Review of Heatwave's Debut Album Too Hot To Handle

Funk-disco band Heatwave burst onto the music scene in 1976 with their sensational debut album Too Hot To Handle. The collection was one of the year’s most impressive R&B and dance music releases. It showcased the band’s consummate musicianship and Rod Temperton’s superb songwriting abilities. The British-born keyboardist, composer, arranger and producer wrote every track on the album. He was largely responsible for the band’s singular sound that distinguished them from other funk and disco outfits at the time.

The album opens with the smokin’ title track. This massively funky groove features a killer bass line, nasty rhythm guitar licks and a dazzling horn/synth line. Keith Wilder delivers a soulful high-energy vocal performance, complemented by powerful falsetto-laced harmonies from his brother Johnnie Wilder Jr.  

Mario Mantese’s smooth bass line anchors the exquisite “Ain’t No Half Steppin’”. The track boasts an awesome vocal performance from Johnnie Wilder Jr., who also provides some great percussion work. The dynamic string arrangement further enhances the groove. It also has a terrific bridge. The song is about completely cuttin’ loose and giving it all you got on the dance floor.

“Boogie Nights” is Heatwave’s biggest hit and one of the iconic dance songs of the ‘70s. Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson even named his classic period drama Boogie Nights (1997) after it. The song is masterfully arranged and performed. It has Temperton’s indelible sonic stamp that can’t be mistaken for anyone else. The track opens with a mysterious, jazzy intro, then jumps into a sizzling dance groove. The song features a ferocious beat, funky bass and sleek guitar rhythms. Keith Wilder delivers a rousing vocal performance, and Temperton serves up a smashing synth solo. This hot track packed dance floors across the U.S. and abroad in ‘77.

“Always and Forever” is a big album highlight. It’s one of Heatwave’s best-known tracks and a slow jam classic. The track features an incredible vocal performance from Johnnie Wilder Jr. He infuses his vocals with tons of passion and soul. And the song's arrangement and production are impeccable. This was the go-to track back in the day for people who wanted to get their slow dance on. "Always and Forever” ranked #2 on Essence magazine's 25 Best Slow Jams of All Time list in 2009.

The nostalgic “Beat Your Booty” is an irresistible funk tune. The percolating groove has a groovin’ bass line, sweet rhythm guitar licks and infectious keyboards. The song’s narrator reminisces about his childhood and how his mother’s tough love shaped him into the man that he is today. And that tough love sometimes consisted of corporal punishment. This was long before “time-outs” and other non-physical forms of punishment were the norm, and the belt and switch were common tools for child discipline.

The Sylistics-inspired “Sho’nuff Must Be Love” showcases Johnnie Wilder Jr.’s immense vocal gifts. His beautiful falsetto elevates the track to the heavens. This majestic cut exemplifies Temperton’s expertise at penning sterling ballads and Johnnie’s formidable vocal talent. Another great mellow jam from the album is “Lay It On Me,” which features a fantastic vocal arrangement and more of Johnnie’s flawless falsetto. 

“Super Soul Sister” is a strong funk groove. The track has a dope bass line, tight horns and a nasty beat. And Temperton contributes some funky keyboards. The track also boasts a cool little jazz break. “Super Soul Sister” is about a bad chick who effortlessly exudes confidence, style and magnetic sex appeal—driving all the brothas crazy.

Johnnie delivers a luminous vocal performance on “All You Do Is Dial.” His feathery falsetto is soothing to the ears and soul. The song boasts a magnificent arrangement and a gorgeous chorus.

Too Hot To Handle was a critical and commercial success. Noted music publications gave it high marks, and it received tons of love from funk, R&B and disco fans. The album has sold over a million copies to date. It peaked at #11 on the Billboard 200 album chart and #5 on Billboard’s R&B album chart. And it charted in other parts of the world–the UK (#46), New Zealand (#36) and Canada (#14).

The singles “Boogies Nights” and “Always and Forever” had strong performances on the charts. “Boogie Nights” rose to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at #5 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart. It topped New Zealand's singles chart and saw significant chart action in Canada (#2), the UK (#2), Norway (#6), Sweden (#11), Belgium (#27) and the Netherlands (#17). It has sold two million copies in the U.S., 200,000 copies in the UK and 75,000 units in Canada. 

“Always and Forever” peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart. It peaked at #10 in Canada, #17 in Ireland, and #9 in the UK. The song has sold a million copies in the U.S. The title track “Too Hot To Handle” peaked at #15 on the UK singles chart and #28 in New Zealand.

Too Hot To Handle was produced by Barry Blue and released on GTO Records on June 15, 1976, in the UK and Epic Records on May 30, 1977, in the U.S. 

The full personnel for Too Hot To Handle was Eric Johns (guitar), Ernest “Bilbo” Berger (drums, percussion), Johnnie Wilder Jr. (lead and backing vocal, percussion), Mario Mantese (bass), Melvin Rogers (trumpet), Rod Temperton (keyboards) and Keith Wilder (lead vocals).

Too Hot To Handle at Amazon