The release of Perfect Union is bittersweet. Kool the Gang's first proper album since 2007's Still Kool was completed just before the death of Ronald Bell, and issued only a couple weeks after the death of Dennis D.T. Thomas, leaving Robert Kool Bell and George Funky Brown as the band's surviving co-founders. Back in 2016, the funk legends hit the Adult R&B chart with the easy-striding "Sexy," which introduced Walt Anderson, a singer who is spirited and engaging like James J.T. Taylor -- the band's mainstream-era frontman -- and to his credit is no impressionist. "Sexy" lands in the middle of Perfect Union and is followed by a romantic midtempo cut with even more appeal, "All to Myself" (with former members Amir and Royal Bayyan teaming on guitar), and another highlight, the smoothly uplifting "Hold On." It's obvious why Kool the Gang have remained a major draw on-stage. The interplay among the musicians is lively, and there's a fine balance struck between Anderson and a group of additional vocalists that includes Shawn McQuiller, who is in his third decade with the band. Despite the inestimable losses of Ronald and D.T., there's a way forward for Kool, Funky, and the evolving Gang. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi

1		Pursuit of Happiness
2		The Weekend
3		Leave It on the Dance Floor
4		High
5		Sexy (Where'd You Get Yours)
6		All to Myself
7		R.O.Y.A.L.T.Y. [Kool & the Gang Mix]
8		Hold On
9		Good Time
10		Pursuit of Happiness [Rap Version]

	Like us on Facebook
	@SoundHound	Follow