1979 Patrice Rushen – Pizzazz

Pizzazz is the fifth album by American singer Patrice Rushen.

While she was attacked for leaving the jazz genre, Rushen was able to get a good fan base with R&B/Pop audience. Rushen’s profile in the R&B world continued to increase with Pizzazz, her second album for Elektra Records and fifth overall.

Pizzazz was her second highest charting album, reaching #39 in 1979. It features the hit single, “Haven’t You Heard.” The single soared to the top of R&B radio playlists and is among Rushen’s biggest hits.

With this album Patrice drew on such influences as Earth, Wind & Fire, Minnie Riperton, Stevie Wonder, and the Emotions. Rushen was able get the R&B lover’s attention with songs such as the funky opener “Let the Music Take Me,” the soulful ballad “Settle for My Love,” and the perky “Keepin’ Faith in Love.” Pizzazz received plenty of verbals attacks from jazz critics accused Rushen as a traitor, but from an R&B/Pop perspective, the album is considered one of Rushen’s most rewarding and essential albums.