(ThyBlackMan.com) Cherrelle’s name deserves to be right up there with the best of them in any conversation about underrated R&B royalty. For those who know, she’s a hidden gem of the Minneapolis sound — a singer whose voice defined a slice of the ‘80s and early ‘90s, thanks in large part to her unforgettable partnership with the legendary production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. But Cherrelle’s appeal goes beyond just that signature synth-funk groove.
Her songs capture a feeling: grown yet playful, tender yet honest, flirty yet heartbreakingly real. They tell stories about desire, longing, messy relationships, and sweet Saturday rendezvous that still resonate decades later. For every massive single like “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On” or “Saturday Love,” there’s a deeper cut that shows just how versatile she really is — a true interpreter of complex emotions wrapped in velvet melodies and irresistible beats.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering her work, this list shows why she should always have a seat at the R&B table. These tracks are more than nostalgic throwbacks — they’re timeless gems that sound just as fresh today, ready to slide onto any grown-folk playlist and remind you that real R&B never goes out of style.
So pour your favorite drink, turn down the lights, and press play — here are Cherrelle songs you should check out, and why they still matter now more than ever.
1. “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On”
When people think of Cherrelle, they almost always think of “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On.” This is the single that crystallized her sound and turned her into an icon of the Minneapolis funk era. The song’s combination of bouncy synths, insistent drum programming, and Cherrelle’s teasing yet innocent vocals make it one of the best examples of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’s magic touch.
What makes this track stand out even today is the tongue-in-cheek way Cherrelle plays with the idea of feminine allure and responsibility. Her delivery is both flirtatious and matter-of-fact, which turns the entire song into a playful conversation about desire and miscommunication. Robert Palmer famously covered it for his 1985 album Riptide, and Mariah Carey later flipped it for Glitter, but there’s no mistaking that Cherrelle’s original has more depth and charm.
Part of the brilliance lies in the contradictions: the song is simultaneously fun and slyly subversive. Cherrelle doesn’t plead for understanding — she lightly scolds and shrugs in the same breath. It’s a reminder of the double standards women often face when it comes to owning their own attraction or sexuality. And while it’s delivered in an upbeat, danceable package, there’s a tiny wink to the listener that says, “See how silly this all is?”
Listening now, “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On” feels remarkably modern. The beat would slot perfectly into a playlist alongside today’s retro-inspired R&B artists like The Weeknd or Dua Lipa. The song’s shimmering synths, choppy bassline, and Cherrelle’s cooing hook keep it from sounding dated — if anything, it proves how ahead of its time it was. The song’s crisp LinnDrum hits and glossy synth stabs are the kinds of details today’s producers chase when they want to recreate that unmistakable ‘80s sheen.
It’s more than just an ‘80s bop; it’s a blueprint for how pop and R&B can flirt with funk while staying effortlessly cool. If you’re only familiar with the covers, do yourself a favor and revisit Cherrelle’s version — it’s still the gold standard. Throw it on a party playlist and watch how heads nod. Some songs just don’t age — they evolve right alongside us.
2. “Saturday Love” (with Alexander O’Neal)
No conversation about Cherrelle is complete without “Saturday Love.” This duet with Alexander O’Neal is arguably one of the most enduring R&B duets of the ‘80s. From its swirling synths to its catchy “S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y” hook, the song is a masterclass in romantic nostalgia that still strikes a chord decades later.
What’s beautiful about “Saturday Love” is how it captures that universal feeling of looking forward to the weekend rendezvous. Cherrelle’s and O’Neal’s chemistry is palpable — their voices blend like honey and whiskey, contrasting yet complementary. Jam & Lewis’s production is lush but uncluttered, letting the vocal interplay shine without being overshadowed by the arrangement.
Beyond its romantic storytelling, the song is a reminder of when R&B duets felt like genuine conversations. Cherrelle’s playful but earnest verses counter Alexander O’Neal’s rich, grounded delivery, creating a believable back-and-forth that feels like you’re eavesdropping on a real couple reminiscing. The “S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y” spelling hook has also become iconic, showing up in samples, remixes, and nostalgic shout-outs that keep the track alive for new generations.
Even in 2025, this song hits. It’s become a sampling staple, showing up in hip-hop and new R&B tracks for decades now. Hip-hop artists from 50 Cent to Drake have tapped its vibe because it captures that sweet spot between romance and groove. You can throw this on during a Sunday cleaning session, a chill drive, or a romantic dinner, and it never feels out of place. There’s something about that melody that’s instantly comforting and deeply familiar.
More than a throwback, “Saturday Love” is a warm reminder of R&B’s roots — when storytelling, melody, and chemistry ruled the charts. It’s a time capsule that still sparkles, reminding us that the weekend is always worth looking forward to when you’ve got someone to share it with.
3. “Everything I Miss at Home”
By the time Cherrelle released “Everything I Miss at Home,” she had refined her sound into something smoother, more introspective, and undeniably grown. This ballad is pure quiet storm gold — a moody, reflective piece about longing for a lover’s presence when you’re far away, and the ache of realizing that no matter where you are, you crave what’s waiting for you back home.
