NILE RODGERS & CHIC

It’s About Time VIRGIN 6/10 First set of (mostly) new Chic material in more than 25 years

It feels churlish to complain that the new album by the maker of the most elegant ’70s disco and most impeccable ’80s pop sounds dated. But one problem with It’s About Time – Rodgers’ first revival of the Chic imprint since 1992’s Chic-ism – is how seldom its contents resemble the likes of “Good Times” (though Lady Gaga gives it a shot on an overdressed rendition of Chic’s “I Want Your Love”) or his productions for David Bowie and Madonna. Instead, too many songs sport frumpier styles, like the New Jack Swing of “Sober” or the sub-Boyz II Men ’90s R&B of “Queen”, which unites Elton John with Emeli Sandé with disappointing results. Thankfully, “Boogie All Night” is one of several master classes in groove and finesse.