Search - George Duke :: Thief in the Night

Remembering The 60's

Andre S. Grindle | Brewer Maine | 04/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"George Duke doesn't have much good to say about 'Thief In The Night',his Elektra debut from 1985.What does seperate this album from Duke's others is not only it's total abandonment of jazz but of funk and fusion as well.George Duke consentrates on either techno pop/dance or rockier new wave type music here and all of these songs have vocals.The dance music includes "I Surrender","We're Supposed To Have Fun"-both of which are about as pop/R&B perfect as a period Narada Michael Walden composition and the strong,sexy title song-actually one of his finest moments composing pure pop gold that finds Duke musing about a mysterious lady with "see through underwear".On the spiky 'Ride' and the uncharacteristic monster ballad "Why" (the latter even including another singer besides Duke) find him exploring far rockier material.But the strongest song here is "Remembering The Sixties",where George Duke and Stevie Wonder muse about nostolgia through love and Duke manages a dead on Wonder vocal impression that's almost eerie.It's so catchy it's almost sing a long-very much Wonder fare.Stevie shows up (singing this time) again on the largely instrumental "Jam",the closest thing to funk on this release.Of course being a George Duke album he brings the Brazillian feel back into play on "La La" to close things out and delivers a nice ballad in "Love Mission".'Thief In The Night' will likely not be to every George Duke fans taste-it's not a jazz or fusion recording and couldn't be more mid 80's.It showcases the style he perfected as a pop producer instead.But aside from all that the composition is very strong and his abilities in this area are obviosly very high.The first time a George Duke fans listens to this they might lose interest but the more you listen the more you love it and my even find yourself singing and jittering along while dancing yourself silly.If only this wasn't such a rarity this album would doubtlessly be very popular in this day and age should it be reissued.And I hope it is."

Worst George Duke Album EVER!!! I want a refund!!

Perry Stevens | Hawaii | 08/11/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a George Duke fan forever. Since "Reach For It" I have bought most of his albums/cds. I like almost everything as musicians always go through changes and phases.I loved him with Frank Zappa, John Scofield too.

I love his funkier stuff and I just ordered "Dukey Treats" as I listened to the samples and it sounds like the George Duke I know and love.



BUT..THIS ALBUM IS A SELLOUT. WHAT AN ABSOLUTE TURD! ONE OF THE WORST PEICES OF CRAP I HAVE EVER HEARD IN MY LIFE! Songwriting is crappy-music is sequenced, drum machines everywhere and not one cut saves the album. It's like his producer or somebody he owes money to said " I want an album now and I want it to sound Top 40ish" Well George , you missed the boat in this one-ITS NOT TOP 40 ITS NOT FUNKY -ITS JUST CRAP and if I could have found your email address, I would seriously ask for a refund for this horrible piece of crap! If you like George Duke-YOU WILL HATE THIS CD!! DON'T BUY IT!!!!"

I loved this album back then...

Duce | Atlanta, GA | 04/28/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When you're a George fan, you're simply a George fan...and I've purchased every single piece of music he has ever made and I've managed to find the good in all of his recordings, i.e., Broken Glass. The reason why I enjoy George's music so much is because it does not matter which genre he choses, his keyboard and piano skills are still superior to most and his arrangements are still very creative. On this particular recording, Thief in the Night, I Surrender, Why and Remember the Sixties were my favorites. Josie James and Lynn Davis were still kicking strong background vocals and George was having fun...or so it seemed...



Doesn't matter to me...George's "Face the Music" and "Muir Woods" are probably the best CDs I've ever heard in my entire life, but "Thief" was pretty good especially for that particular time period when pop music was popular."