What makes Emerald City by Teena Marie notable?

'Emerald City' received critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of genres and showcased Teena Marie's vocal versatility. The album peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart, highlighting its commercial success and cultural impact within the genre during the mid-1980s. By the time 'Emerald City' was released in 1986, Teena Marie had established herself as a formidable artist in the R&B landscape following her breakthrough album 'Wild and Peaceful' in 1979. This was her fifth studio album, coming after a successful string of releases that solidified her reputation as the 'Ivory Queen of Soul.' Her artistry began to embrace more eclectic influences, reflecting her growth as a musician.

Who is Emerald City for?

Emerald City works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove, uplifting vibes for gatherings and soulful melodies for relaxation.

How many songs are on Emerald City?

Emerald City has 8 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Emerald City

Teena Marie · 1986

43 min · 8 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of funk and soul, layered with intricate melodies and Teena Marie's signature vocal prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Emerald City — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of hope and escapism, featuring a lush arrangement that showcases Marie's rich vocal texture.
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Once Is Not Enough — This track combines smooth melodies with heartfelt lyrics about longing, making it a standout moment that resonates deeply with listeners.
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You So Heavy — With its powerful instrumentation and emotional delivery, this song highlights Marie's ability to blend soulful storytelling with dynamic musicality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate arrangements and strong vocals, making it a notable entry in Teena Marie's discography.

What we noticed

The opening track features a complex arrangement with layered horns and strings, setting a vibrant tone for the album.
Teena Marie's vocal lines often intertwine with background harmonies, creating a rich texture that emphasizes her range.
The album closes with 'Sunny Skies', which shifts to a more laid-back groove, contrasting with the energetic opener.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove
uplifting vibes for gatherings
soulful melodies for relaxation
warmth in every track

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Emerald City' was released in 1986, Teena Marie had established herself as a formidable artist in the R&B landscape following her breakthrough album 'Wild and Peaceful' in 1979. This was her fifth studio album, coming after a successful string of releases that solidified her reputation as the 'Ivory Queen of Soul.' Her artistry began to embrace more eclectic influences, reflecting her growth as a musician.
Stylistic neighbors: Chaka Khan· Prince· Sade