How did this happen?
This album is a more hip-hop/funk based album rather than the usual straight funk that Maceo is known for from James Brown, The JB's, P-Funk, and anything else he's done. You can totally tell that this album was produced in the 90's because it has that cheesy funk feeling to it. I am not taking away from Maceo, because I love everything else that he's played, but this album is just not cuttin' it for me. Maybe I only listened to amazing Maceo albums, but I doubt that everything I've hear from him was his absolute best.

The solos on this album, are as good as they usually are. They're killin', but the actual song is more composition based rather then jam based. It is kind of a disappointment for me because I really love what Maceo does with his music, but maybe the 90's and 2000's stuff just isn't for me. It's a decent album, but I have definitely heard much better from Maceo.

Funky, but... I give this one 3 1/2 stars.
Where would James Brown be without Maceo Parker, and the rest of the Horny Horns?

The answer is that he'd probably still be James Brown. Unfortunately, Maceo's solo albums just don't have the sharp-tuned edge that highlights the best of his work with the Soulbrother #1, as evidenced here.

Don't get me wrong - Funk Overload has its share of funky tunes, and it grew on me after a few listenings. Half the songs are right up there - the remake of Rufus's classic Tell Me Something Good is nice and tight, Children of the World has a great highlight chorus that'll set your bootie groovin', and Do You Love Me goes right along with the slick cover of Sly Stone's Sing a Simple Song.

And then, the flip side. The rapped lyrics on a couple traks are so groaningly weak they're all but unlistenable, especially on the lame Let's Get it On. Elephant's Foot is a cute tune, but sounds like it belongs on another album altogether (A kid's disc? Maybe Maceo was trying to pull in that coveted 5 to 10 year old crowd, tossing it in with the above-mentioned Children of the World).

Anyway, this is a mixed bag, with one or two clunky stinkers mixed in with the funky gems. So instead of buying the album new and spending fifteen or sixteen bucks, save some cash and listen to the song samples, then buy a cheap used copy from Amazon Marketplace, or if you're really picky, download the songs you like from iTunes or wherever.

The funkiest CD ever!!! Nothing but great grooves!!!
If this doesn't get you smiling, your feet tapping, and your ass shaking, you shouldn't be listening to music. - Go see a doctor, because you are deaf or missing your rythym bone!!

Simply put - Maceo IS Funk, and this is his best ever.
Buy this NOW!!!

I'd also advise getting extra copies for your friends.
I guarantee they will thank you!

DEFINITELY PURCHASE THIS ALBUM!!!
This is probably the most groovy album I have heard in almost ten years. Every single track is absolutely seamless, and extremely funkly. My friends and I have cut the rug to this album so hard and so many times that we had to refinish the floors underneath it due to repeated wear and tear! No, I am not kidding; dancing to this album is the cause of our having to spend lots of money to fix our living room floor! This album is all about having fun, and if you buy it, I personally guarantee that you will be satisfied to the fullest extent.

Ooh. LET'S FUNK!!!!!
This album represents one word. ULTRA FUNK (sorry, that was two..) I read somewhere; 'Maceo Parker is one of the funkiesk man alive'. If you're in doubt, listen to one of the samples above. If you're not convinced, buy it anyway.