The New Zapp IV U is the fourth studio album by the American funk band Zapp, released on October 25, 1985, by Warner Bros. Records. The album contained the song "Computer Love", which reached No. 8 on the US Billboard R&B chart. The album became the last release before frontman Roger Troutman would focus his efforts on his solo career; their next album, titled Zapp Vibe, would be released in 1989.
Critical reception
Jason Birchmeier of AllMusic gave the album a positive review: "The previous three Zapp albums were all stellar, and it would have been a shame for him to abandon a winning formula. In the end, the new approach to songwriting here proves just enough change to make this a fresh-sounding album".
In popular culture The song "Radio People" was featured in the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The album's most popular single, "Computer Love", was also featured in the 1993 movie Menace II Society.
Track listing
Personnel Roger Troutman: Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Vocals Aaron Blackmon: Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Bass Greg Jackson, Dale DeGroat, Billy Beck, Bernie Worrell: Keyboards Zapp Troutman: Bass, Keyboards Damian Black: Drums Lester Troutman: Drums, Percussion Larry Troutman, Robert "Kurumba" Jones: Percussion Carl Cowen, Jerome Derrickson, Michael Warren, Robert Jones: Horns Shirley Murdock – backing vocals (2) Charlie Wilson – backing vocals (2)
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1985–1986) Peakposition US Billboard 200 110 US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 8
Year-end charts Chart (1986) Position US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 28
References
Further reading "Bridges Proves It Really Does Matter for Zapp". Back Stage. February 7, 1986. p. 57