This song showcases Cherrelle’s maturity as a vocalist. Her delivery is softer, more resigned, yet deeply emotive. You can hear the ache in her voice, the vulnerability she didn’t lean into as much on her more upbeat hits. Jam & Lewis keep the production silky, with plush synths and a steady slow groove that gives her plenty of room to breathe. The background harmonies are lush but understated — every element here serves the emotion first.
One of the reasons this track hits so hard is its honesty. There’s no bravado, no posturing — just raw truth about the pull of real love. Cherrelle’s phrasing is so conversational that you feel like she’s confiding in you. It’s a masterclass in subtlety: she doesn’t belt, she whispers confessions, and they land deeper because of it.
In today’s context, this track holds up beautifully. Modern R&B has seen a resurgence of slow jams that focus on intimacy and emotional honesty — think Snoh Aalegra or H.E.R. “Everything I Miss at Home” would slide right into that vibe, proving that some themes are evergreen. Its timeless production makes it the kind of song that feels right whether you’re driving under city lights or laying awake in a hotel room, missing someone’s warmth.
If you’re ever feeling homesick for a person more than a place, this is the kind of song that keeps you company. It’s Cherrelle at her most soulful and most human — reminding us that sometimes the strongest ties aren’t the places we go, but the people who wait for us to come back.
4. “Affair”
“Affair” is the title track from Cherrelle’s third album, and it finds her wrestling with the moral complexities of a clandestine romance. It’s classic Jam & Lewis: synth-driven, bass-heavy, and full of drama. Cherrelle’s voice here is nuanced — equal parts confession and caution, wrapped in a swirl of electronic flourishes that echo her inner turmoil.
What’s fascinating about “Affair” is how it taps into the messy side of adult relationships, a topic that pop and R&B often dance around. Where many songs might glamorize an affair, Cherrelle sounds conflicted, like she’s both drawn to the thrill and burdened by the secrecy. Her performance is raw yet controlled, allowing listeners to feel the tension between temptation and regret. There’s a cinematic quality to the production — the bassline pulses like a heartbeat, while synths swell and fade like thoughts she can’t quite silence.
Revisiting this track today feels like opening a well-written short story. You get drawn into the character’s dilemma and find yourself sympathizing with her vulnerability. It’s a song that grows with you; the older you get, the more you appreciate its honesty. Those layered harmonies in the chorus feel like the voices inside her head, each one weighing in on what she knows she shouldn’t do but can’t quite stop.
In an age where artists like SZA and Summer Walker are praised for exploring complicated relationship dynamics, “Affair” feels like a precursor. It’s sophisticated R&B that’s not afraid to tell the truth, even when it’s messy. You can easily hear its influence in the raw, confessional storytelling that defines so much of modern R&B today.
More than just a song about cheating, “Affair” is about the inner conflict that comes with it — the guilt, the excitement, the longing for something forbidden. Cherrelle gives it to you straight, wrapped in a groove so slick you almost forget how heavy the subject matter is. That’s the genius of her artistry — making the complicated feel so heartbreakingly relatable.
5. “When You Look in My Eyes”
This underrated gem from the Affair album deserves more love. “When You Look in My Eyes” is one of Cherrelle’s most tender vocal performances — a mid-tempo ballad that simmers with quiet passion. The song is about connection beyond words, about the stories two people share just through a glance. It’s that familiar spark between lovers when no one else is watching, a private language spoken in silence.
The production is sleek but understated, with warm keys, subtle percussion, and those signature Jam & Lewis chord changes that tug at your heartstrings. The arrangement feels like a soft embrace — layered yet never overdone. Cherrelle’s vocals are delicate but confident; she sounds grown, grounded, and so relatable. There’s an intimacy in her tone that makes you lean in closer, like you’re hearing a secret.
What’s so special about this track is how timeless its message feels. In a world flooded with constant noise, “When You Look in My Eyes” reminds us that sometimes the deepest conversations happen without a single word. It celebrates that quiet understanding, that spark that makes a romance feel unique. In this sense, it sits alongside classics like Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love” or Sade’s “No Ordinary Love” — songs that are more about a feeling than a storyline.
Listening today, it feels like a hidden treasure you play late at night when the world is still. Its message — that what you say matters less than how you see each other — resonates in an age where real connection can feel scarce. The track is perfect for late-night drives, candles burning low, or moments when you just want to get lost in your feelings. It’s songs like this that remind you why Cherrelle should never be forgotten in R&B conversations. She made vulnerability sound classy, not cheesy — and that’s a rare gift.
6. “Where Do I Run To”
Taken from her debut album Fragile, “Where Do I Run To” is a prime example of early ‘80s post-disco R&B done right. The production has a faint new wave shimmer, while Cherrelle’s vocals add warmth and yearning to the mix. It’s a track that finds her wondering who to turn to when love gets complicated, capturing the restlessness of someone searching for answers.
There’s an urgency in this song that feels almost cinematic. The crisp drum machine, the staccato synths, and the layered harmonies all build a sense of tension and release. There’s a youthful energy in Cherrelle’s delivery that’s infectious — she sounds like she’s caught between innocence and experience, stepping into her own story as a grown woman who knows heartbreak but still believes in something more.
