"Flirt" by Cameo

Following the release of their debut album Cardiac Arrest in 1977, Cameo quickly established themselves as one of the baddest and most exciting funk outfits on the R&B scene. They packed dance floors and heated up the charts with their uniquely powerful brand of funk. Cameo was also killing it at their live shows, thrilling audiences with their raw talent, energy and great showmanship. By the early ‘80s, the band adopted a more electronic-based sound, replacing the horn section with synths and incorporating Simmons electronic drums into their grooves. This change gave their sound a more New Wave-ish, electrofunk feel; however, they didn’t lose an ounce of that good uncut funk in the process. 

“Flirt” typifies the band’s new sonic direction, and it’s an absolute banger. It’s pure groove invention as only Cameo could do it. The track is impeccably arranged and produced. It boasts wicked synth lines, super-tight guitar riffs, and irresistible keyboards. Michael Burnett’s awesome bass work significantly deepens the groove’s funk level. His nasty thump-and-pluck breakdown is the highlight of the track.

The song was written by Larry Blackmon and Tomi Jenkins. It was the first single from the band’s eighth studio album Alligator Woman (1982). "Flirt" performed well on Billboard’s R&B singles chart, peaking at #10. The album also enjoyed significant chart action and had strong sales. It climbed to #6 on Billboard’s R&B album chart and #23 on the Billboard 200 pop album chart. The collection was certified gold by the RIAA with more than 500,000 copies sold. Alligator Woman was produced by Larry Blackmon and released on Chocolate City Records.

“Flirt” has been sampled on 14 songs, per WhoSampled.com. It was also featured on the soundtrack for the 1992 crime drama South Central.

The full band lineup for Alligator Woman was Larry Blackmon (drums, percussions, lead and backing vocals), Charlie Singleton (guitar, keyboards, lead and backing vocals), Gregory Johnson (keyboards, backing vocals), Michael Burnett (bass), Tomi Jenkins (lead and backing vocals), Kevin Kendrick (keyboards), Nathan Leftenant (trumpet, backing vocals) and Randy Stern (keyboards).

Cameo performing "Flirt" on Soul Train. They're lip-syncing but a cool performance nonetheless.

"Flirt" available at Amazon

Related blog entry: "I Just Want To Be" by Cameo

Related blog entry: Review of Cameo's Debut Album Cardiac Arrest