Possibly her very best album. It seemed unlikely that she could top 1979's, THE BOSS but she did indeed and this is another landmark in her career. In 1980, when disco was still very much popular, she turned to the hottest R and B writers and producers of that era, Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. Allegedly there were problems between Ross and these producers as Ross apparently felt her vocals were pushed too far into the background. She proceeded to take the album and remix it herself, pushing her vocals foward and making this much more unique.You simply can't disagree with Ross' decision when you hear the sheer magic of this truly magnificent album. Ritously funky throughout the album, it spun three major classics with the first being UPSIDE DOWN which became Ross' fifth U.S.A solo no.1 hit and narrowly missed the top spot in the U.K. Her impressive, razor sharp vocals are also featured on the other classics, MY OLD PIANO and on one of Ross' strongest performances on record, I'M COMING OUT which is seemingly making a statement of newly found independence. This classic also became a huge gay anthem which still remains popular on the scene today. The rythmically divine, TENDERNESS, aching, FRIEND TO FRIEND, catchy, HAVE FUN AGAIN and the beautiful sparse production of NOW THAT YOU'RE GONE all sound like they could have been classics if lifted as singles. Best of all however is the incredibly funky, GIVE UP to which Ross just lets her hairs down and belts this out with all her heart and soul. A huge triumph in Ross' career with every track a winner and this today remains a well loved classic. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

They say that some things get better with time. But this is something that was great from jumpstreet! Without a doubt, this is Diana Ross' best album from start to finish. Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers of Chic knew exactly what to do to make Ms. Ross sound great. Superior songs and production is what put this album over the top. "Upside Down" and "I'm Coming Out" are classics, and other strong album cuts include "Now That You're Gone", "Tenderness" and "My Old Piano"(a top 5 hit in England). Plus the 24-bit remastering job makes this album explode out of your speakers(Bravo Motown! ) For those who are only familiar with this album's two hit singles via Puff Daddy's sampling, you owe it to yourself to check it out. For those who remember this from the first time around, this is the definitive reissue of this 1980 classic.

Diana Ross was no stranger to disco music with the disco hit "Love Hangover" and the album The Boss, but on diana she joined forces with one of the most formidable disco production teams, Nile Rogers & Bernard Edwards of Chic. Instead of making another disco album, Rogers & Edwards moved away from a heavy disco element into a funk & rock sound that created the edgiest and most creative album Ms. Ross has ever made. "Upside Down" is the perfect synthesis of the sound. The producers lay a funky guitar riff over a string section while Ms. Ross purrs away with sass and style. After this release, Ms. Ross moved back into more familiar territory with such songs as "Endless Love", "It's My Turn" and other more traditional Diana Ross sounds. But on diana, she created an original, innovative and edgy record that has held up better than most albums from this era.

If one is to select Diana Ross's best release after her departure from the legendary Supremes, then this is the one to have in an audio library. Filled with Ross standards "I'm Comin' Out" and "Upside Down," as well as great tracks like "Tenderness," "Have Fun," and "My Old Piano," the album is a party-planner's delight.

Actually the title of this album should've been "CHIC featuring Diana Ross" since it is a Chic album with their own Background vocals, strings, etc. Written, Arranged and Produced by The Great Bernard Edwards & Nile Rodgers, the founders of Chic. The only difference is Diana is singing lead instead of Luci Martin or Alfa Anderson. Anyway, I recently heard this album for the first time in 26 years, only this time on CD and the sound blew me away!!!!! The songs sound just as fresh as they did back then. Every track in addition to "Upside Down" and "I'm Coming Out" is a potential hit especially "Have Fun Again". Bernard's Bass playing is really kicking on that cut! I love it! Overall this album is a must-listen for any person who appreciates R&B music just as it was during the last year of the "Party Hardy Era" that was from 1977-1980.