Carasmatic

Last updated
Carasmatic
Carasmatic.jpg
Studio album by
Released1987
Studio
Genre Pop rock, soft rock
Length39:56
Label Elektra
Producer Irene Cara (tracks 1 and 9; also executive producer), George Duke (tracks 2-4, 6 and 7), George Johnson (tracks 1 and 8), John Farrar (track 5), Bill Seidman (track 9)
Irene Cara chronology
What a Feelin'
(1983)
Carasmatic
(1987)
Singles from Carasmatic
  1. "Girlfriends"/"Dying for Your Love"
    Released: February 1987
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [1]

Carasmatic is Irene Cara's third and final studio album released in 1987. It was her only album for Elektra Records. The album was mostly produced by George Duke. Many popular musicians also contributed to this album such as Luther Vandross, Lynn Davis, James Ingram, Patrice Rushen, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, John Farrar and Michael Bolton. The album, however, sold poorly and failed to make an impression on the charts.

Contents

The lead single "Girlfriends" failed to generate enough sales or airplay to crack the Hot 100.

Critical reviews

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [2]

Billboard called the album a "mixed bag of top 40 fare with mixed results, despite presence of all-star supporters, including Brothers Johnson, Luther Vandross, and Bonnie Raitt." However they singled out the track "Don't Wanna Let Go" as Cara's "best shot." [3]

AllMusic noted that "the material here lacks the vocal and musical conviction of her first two albums...with only halfway decent songs, limited production, and Cara vocally not up to par, this album will only be of interest to the true Cara conoisseur." [4]

However, Cash Box was more complimentary in their review, noting that "Cara checks in with a sizzling collection of grooving tunes. She uses an all-star cast of producers and players to give the record its sparkling shine." [5]

Track listing

  1. "Get a Grip" (Debbie Johnson, George Johnson, Cara) – 4:58
  2. "Give Me Love" (Michael Bolton, Patrick Henderson) – 3:58
  3. "We're Gonna Get Up" (Danny Sembello, David Batteau) – 4:42
  4. "Now That It's Over" (Doug James, Bolton) – 4:20
  5. "Say Goodnight Irene" (Cara, John Farrar) – 4:38
  6. "Don't Wanna Let Go" (James, Bolton) – 3:32
  7. "Girlfriends" (Gordon Grody, Cara) – 4:14
  8. "Be Your Number One" (Gerald Tillman, Harold Allen Jr., Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Smith) – 5:31
  9. "Falling in Love" (Bill Seidman) – 4:03

Personnel

Production

Studios

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References

  1. Allmusic review
  2. Ann-Margret – Ann-Margret: Reviews at AllMusic. Retrieved April 17, 2023.
  3. "Album Reviews" (PDF). Billboard Magazine. No. 30 May 1987. p. 78. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  4. https://www.allmusic.com/album/carasmatic-mw0000819878
  5. "Album Releases" (PDF). Cash Box. No. 25 April 1987. p. 8. Retrieved February 15, 2024.