Herbie's last HEADHUNTERS-era disc that is still a fairly rewarding one for those open to his mid-'70's fusion of jazz with progressive funk/r&b. As with the previous few discs, Hancock and Maupin in particular get ample solo space, with Herbie still trying to integrate his talent for improvisation with his vision for genre-hopping. The music is a bit lighter in texture than the prior three albums in this style, and the repetitive semi-vocal track DOIN' IT hints at the rapid musical decline to come. Nonetheless, check this CD out if you are into HH's 1973-1976 period.

Hard, smart, creative funk can be a hard pursuit in life these days. Even with the age of the reissue firmly upon us, finding a decently accessible funk album can be a real biyatch.

Thankfully, "Secrets," under the usually readily available Columbia jazz header is probably just sitting there in your jazz section pleading with you to pick it up for $9.99. Should this be a hard decision? Emphatically: No.

Although I can see where previous reviewers are coming from, trying to compare this outing to Headhunters is truly unnecessary. With this '76 effort Herbs is definitely toeing the fine line between jazz, funk and disco but it all works. "Doin It" is a super, super heavy funk jam and sounds like it was culled from the "Man-Child" sessions. And although "Gentle Thoughts" can be interpreted as a dated sound it probably stands as my favorite rip on the album. It's got a great walking bassline and super funky breakdown and, as always, Herbie dancing on the keys.

Go get "Secrets," don't think about it. It'll always be an easy go-to funk bomb just when you need a little infusion.

This album digs pretty deep into the FONK!Now this is Hancock's final album with the Headhunters and included Ray
Parker Jr's BOSS guitar on "Doin' It"."Swamp Rat" and the title
song dig DEEP into the type of funk the Headhunters are so known
for.Only "Gentle Thoughts" rings a little dated but is still
excellent soft fusion.Nothing more to say-this is CLASSIC,funky
Herbie!!!

This album takes funk to a new level in my opinion. It shows that funk can be more than a continuous stream of the same groove. It can rise and fall, be expressive, and be as much of a "group music" as straight-ahead and free jazz. If you liked the original Headhunters album, this one will put you over the edge.

Amazing funky stuff like never heard before!!!! This album is so funky-groovalistic, it makes your body move like crazy snake! From straight up feel-good funk like Doin' It and the updated version of Canteloupe Island to the mellow grooves of People Music and Gentle Thoughts...this album is very very CHILL. Perfect with headphones and a little buddha!