listener only feels affectionate towards the artist when they are not under the influence of alcohol.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Charles Harrison, Lonnell D. Corbett, Nile Rodgers, Stephanie Allen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rophelmiraflores
"Sober"
Tell 'em
Stefflon is a bad chick
Tell 'em, tell 'em
A bad chick
[Craig David:]
Said it's Friday night
Yeah, the weekend's here
And I know you know my routine, baby
You ain't got no fear
But it's okay 'cause you're living so good
Yeah, it feels so right
But when that liquors in our system
Baby, we on a different rhythm all day
And when you dancing to the music
I know that you're gonna lose it
Oh baby
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
Tryna get a little closer but you're pushing me away
I hate to stand to look at you as you go on your way
But it's okay, baby, it's all good
'Cause the weekend's over, you'll be back just like you should
But when that liquors in our system
Baby, we on a different rhythm all day
And when you dancing to the music
I know that you're gonna lose it
Oh baby
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
[Stefflon Don:]
I'm rolling through the jungle, it's a madness to London
Step up, Stefflon is a bad chick
Who want it? You don't really want it
'Cause I keep 'em humming, keep 'em coming, keep 'em runnin'
And I run up, step up
Stefflon wet up the place, get mad
Get wicked and wile out
Every time I come, runner run up
[Craig David:]
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
She only loves me when she's sober
@Walking-MY-Path
Legend collaborating with another legend Mr. Craig David. That magical electric guitar with Craig's amazing smooth vocals makes this one eargasmic classic!!
@michaelwilson2340
It's great that Nile is moving forward. Anyone who complains this isn't classic Chic should realize this is an entryway into Chic's past and everything else Nile has done musically. Let a new generation learn and enjoy.
@marklloyd4094
Nile does magic he feels and breath music God Bless Him
@saintandrew9860
Great
@ELaz-jq6em
Craig's vocals r insane!!!!
@kiwimicknz
Of course…… it’s Craig David, mans voice ages like a fine scotch 🥃
@TheGunGuwo
Nile a certified music legend
@BlueZaphiro
In fact Nile Rodgers has made us to return to 70's disco nights... absolutely!!
🎵🌟🎵⭐🎵👍
@lloydjohnlyons
Craig David absolute legend this song dope love the beats on this and production super so well done Nile Rodgers for collaborating with Craig David as for Stefflon Don also did great job sounds awsome wish we had music like this in the charts defiantly room for 80s disco soul RNB funk new jack swing and Nile Rodgers definitely hit the nail on the head with Craig David because Craig MC as well as DJ and singer and is definitely 90s RNB man and uk garage who been around for ages and definitely knows how to bring album that works in today music as his 2 recent albums have defiantly been success
@smithkakuta7361
Exellent!! New Jack Swing Forever! Welcome Back Nile.