Rain Song by Lipstick: A Funky Time Capsule That Still Slaps (1984)
Alright, let’s dive into Rain Song by Lipstick—a gem from '84 that somehow doesn’t get the shine it deserves. This album is pure funk/soul gold with a dash of electronic vibes thrown in for good measure. Disco? Check. Soul? Double check. Electro-funk grooves so smooth they could melt butter? You bet your ass. Produced and written by Brian Holland alongside Edward Holland and Harold Beatty, this thing practically oozes swagger. Released under Music Merchant in the US, it’s like stepping into a neon-lit roller rink where everyone's got moves you can’t even dream of pulling off.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks here because if I don’t, we’re wasting time. First up: "Rain Song." Man, this one hits different. It’s sultry as hell, dripping with soulful vocals that feel like late-night confessions over a rainy cityscape. The bassline? Insane. Like, I’m talking earworm-level ridiculousness. And those synths? They swoop in like a spaceship landing on your block—unexpected but kinda perfect. Every time this track comes on, I’m transported to some alternate universe where bell-bottoms never went out of style and people still know how to dance without looking awkward AF.
Then there’s "Cruise Control," which feels like the musical equivalent of cruising down a sun-soaked highway in a convertible with zero cares. This joint leans heavier into the electro side, all bouncy beats and shimmering guitar riffs. It’s funky enough to make you wanna bust out moves you didn’t even know you had. There’s something hypnotic about the rhythm—it locks you in and refuses to let go until the last note fades out. Honestly, “Cruise Control” might be my favorite guilty pleasure jam now. Don’t @ me.
What’s wild is how this album blends so many styles without losing its identity. One minute you’re vibin’ to soulful melodies, the next you’re caught up in an electro-funk storm. But hey, maybe that’s why it slipped through the cracks back then—too ahead of its damn time. Or maybe folks were too busy obsessing over Prince or whatever. Either way, Rain Song deserves more love than it gets.
Here’s the kicker though—listening to this record today feels almost... rebellious. Like stumbling across a secret party in 2023 while everyone else is stuck in their algorithm-curated playlists. Maybe that’s what makes it special. Or maybe I just need more sleep. Whatever the case, do yourself a favor and give Rain Song a spin. Trust me, your playlist will thank you later.
