Two sides of Chaka Khan: playful curiosity and a golden glow
Chaka Khan takes over Monday’s Come Thru Vocals with “Curious Subject” and “Heart of Gold,” two distinct delights from her 2026 album Chakzilla. One finds the Queen of Funk in a playful, questioning mood; the other wraps her unmistakable voice in a gleaming pop arrangement. Why choose just one side of Chaka when we can have both?
Two tracks. Two discoveries. One daily detour.
Come Thru Vocals is INYIM’s long-running daily music discovery series spotlighting voices and songs worth hearing. Selections may also move into Musique Dig’s Weekly Playlist and rotation on INYIM Radio.
Chaka Khan
Tune: “Curious Subject”
WHY IT CAUGHT OUR EAR
There’s something delicious about hearing Chaka Khan sound this curious after decades of setting the standard. The bouncy “Curious Subject” gives her room to play with phrasing and attitude rather than simply overpower the track—and her stripped-back A COLORS SHOW performance lets that personality take center stage. A reminder that vocal command can be just as thrilling in the little turns of a line as in the big notes.
Chaka Khan
Tune: “Heart of Gold”
WHY IT CAUGHT OUR EAR
Then comes the glimmer. “Heart of Gold” swaps the first track’s springy playfulness for a more polished, synth-lit pop feel, but Chaka’s unmistakable tone keeps it grounded in soul. It’s the kind of contrast that makes Chakzilla fun to explore: one remarkable voice, still finding new places to go without leaving its character behind.
Come back for the next daily detour. Keep discovering in the Come Thru Vocals archive, hear the week’s six strongest finds in Musique Dig’s Weekly Playlist, and keep the music moving on INYIM Radio.
Have a track for Come Thru Vocals or Musique Dig’s Weekly Playlist? Send it for consideration.
