Having already released two albums to little fanfare on 20th Century, under their original name Kinsman Dazz, 1980-1981 saw the band shorten their name, sign to R&B powerhouse Motown, and come back with the near-total reinvention of
Let the Music Play. Bucking the early-'80s trend of synthesizing absolutely everything,
the Dazz Band kept their music flowing around the more traditional funk trappings of exquisitely elastic basslines and brightly crafted horns. Keys were introduced only to make a sonic point -- they work to their best advantage on the rambunctiously quirky "Freaky Lovin'," and the mid-tempo moves on the title track. "Don't Stop," meanwhile, only adds to the upbeat energy with its snappy bass-driven danceability. The rest of the set, however, is dedicated to a softer, smoother, vocally focused R&B style that is spread liberally across "What Will I Do Without You," "This Time It's Forever," and "I Believe in You." "Knock Knock," the best of the bunch, emerged as
Let the Music Play's sole charting single, reaching the Top 50 in August. Patchy in places, and leaning more heavily on a bland, soft style than the band needed, it's obvious that
the Dazz Band were stretching their wings and finding the groove that would keep them in heavy chart rotation through the entire decade. ~ Amy Hanson