The Other Woman cover

The Other Woman

Ray Parker Jr. · 1982

34 min · 8 tracks · rhythm and blues

Smooth jazz-funk grooves intertwine with soulful melodies, creating a polished and romantic atmosphere throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Other Woman Start here — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of love and heartbreak while showcasing Parker's signature smooth vocal delivery and catchy hooks.
  • →
    Streetlove — With its infectious groove and layered instrumentation, this track highlights Parker's ability to blend funk rhythms with romantic lyrics seamlessly.
  • →
    Stay the Night — This song features a more intimate feel, allowing Parker's vocal nuances to shine as it explores themes of longing and desire.

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 but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with the title track, which features a prominent horn section and a smooth groove that sets the romantic tone.
  • Each song typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with layered vocal harmonies enhancing the melodic lines.
  • The last two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier upbeat songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • steady mid-tempo groove flow
  • atmospheric exploration of romance
  • for intimate gatherings
  • smooth vibes for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced energy
  • seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Parker's status as a solo artist after his time with Raydio.
Themes
smooth jazz romance· late-night longing· heartbreak narratives
Career context
Released in 1982, The Other Woman was Ray Parker Jr.'s debut solo album after his time with the band Raydio. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from a successful group background to establishing himself as a solo artist, which included crafting hits that showcased his distinctive blend of R&B and funk.
Stylistic neighbors
Prince· Chic· Earth, Wind & Fire

Tracklist

  • 1 The Other Woman Start here 4:06
  • 2 Streetlove 5:30
  • 3 Stay the Night 4:02
  • 4 It’s Our Own Affair 3:50
  • 5 Let Me Go 5:03
  • 6 Let’s Get Off 4:50
  • 7 Stop, Look Before You Love 3:59
  • 8 Just Havin’ Fun 3:21

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata