What makes Material Thangz by The Deele notable?

The album contributed to the burgeoning popularity of new jack swing, a genre that would dominate the late 80s and early 90s. It included hits like 'Let's Work Tonight', which showcased the band's smooth vocal harmonies and rhythmic innovation, further establishing their presence in the music industry. Released in January 1985, Material Thangz was The Deele's second studio album, following their self-titled debut. By this point, the group was gaining traction in the R&B scene and honing their signature sound, which would later influence contemporary artists.

How many songs are on Material Thangz?

Material Thangz has 8 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Material Thangz

The Deele · 1985

41 min · 8 tracks · rhythm and blues

Smooth harmonies and lush instrumentation blend to create an inviting soundscape of 80s rhythm and blues.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Let's Work Tonight — This track is a quintessential example of The Deele's smooth vocal delivery paired with infectious grooves, demonstrating their ability to blend romantic themes with danceable beats.
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Material Thangz — The title track encapsulates the album's exploration of materialism with a catchy hook and polished production, highlighting the group's lyrical focus on social themes.
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All I've Ever Known — With its heartfelt lyrics and emotive melody, this song showcases the group's vocal prowess and depth, making it a standout ballad on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of its era but lacks standout tracks that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more upbeat rhythm.
Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, with call-and-response sections that emphasize the group's vocal interplay.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
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.