Nona Hendryx

She never quite recorded a front-to-back masterpiece after parting ways with LaBelle (her best solo song, the triumphant Material collaboration “Bustin’ Out,” only appeared as a single), and her later forays into house and heavy funk are well worth checking out, but Nona Hendrix’s rock ‘n’ soul debut may still be her sharpest. Don’t be scared by her wicked cutlery on the cover. The “Winning” cover is joyous but ironic, considering her label didn’t give this any promotional push, and “Leaving Here Today” shows off her sensitive side. Still, the best moments come when she lets herself bust out: the funk jams “Take a Chance” and “Problem” demonstrate that Patti wasn’t the only one with a huge voice in her previous outfit.