Destiny

Released in 1986, Destiny finds Chaka Khan further exploring the synth-heavy, high-production territory established by her previous hit 'I Feel for You.' The album is notable for its diverse range of high-profile collaborators, most notably David Gamson and Green Gartside of Scritti Politti, who co-wrote and produced the lead single 'Love of a Lifetime.' This partnership brought a unique, jittery avant-pop sensibility to Chaka's R&B foundation. The recording sessions were a star-studded affair, featuring contributions from Phil Collins, Steve Lukather, and even a jazz-inflected tribute to John Coltrane in the closing track. While some critics at the time felt the production occasionally overshadowed the singer, the album is now viewed as a fascinating document of mid-80s sonic ambition. It successfully bridged the gap between the dance-floor funk of her Rufus years and the sophisticated adult contemporary R&B that would dominate the late 80s, all while maintaining her status as one of the premier vocalists in the industry.