On this day July 22 1986, Emerald City was released, marking the seventh studio album from the legendary Teena Marie. Known for her rich vocals and fearless artistry, Teena stepped outside her usual funk and soul style to explore a more rock inspired sound, blending elements of jazz, blues, and psychedelia into a bold concept album.
Emerald City was a departure from the signature style fans had come to expect. The album featured songs like Love Me Down Easy and Shades of Blue, showcasing her powerful range and willingness to experiment with genre and structure. It did not produce any major charting hits, but it gained attention for its ambition and sonic risk taking.
The album’s narrative feel, moody textures, and socially conscious lyrics revealed an artist unafraid to evolve. Though it did not achieve the commercial heights of her earlier releases, Emerald City has since earned appreciation from longtime fans and critics as one of her most creative and underrated projects.
80s insight: Emerald City proved Teena Marie was never content to stay in one lane. She used the freedom of the 80s to push boundaries and redefine what R&B could be.
Emerald City was a departure from the signature style fans had come to expect. The album featured songs like Love Me Down Easy and Shades of Blue, showcasing her powerful range and willingness to experiment with genre and structure. It did not produce any major charting hits, but it gained attention for its ambition and sonic risk taking.
The album’s narrative feel, moody textures, and socially conscious lyrics revealed an artist unafraid to evolve. Though it did not achieve the commercial heights of her earlier releases, Emerald City has since earned appreciation from longtime fans and critics as one of her most creative and underrated projects.
80s insight: Emerald City proved Teena Marie was never content to stay in one lane. She used the freedom of the 80s to push boundaries and redefine what R&B could be.
