Monster

Released in 1980, Monster is a polarizing but essential entry in Herbie Hancock's discography, marking his most explicit embrace of disco and R&B. Following the success of Sunlight and Feets, Don't Fail Me Now, Hancock continued to experiment with the Sennheiser vocoder and a more vocal-centric approach. The album features a stellar lineup of session heavyweights, including Carlos Santana on guitar and Freddie Washington on bass, ensuring the musicianship remains top-tier despite the pop-oriented structures. Critically, the album was seen as a commercial 'sell-out' by jazz traditionalists, but it has since been reclaimed by rare groove collectors and DJs who value its impeccable production and tight rhythmic pockets. It serves as a crucial bridge between the fusion of the 70s and the electro-funk of 'Rockit' that would follow just a few years later. The track 'Making Love' showcases Hancock's ability to craft sophisticated ballads, while 'Go for It' remains a staple of his high-energy live sets from this period.