"Open Up" by Chic

Chic were one of the premier disco acts in the world during the late ‘70s. Led by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards, Chic dominated the airwaves and filled dance floors across the globe with their thrilling brand of R&B, disco and funk. The band cultivated their own singular sound–adding a dash of sophistication and class to their dance grooves. This distinguished them from other popular bands on the scene at the time. Hits like “Good Times” and “Le Freak” are era-defining classics that still get a lot of play to this day. And in addition to the hits that everyone is familiar with, Chic have some great underappreciated tracks in their discography that deserve more recognition.

One of them is the incredible instrumental “Open Up.” The track is exquisitely arranged and produced. And the musicianship is simply phenomenal. Edwards brings equal shares of funk and smooth elegance to the groove with his brilliant bass work. The track features a magnificent string arrangement, sizzling drums and Rodgers’ super-tight rhythm guitar riffs. The sleek, intoxicating groove demands repeated plays. This is stylish funk as only Chic could do it.

“Open Up” is the opening track on Chic’s fourth studio album Real People, released in 1980 on Atlantic Records. It was written and produced by Edwards and Rogers. It has been sampled on four songs, according to WhoSampled.com.

The full personnel for Real People is Nile Rodgers (guitar, vocals), Bernard Edwards (bass, vocals), Andy Schwartz (keyboards), Tony Thompson (drums), Alfa Anderson (lead vocals), Raymond Jones (keyboards), Luci Martin (lead vocals), Michelle Cobbs (vocals), Fonzi Thornton (lead vocals) and the Chic Strings: Cheryl Hong, Karen Mine and Valerie Haywood. Gene Orloff was concertmaster. The album was produced by Edwards and Rodgers.

Chic pretty much defined the disco era and had a major impact on contemporary music. Their influence is far-reaching–touching genres such as hip-hop, dance, funk, R&B and more.

"Open Up" available at Amazon