Strictly Dance

Released in 1993, Strictly Dance serves as a later-career entry for Hot Chocolate, a band primarily associated with the 1970s UK disco and soul explosion. This album marks a significant sonic shift toward the contemporary R&B and dance-pop production styles prevalent in the early 90s. Recorded with a focus on digital clarity, the album features heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, distancing itself from the organic funk of their heyday. The inclusion of a 'Megamix' and a 'DJ Culture club mix' highlights the band's attempt to remain relevant in the burgeoning European club scene of the time. While it retains the band's core melodic sensibilities, the record is characterized by its adult contemporary polish and sentimental lyrical themes. It stands as a testament to the band's longevity and their ability to translate Errol Brown's charismatic soul into a modern, electronic-leaning context.