On this day July 23 1989, Tender Lover was released, marking the second solo album from Babyface and the one that launched him into full superstardom. Blending smooth vocals with polished production, this album became a benchmark for late 80s R and B and solidified Babyface’s role as both a hit maker and tastemaker.
The album featured several hit singles including It’s No Crime, Whip Appeal, and Soon As I Get Home. With its mix of romantic ballads and upbeat grooves, Tender Lover was a commercial and critical success, reaching number one on the Billboard Top R and B Albums chart and eventually going triple platinum.
Babyface’s songwriting and production skills shined throughout, with the album also helping him build his reputation behind the scenes as a producer for other major acts. The sound of Tender Lover influenced R and B well into the 1990s, and helped bridge the gap between classic soul and the emerging new jack swing movement.
80s insight: Tender Lover showed that R and B was evolving. Babyface led that evolution by creating songs that were both deeply emotional and radio ready.
The album featured several hit singles including It’s No Crime, Whip Appeal, and Soon As I Get Home. With its mix of romantic ballads and upbeat grooves, Tender Lover was a commercial and critical success, reaching number one on the Billboard Top R and B Albums chart and eventually going triple platinum.
Babyface’s songwriting and production skills shined throughout, with the album also helping him build his reputation behind the scenes as a producer for other major acts. The sound of Tender Lover influenced R and B well into the 1990s, and helped bridge the gap between classic soul and the emerging new jack swing movement.
80s insight: Tender Lover showed that R and B was evolving. Babyface led that evolution by creating songs that were both deeply emotional and radio ready.
