Teena Marie – Square Biz
Released as a single from Teena’s 1981 album It Must Be Magic. The song didn’t perform great on the charts, peaking at No. 3 on the R&B chart and No. 50 on the Hot 100, but it would go on to become one of Marie’s most loved songs.
Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam – I Wonder If I Take You Home
The original song was almost thrown away, but finally released as a single in 1985. After club DJs started importing it from a European release it started to receive heavy play in the U.S. and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It also peaked at No. 6 on the R&B chart and reached No. 34 on Hot 100. The song was voted the eighth best single of 1985 by The Village Voice.
Fonda Rae – Over Like A Fat Rat
Released as a single from Rae in 1982, the song only peaked at No. 75 on the R&B charts, but is considered a ’80s classic today. It has been sampled by Hip Hop greats such as Eric B. & Rakim and Kool G Rap, as well as SWV.
Cheryl Lynn – Encore
Released as the third single off her 1983 album Preppie, the song was written and produced by the highly successful Minneapolis duo, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Although the single peaked at No. 69 on the Hot 100, it was the duo’s first No. 1 R&B hit as producers/writers and Lynn’s second No. 1 R&B single.
Bobby Brown – Every Little Step
After separating himself from New Edition, Bobby Brown continued to make hits, including this classic 1989 song, which was the fourth single lifted from his second solo album Don’t Be Cruel. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B chart.
There are literally over 100 records we could have put on this list, it could easily be a 5 part piece, but we had to cap it at 25.
So tell us in the comments section below: What are some more of your favorite summer records from the 1980s?
Great playlist thanks!