Pizzazz

Reception

While she was attacked for leaving the jazz genre, Rushen was able to get a good fan base with R&B/Pop audience. Rushen's profile in the R&B world continued to increase with Pizzazz, her second album for Elektra Records and fifth overall.

Pizzazz was her second highest charting album, reaching #39 in 1979. It features the hit single "Haven't You Heard". The single soared to the top of R&B radio play lists and is among Rushen's biggest hits.

With this album Patrice drew on such influences as Earth, Wind & Fire, Minnie Riperton, Stevie Wonder, and the Emotions. Rushen was able get the R&B lover's attention with songs such as the funky opener "Let the Music Take Me," the soulful ballad "Settle for My Love," and the perky "Keepin' Faith in Love." Pizzazz received plenty of verbals attacks from jazz critics accused Rushen as a traitor, but from an R&B/Pop perspective, the album is considered one of Rushen's most rewarding and essential albums.

Track listing

1. "Let The Music Take Me" (Patrice Rushen, Sheree Brown) - 6:51
2. "Keepin' Faith In Love" (Patrice Rushen, Angela Rushen) - 4:08
3. "Settle for My Love" (Patrice Rushen, Freddie Washington, Sheree Brown) - 5:15
4. "Message In The Music" (Patrice Rushen) - 3:01
5. "Haven't You Heard" (Patrice Rushen, Charles Mims Jr., Washington, Sheree Brown) - 6:45
6. "Givin' It Up Is Givin' Up" (Patrice Rushen, Freddie Washington, Angela Rushen) - 4:59
7. "Call On Me" (Patrice Rushen, Angela Rushen, Sheree Brown) - 6:48
8. "Reprise" (Patrice Rushen) - 0:57