Disappointed because wasn't as well-received as it should have been, made a triumphant return to defiant, in-your-face with the triple-platinum . This was not only his best-selling album ever, it was also his best period, and certainly the most exciting album released in 1981. The gloves came all the way off this time, and is as loud and proud as ever on such arresting hits as and aren't a high priority, but those he does offer (including his stunning duet with , ) are first-rate. One song that's questionable (to say the least) is the inflammatory a commentary on police misconduct that condemns law enforcement in general instead of simply indicting those who abuse their authority. But then, the thing that makes this hot-headed diatribe extreme is what makes the album on the whole so arresting -- honest, gut-level emotion. simply follows what's in his gut and lets it rip. Even the world's most casual funksters shouldn't be without this pearl of an album. [The reissue of adds 12" mixes of as bonus tracks.] ~ Alex Henderson