Album of the Day

Forty-five years ago, Studio 54 opened its doors and the nightclub would quickly become one of New York's hottest – and most exclusive. Chic's Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards were famously turned away one New Year's Eve and channeled their anger into a song; “Le Freak” was originally built around an expletive, but with more radio-friendly lyrics went to the top of the U.S. chart. It's one of two Top 10 hits (the other being “I Want Your Love”) on C'EST CHIC, the second studio album from the disco greats. Guitarist Rodgers and bassist Edwards handle songwriting and production chores here, but the heat from these grooves owes just as much to drummer Tony Thompson and the funky divas at the microphone, Alfa Anderson and Luci Martin. Named R&B Album of the Year by Billboard magazine upon its original release, the platinum-selling C'EST CHIC remains tres magnifique.