SECRETS

Herbie Hancock started his second after "Mwandishi" experimental period establishing "Head-hunters" and playing jazz-funk fusion. If first albums were all very progressive gem ( I personally prefer "Thrust" from all Head-hunters period), he slightly changed direction to more commercial. And "Secrets" is a very first step in this way. If his previous album Man-Child was still very experimental, but with concentration on funk rhythm against any melodies, Secrets tried to attract listener with less complex compositions and much more dance oriented music.

It is still jazz-funk fusion, but you will easily fell disco influence. Even Hancock old standard Cantelope Island sounds there as accessible version for dance floor. Whenever Hancock has all collection of pop-oriented recordings, for me they are of two kinds. Some are almost unlistenable because of simplification and accented pop-accessibility, and another are still musically strong albums, even if commercially oriented. The Secrets depends to another group: I am not happy with it's musical direction, but still can enjoy some moments and musicians techniques and professionalism in total.