What makes Secret Combination by Randy Crawford notable?

This album features the hit single 'You Might Need Somebody,' which became one of Crawford's most recognizable songs and reached the charts across multiple countries. Secret Combination is noted for its blend of jazz and R&B influences, contributing to Crawford's rise as a significant figure in soul music during the early 1980s. Secret Combination is Randy Crawford's fourth studio album, released in 1981 after her successful collaboration with Crusaders on Street Life. At this point in her career, she was gaining international recognition and refining her sound, solidifying her place in the R&B and jazz genres.

How many songs are on Secret Combination?

Secret Combination has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Secret Combination

Randy Crawford · 1981

39 min · 10 tracks · jazz

Smooth soul and jazz-infused rhythms intertwine with Crawford's sultry vocals, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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You Might Need Somebody — This track showcases Crawford's powerful vocal delivery and emotional depth, making it a standout single that resonated widely with audiences.
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Rainy Night in Georgia — Crawford's interpretation of this classic highlights her ability to convey longing and melancholy through a rich, soulful performance.
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Rio De Janeiro Blue — The song's lush instrumentation and intimate lyrics create a captivating ambiance that exemplifies Crawford's artistry and versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends smooth jazz and R&B with strong vocals, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, recognizable hit that sets a smooth, soulful tone for the following tracks.
Crawford's vocal delivery is consistently sultry and emotive, often layered with rich instrumental arrangements that include horns and strings.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow the band to showcase their musicianship alongside Crawford's vocals.
The last two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective mood as the album concludes.

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: 6/10
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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 You Might Need Somebody 4:19
2 Rainy Night in Georgia 4:22
3 That's How Heartaches Are Made 2:57
4 Two Lives 3:47
5 You Bring the Sun Out 3:23
6 Rio De Janeiro Blue 4:18
7 Secret Combination 3:24
8 When I Lose My Way 3:44
9 Time for Love 4:15
10 Trade Winds 4:55

What to play next

Listen next

Windsong

1982

Go back to

Now We May Begin

1980

Full Randy Crawford discography Artists like Randy Crawford

jazz soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata