Lost their Funkness!
Derek Johnson | United Kingdom | 01/28/2008
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Being a fan of all things Cameo related, I picked up this 1992 release of the group expecting great things. I don't think this CD was the album that broke the camel's back, but I do think it was the end of an era for a fantastic group. I think that with each passing album Real Men Wear Black &Machismo with a changing musical landscape that was going for a more polish sound, as opposed to a funk backdrop, Cameo were always going to sound dated. Because they either couldn't see this musical change happening, or which is nearer the truth to be, they wanted to either try and embrace this new musical frontier, 'Emotional Violence' sounds like a band that have gone on too long. The only decent song to my ears is 'That Type of Guy' which adheres to the formula of a horn/brass section, and is the only reason that I will be buying this CD.This album was in fact the group's last on a major label, as I write. Unless you are a die-hard fan, I would avoid this one."
The Album that killed Cameo
Funkman | Canada | 12/06/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I remember the day when I watched a VJ on tv label Cameo's "Emotional Violence" their worst album ever.I bought it any way because I'm a die hard fan and I never let someones opinion affect my decision.At first glance of the CD you would think Cameo made a hard rock album but this album had a street/new jack feel to it.The title track,"Money",and "That kind of guy" are my personal favorites.The other songs are not bad but Larry should of had someone help with the drums.I say this not to bash him(He's one of the best funk drummers ever)I say this in terms of the over all sound of the drum samples.In "Word Up" Larry had the drums smokin' and that's why it had the edge,and that's why every album after it (leading up to this one) just didn't have that raw club feel.When your doing Funk/R&B these days your drums have 2 hit just as hard as a hip hop track.If Cameo could adjust this problem and collaborate with a Battlecat,DJ Quik,or a Fred Wreck type of Producer, they could make a come back album."