Cats Without Claws (40th Anniversary Edition) vinyl

A worthy reissue that helps celebrate 40 years since it original hit the airwaves, Cats Without Claws finds Donna Summer at a crossroads. Having ruled the disco era, by 1984 she was adapting to a pop world that wasn't quite sure where she fitted in. Reunited with producer Michael Omartian, the album aims for the sleek, adult-contemporary sound that had revitalised her on 'She Works Hard For the Money' and the result is a spirited and fascinating listen that shines brighter in hindsight. Tracks like 'There Goes My Baby' and 'Supernatural Love' pulse with polished energy, while ballads like 'Forgive Me' (which earned Summer a Grammy) reveal her gospel roots with searing sincerity. Some of the production choices lean heavily into 80s gloss, mirroring the drama that made her disco-era work so riveting. Summer's voice remains a powerhouse, navigating pop, soul and inspirational styles with effortless charisma - making this an overlooked gem, for sure.