Ivory
Teena Marie · 1990
69 min · 13 tracks · funk · hip-hop · jazz
A soulful blend of funk and R&B, layered with Teena Marie's signature emotive vocals and intricate arrangements.
Why this album works
'Ivory' is notable for its critical acclaim, particularly for the standout track 'Just Us Two,' which exemplifies Teena Marie's lyrical depth and vocal prowess. The album solidified her position in the R&B genre during the late 80s and early 90s, receiving praise from publications like Rolling Stone for its innovative sound. It also contributed to the continued visibility of Black female artists in a predominantly male industry.
- Best for
- wave-like pacing with dynamic peaks emotive vocals for reflective moments for soulful evening gatherings
- Context
- Released in 1990, 'Ivory' was Teena Marie's sixth studio album, coming after her critically acclaimed album 'Starchild' (1984). At this point in her career, she had established herself as a distinctive voice in R&B, known for her ability to merge various genres including funk and jazz. 'Ivory' further showcased her maturation as an artist and songwriter.
- Stylistic neighbors
- El DeBarge· The Roots· Queen Latifah· Bob Dylan· Christina Aguilera· Prince· Mariah Carey· John Coltrane
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Here's Looking at You 6:13
- 2 The Sugar Shack Prelude 1:05
- 3 The Sugar Shack 5:47
- 4 If I Were a Bell Standout 6:40
- 5 Just Us Two Standout 6:07
- 6 Mr. Icecream 6:05
- 7 Ivory (Atone Poem) 1:21
- 8 Snap Your Fingers 5:07
- 9 Cupid Is a Real Straight Shooter Standout 5:45
- 10 How Can You Resist It 5:28
- 11 Since Day One 6:43
- 12 Miracles Need Wings to Fly 5:11
- 13 The Red Zone 8:01
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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