Carasmatic


Carasmatic is Irene Cara's third and final studio album released in 1987. It was her only album for Elektra Records. The album was mostly produced by George Duke. Many popular musicians also contributed to this album such as Luther Vandross, Lynn Davis, James Ingram, Patrice Rushen, Kenny Loggins, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, John Farrar and Michael Bolton.
The album was not as successful as What a Feelin', and did not chart on the Billboard 200, as the lead single "Girlfriends" failed to chart in the Hot 100 and received mixed reviews.

Critical reviews

Billboard called the album a "mixed bag of top 40 fare with mixed results, despite presence of all-star supporters, including Brothers Johnson, Luther Vandross, and Bonnie Raitt." However they singled out the track "Don't Wanna Let Go" as Cara's "best shot."
AllMusic noted that "the material here lacks the vocal and musical conviction of her first two albums...with only halfway decent songs, limited production, and Cara vocally not up to par, this album will only be of interest to the true Cara conoisseur."
However, Cash Box was more complimentary in their review, noting that "Cara checks in with a sizzling collection of grooving tunes. She uses an all-star cast of producers and players to give the record its sparkling shine."

Track listing

  1. "Get a Grip" – 4:58
  2. "Give Me Love" – 3:58
  3. "We're Gonna Get Up" – 4:42
  4. "Now That It's Over" – 4:20
  5. "Say Goodnight Irene" – 4:38
  6. "Don't Wanna Let Go" – 3:32
  7. "Girlfriends" – 4:14
  8. "Be Your Number One" – 5:31
  9. "Falling in Love" – 4:03

Personnel

Production

  • George Johnson – producer, engineer
  • Irene Cara – co-producer, executive producer
  • George Duke – producer
  • John Farrar – producer
  • Bill Seidman – producer
  • John Pace – engineer
  • Erik Zobler – engineer
  • Allen Sides – engineer, mixing
  • Tim Wilson – engineer
  • Paul McKenna – engineer
  • Michael Barbiero – mixing, mix supervision
  • Tommy Vicari – mixing, string recording, engineer
  • Michael Brauer – mixing
  • Steve Thompson – mixing, mix supervision
  • Dave Easton – assistant engineer
  • Mitch Gibson – assistant engineer
  • Brian Gardner – LP mastering
  • Stephen Innocenzi – CD mastering
  • Bob Defrin – art direction, design
  • Antonio Lopez – cover artwork
  • Jeff Tomberg – management
;Studios