Naked to the World
Teena Marie · 1988
54 min · 10 tracks · funk
A vibrant blend of funk and soul, infused with Teena Marie's powerful vocals and intricate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Ooo La La La — This track stands out for its infectious groove and catchy chorus, encapsulating Marie's signature sound while exploring themes of love and desire.
-
→
Crocodile Tears — A poignant ballad that showcases Marie's emotional vocal delivery, revealing vulnerability through its storytelling about heartbreak and betrayal.
-
→
Work It — With its upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm, this track highlights Marie's talent for merging funk with pop sensibilities, making it a club favorite.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong arrangements and vocal performances but lacks seamless cohesion throughout.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks maintain a high energy level with strong rhythmic grooves, while the fourth track introduces a slower tempo that contrasts sharply.
- Several tracks feature complex arrangements with layered instrumentation, particularly in 'Ooo La La La' and 'Opus III: The Second Movement'.
- 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
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 flow with gradual peaks
- vibrant energy for dancing
- poetic moments of reflection
- engaging sing-along choruses
- soulful grooves for relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1988, 'Naked to the World' marked Teena Marie's fifth studio album during a pivotal moment in her career following the commercial success of 'Emerald City' in 1986. This album showcased her continued evolution as an artist, blending diverse musical styles while solidifying her position as a prominent figure in R&B and funk.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chaka Khan· Prince· Sade
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Trick Bag 5:30
- 2 Call Me (I Got Yo Number) 5:38
- 3 Ooo La La La 5:19
- 4 Crocodile Tears 6:20
- 5 Opus III: The Second Movement 1:11
- 6 Surrealistic Pillow 5:43
- 7 The Once and Future Dream 7:43
- 8 Work It 5:49
- 9 The Ball 4:41
- 10 Naked to the World 6:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.