What makes Ivory by Teena Marie notable?

Ivory received critical acclaim upon release, with its lead single, 'Just Us Two,' becoming a Top 10 hit on Billboard's R&B charts. The album is noted for its innovative fusion of genres and solidified Marie's reputation as a pioneering female artist in the male-dominated funk and soul scenes. Released in 1990, Ivory was Teena Marie's fifth studio album and marked her return to the music scene after a brief hiatus following her previous album, Starchild. At this point in her career, Marie was navigating her identity as an independent artist after leaving Motown, showcasing her versatility and artistic growth.

Ivory works well if you're into wave-like pacing with dynamic peaks, emotive vocals for reflective moments and for soulful evening gatherings.

How many songs are on Ivory?

Ivory has 13 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Ivory

Teena Marie · 1990

69 min · 13 tracks · funk

A rich blend of soulful vocals and intricate arrangements that seamlessly fuse funk, R&B, and jazz influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Just Us Two — This track showcases Teena Marie's signature vocal style and heartfelt lyrics about love, making it a standout representation of the album's emotional depth.
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Cupid Is a Real Straight Shooter — With its playful lyrics and infectious groove, this song encapsulates the upbeat spirit of the album while highlighting Marie's unique blend of funk and soul.
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How Can You Resist It — This track features lush instrumentation and passionate vocals that exemplify Marie's ability to convey complex emotions, making it a memorable highlight.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Ivory blends funk, R&B, and jazz with strong musicianship and varied tempos, making it engaging but not.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a lively groove with layered instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a more introspective tone with its slower tempo.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that showcase the musicianship of the band, particularly in the jazz-influenced arrangements.
The album closes with two tracks that gradually reduce the tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere as it concludes.

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

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

wave-like pacing with dynamic peaks
emotive vocals for reflective moments
for soulful evening gatherings
engaging storytelling through varied tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid lengthy, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1990, Ivory was Teena Marie's fifth studio album and marked her return to the music scene after a brief hiatus following her previous album, Starchild. At this point in her career, Marie was navigating her identity as an independent artist after leaving Motown, showcasing her versatility and artistic growth.
Stylistic neighbors: Chaka Khan· Prince· Sade