One step forward, one step back

Review Score: (6/10)
"Destiny" is more is a more consistent album than "I Feel For You," even if the high points aren't as high. Chaka branches out into hard rock with "So Close" (written by country singer Pam Tillis!) and pulls it off without a hitch. "Coltrane Dreams" borrows from John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" and builds its entire rhythm track on vocal samples. It shouldn't work, but it does.

I'm docking "Destiny" a full star because Chaka's voice is placed so far back in the mix. The melodic leaps in "Love of A Lifetime" give her something to chew on, but the heavy production overpowers her by the end of the song. She's barely audible over the fake crowd noises in "Who's It Gonna Be." It comes as a relief when she finally gets to cut loose on the spare, eerie "Tight Fit," but you'll have to wait until track 9. A few poor song choices don't help, either. Contributions from Mr. Mister and Mike Rutherford aren't up her alley, and her own composition "My Destiny" demonstrates why she isn't known for her writing.

More Reviews:

• Earth To Chaka?
• Chaka's much underrated follow-up to "I Feel For You."
• Rockin' Chaka
• Forgotten gem
• A Perfect Fit
• Rare Chaka CD makes for a pleasing listening experience.