The most successful contestant in Gong Show history, Miss Cheryl Lynn, folks! But seriously, Lynn got her music deal with Columbia Records after a sterling performance on that TV talent show in the mid-1970s.
She scored a huge hit soon thereafter with “Got To Be Real” in 1978. Although she never hit that level of success again, particularly on the pop chart, she would be a presence in the R&B world for the next decade garnering another four top 10 hits, three of which are sanctified classics along with “Got To Be Real”:
“Shake It Up Tonight” from 1981
“If This World Were Mine” from 1982
“Encore” from 1983/84
Lynn strode a fine line between being at the whims of producers, but also independent. She co-wrote “Got to Be Real” and many of her other songs and starting in 1983 she would (co-)produce most of her songs as well.
But prior to that each of her albums had a different crew in charge of production. This means that all of her albums have a unique feel unto themselves, but it also means that a “Cheryl Lynn sound” never developed… well, besides her dynamic voice obviously.
On one LP she would have a LA pop sheen thanks to Toto maestro David Paich. The next the disco-funk of Ray Parker, Jr. The next Luther Vandross’s rich, Chic-inspired soul. For better or worse this is what dictated her career.
Anyways, Lynn’s discography is kind of perfect for an extended playlist. Only one of her albums (Instant Love) reaches a level I think a generalist might get into. And even the hardcore R&B/disco/soul fans of the late 70s and early 80s can find at least a song or two lacking on most of her albums. Yet she always (well, usually) had some classic tracks on each album too.
So the playlist putting together her best tracks can serve lots of folks right. Enjoy.
PLAYLIST on Tidal
ALBUM REVIEWS
Cheryl Lynn: C+
In Love: C+
In the Night: C+
Instant Love: B
Preppie: B-
Start Over: D