LP Review: Preppie
Released: 1983
LP Charts: #8 R&B, #161 pop
After four albums of being under the relative thumb of producers, Cheryl Lynn took control on Preppie. Nine of the 10 songs were (co-)produced by her. The lone exception was the outstanding “Encore”, which was the first #1 R&B hit for the writing and production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. They’d have many, many more. But ain’t nothing like the first time.
“Encore” is a rush of funk presaging new jack swing in the best way possible with programmed percussion that is mechanistic, but still produces a groove with feeling. And don’t even get me started on the bass. That’s some nasty stuff right there.
The lyrics are also pretty good as Lynn demands an encore performance from her lover. You can read between the lines. Lastly, great decision by Jam and Lewis to have faux crowd noise and a reverb on the song to give the studio recording the vibe of a live performance. Fits the “encore” theme perfectly.
Even though Lynn took control of the producer’s chair from here on out, she definitely consulted notes from her previous albums. For example, “Fix It” continues firmly in the vein of her Luther Vandross-inflected post-disco from Instant Love.
After two blockbuster dance numbers, we get two ballads. “Fool A Fool” is a little too smooth going for retro-doo-wop balladry. Still better than the overly dramatic and syrupy “This Time”.
“Change the Channel” gets us back on the post-disco dance track with its euphemistic incantations for a spiced up love life. With the high school romance of “Preppie”, Lynn does some convincing new wave. Too bad it bombed big time as a single (#85 R&B).
“Love Rush” engages in some mighty fine electro-funk with slight hints of Prince tossed in. “Free” and “Life’s Too Short” bring in more fine electro-funk, although neither is up to the high standards of “Love Rush”. Both still fun, though, especially “Life’s Too Short” since it brings in some rock influences too.
Lastly, there’s “No One Else Will Do”, which is the right amount of smooth. Like butter.
ALBUM GRADE: B-
Another strong outing from Cheryl Lynn after the fantastic Instant Love. Surely her career would continue on this hot streak! I think I just jinxed it…
Song Scores
Encore: 9/10
Fix It: 7/10
Fool A Fool: 6/10
This Time: 5.5/10
Change the Channel: 7/10
Preppie: 7/10
Love Rush: 7.5/10
No One Else Will Do: 7.5/10
Free: 6.5/10
Life’s Too Short: 6.5/10