One of the most compelling things about “Where Do I Run To” is how you can feel its 1980s DNA and yet hear echoes of future R&B trends. That emotional directness, paired with danceable production, is exactly what artists like Jessie Ware, Dua Lipa, and Tinashe tap into today. This track would sit comfortably on any playlist that celebrates the neon glow of ‘80s soul-pop without feeling like a relic.
What makes this song so enduring is that it reminds listeners that sometimes it’s okay to not have all the answers. The tension in the track is universal: that push and pull between wanting to stay, wanting to leave, and not knowing who’s in your corner. It’s an early sign that Cherrelle was always more than a pop singer — she was an interpreter of complicated feelings. In a world where vulnerability is currency, “Where Do I Run To” is worth every listen.
7. “Never in My Life”
By the time the early ‘90s rolled in, R&B was evolving fast, and Cherrelle proved she could keep up. “Never in My Life” from her The Woman I Am album shows a more mature, refined sound. The groove is classic grown-and-sexy — mid-tempo, plush, and accented with jazzy chords that feel like they’re wrapping you in velvet. Cherrelle’s vocals here are richer than ever, carrying the weight of experience but still lit with hope.
This song is about finding a love that feels almost too good to be true — a hopeful, romantic sentiment that’s timeless. What’s striking is how Cherrelle handles it: she doesn’t oversing or dramatize. Instead, she trusts the melody to do the talking, adding just enough emotional nuance to make each line feel like a sincere promise. You can hear the relief in her voice — the way she lets go of old fears in favor of new beginnings.
In today’s landscape, this track would appeal to listeners who crave the sophisticated side of R&B — think Toni Braxton’s Secrets era or Anita Baker’s Giving You the Best That I Got. It’s music for grown folks who still believe in love stories with happy endings, even if they’ve been bruised by the ones that didn’t last. There’s a warmth in “Never in My Life” that feels like an old friend showing up just when you need them most.
Put this on when you’re winding down after a long week or sharing a bottle of wine with someone special. It’s comfort food for the soul — a reminder that sometimes, love comes back around when you least expect it. Cherrelle’s voice here proves that she aged gracefully, her storytelling deepening with every note. It’s a track that deserves to be rediscovered by anyone who still wants to believe in the magic of a fresh start.
8. “Still in Love with You”
Closing out this list is one of Cherrelle’s lesser-celebrated gems. “Still in Love with You” is the kind of song that sneaks up on you. At first listen, it’s a simple mid-tempo groove, but give it time and you realize it’s one of her most honest, soul-baring performances. There’s no big production trick here — just a subtle arrangement that lets the bittersweet emotion breathe.
The song’s magic is in its honesty. It’s about acknowledging that sometimes, despite the distance and the drama, your heart can’t quite move on. Cherrelle doesn’t oversell it — she just lets the melody and her tone do the work. You can hear the resignation and quiet acceptance that some loves never really fade, no matter how much time passes. It’s the soundtrack for late nights when you’re alone with your thoughts, wondering about that person you can’t quite forget.
The arrangement is breezy yet soulful, with gentle keys and tasteful backing vocals that feel like they’re wrapping you in a blanket. There’s no rush — the song gives you space to sit with your memories, however complicated they may be. Cherrelle’s delivery is conversational and grown — she’s not begging for reconciliation; she’s just telling the truth about where her heart stands.
What’s beautiful is how relevant it remains. Everyone knows that feeling of lingering love — that old flame you think you’re over until a memory hits you at 2 AM. “Still in Love with You” captures that sentiment without judgment, just gentle acceptance. In an era where artists like H.E.R. and Jhene Aiko write about complicated, unresolved love, Cherrelle’s take feels remarkably ahead of its time.
It’s a reminder that Cherrelle’s gift was never about big vocal runs or flashy performances. Her superpower was always in making real, grown-up emotions sound so effortlessly cool. “Still in Love with You” is a quiet anthem for anyone brave enough to admit that sometimes, the heart wants what it wants — and that’s okay.
In a world where so many ‘80s and ‘90s artists get overshadowed by the big chart-toppers, Cherrelle remains one of R&B’s most underappreciated treasures. Her catalog proves that smooth vocals, honest storytelling, and impeccable production always stand the test of time. Each of these eight songs shows a different side of her artistry — the playful tease, the romantic dreamer, the grown woman unafraid to tackle the messiness of love.
Revisiting Cherrelle’s work is more than just a trip down memory lane; it’s a reminder that good music lives on in every new artist who samples her hits, borrows her grooves, or channels her confessional style. She’s not just a voice from the past — she’s an influence that echoes in today’s R&B, from the quiet storm revivalists to the synth-laced pop-funk crowd.
So next time you hear “Saturday Love” on the radio or catch a modern sample that feels strangely familiar, remember Cherrelle’s legacy. Keep these songs on rotation, share them with a new generation, and celebrate an artist who turned every note into a moment of truth. Here’s to Cherrelle — the voice that still turns us on, one classic at a time.
Staff Writer; Jamar Jackson
