Style

Released in 1983, Style represents a pivotal moment in Cameo's discography, marking their transition from a large funk ensemble to a lean, four-piece unit. This shift coincided with the launch of Larry Blackmon's Atlanta Artists label. Sonically, the album is a departure from the 'Alligator Woman' era, leaning heavily into the burgeoning electronic tools of the early 80s. The band famously dubbed this new sound '21st Century Bebop,' a nod to their desire to push the boundaries of R&B into more avant-garde, synthetic territories. The production is characterized by the prominent use of Simmons electronic drums and heavy synthesizer layering, which would become the blueprint for their massive mid-80s success with 'Word Up!'. While it retains the band's rhythmic core, Style is notably more minimalist and 'new wave' influenced than their earlier work, bridging the gap between traditional funk and the emerging electro-funk scene.