Often referred to as 'The Godfather Of House', Frankie Knuckles is back with his follow up album to 2002's Motivation.

With a career that spans three decades as the number one representative for dance music around the world, Frankie has mixed the likes of Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, The Pet Shop Boys, Diana Ross and Janet Jackson.

In 1998 Frankie was named the first Grammy Award recipient for Dance Remixer of the Year and not only does he DJ and produce but he also owns the digital label NOISE!music.

If all of this wasn't enough, in 2004, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, along with the support of Barack Obama (then senator), officially declared that 26 August would be 'Frankie Knuckles Day'.

Motivation Too is the new album from Frankie which shows off newly produced tracks by some of the great voices and producers of this era's house music.

This album consists of 12 tracks and includes names such as Michelle Weeks, Vernessa Mitchelle and Jocelyn Brown. There are also productions from Shapeshifters, DJ Spen and Scott Wozniak.

This is certainly an album to motivate you. The beats, rhythms and melodies are funky, suave and get your body moving to the beats.

This album opens with Dr Gary Gray 'Faith'. This has what I would call a warmer intro, where it begins smooth and slow with lyrics that set this whole album off: 'Faith is your power, it's your heart, its your pulse...' Once the beat sets in it's a cool starter.

Moving on to deeper beats is Big Brooklyn Red 'He Moves'. This track has a feel of gospel about it which sounds really good when mixed with the house beats.

The next few tracks are what I would class as 'getting ready to go out and party' tracks. These are the sort of sounds to get you ready for a big night out. Scott Wozniak feat. Dirty Turk 'My Light' and Michelle Weeks 'A Purpose' are fantastic for this with good beats, bass-lines and catchy melodies.

G Club 'Faith Feat. Haze' (The Shapeshifters Little More Faith Remix) is a favourite of mine on this album. I love the rhythmic beat and the feel of the song.

Moving toward the end of the album, the tracks seem to become a little blander and feel as if some of the life has disappeared in them. Vernessa Mitchelle 'Took My Life (Turn It Around)' is missing the good vibe and it sounds a little tinny.

Having said this the final track DJ Pope 'Happy Being Me' ends on a real high. The vocals, lyrics and gospel vibe is fantastic. This track alone is enough to bring a smile into anyone's life. First-rate!

This is certainly an album to get you motivated about yourself. If you're on a downer put this on and give it a whirl, you will come out the other side a happier and livelier person!

8

Helena Rea