Starchild

Performer: Teena Marie
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: With its bold blue of-the-era cover art, 1984's STARCHILD proved to be Teena Marie's biggest record by offering up an appealing fusion of synth-heavy pop, R&B, and funk. Led by the inescapable smash hit "Lovergirl," the album was the first major success for the expressive vocalist (born Mary Christine Brockert) after her very public '82 split with the Motown label. In addition to the vibrant "Lovergirl," STARCHILD also features the emotive ballad "Out on a Limb," the groove-laden title track, and "My Dear Mr. Gaye," a touching tribute to Marvin Gaye that was issued mere months after the soul icon's tragic death. Even deeper cuts on this set, most notably the giddily funky "Help Youngblood Get to the Freaky Party" and the energetic "Jammin'," sound like they could've been chart-toppers, resulting in one of Teena Marie's finest albums. Although STARCHILD was followed by the much-maligned EMERALD CITY, an ambitious yet awkward concept record, the R&B star assuredly returned to form with '88's NAKED TO THE WORLD.

California-born R&B singer Teena Marie started out on Motown Records in the '70s, where she was matched up with labelmate Rick James on her debut album. Her blend of pop, funk, and R&B caught on quickly, and here move into disco/dance wasn't far off. Her greatest success, though, came in the '80s after a much-publicized legal battle with Motown and a subsequent move to Epic, for whom she recorded her huge R&B/Dance hit "Lovergirl."

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