Slave - Bad Enuff (1983)

After 1982's disappointing Visions of the Lite, it was logical to assume that Slave was past its prime. But the Dayton funksters' next album, Bad Enuff, turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Although it falls short of remarkable, this solid, pleasing album was a definite improvement over Visions of the Lite. Bad Enuff isn't in a class with The Concept, Just a Touch of Love, or Stone Jam, but it's an enjoyable, satisfying record -- and unlike Visions of the Light, it proved that there could be life after Steve Arrington for Slave. This Jimmy Douglass-produced LP found the band unveiling a new lineup; original members Mark Adams (bass), Danny Webster (lead vocals, lead guitar), and Floyd Miller (lead vocals) were joined by several newcomers, including lead singers Eugene Jackson and Wayne Foote, keyboardist Kenny Hairston, saxman Albrey Rivers, and trumpeter Kenny Anderson. Despite all the personnel changes, Slave is instantly recognizable as Slave on lively, infectious offerings like "Bad Girl," "Rendezvous," and the single "Shake It Up." While Visions of the Light had listeners lamenting Arrington's departure from Slave, Bad Enuff proved that it could get along without him. Bad Enuff isn't recommended to casual listeners, who would be better off sticking with the Midwesterners' essential 1977-1981 work. But it isn't a bad album to have in your collection if you're among Slave's die-hard fans. © Alex Henderson