Teena Marie's Posthumous Luv Letter Is a Message Not Short on Passion

Teena Marie's legacy is amazing. An artist with strong ties to the Motown label, she became the first white R & B singer to forge inroads in what's traditionally a black segment of the music industry. A great many people, upon hearing her silky-smooth pipes, believed she WAS black. My own fond memory of her grows from late 1984 when her Billboard Top 5 smash "Lovergirl" was on the rise. She had her own niche carved in the diva market before the word gained traction in later decades. Her final project, "Beautiful" is now available for downloading or, as that not-so-guilty pleasure you hole up in your bedroom digesting in one delectable bite while fantasizing about the dream guy you want to deflower. The first single from the project is "Luv Letter". If you need a refresher course on what makes Teena a true legend, immerse yourself in her universe. She's a dynamo because her vocal style is feather light but not tepid in a way where you can't tell she sings with absolute confidence. "Luv Letter" is a surefire time trip back to the '80s when fans of this genre of music became spoiled on a regular diet of Teena's mentor figure Rick James, The Mary Jane Girls, and Ray Parker Jr., among others moistening up the air waves. Lady T leaves zippo to the imagination. She's your love letter, guys. Read her and weep. She's smoking in your eyes. Time for a show of hands. How many of you guys out there are already in the process of either unzipping something of yours or making plans to unbutton some part of your woman's ensemble? The bassline here is an orgasm moving in sinful time with a mid-tempo beat. The obligatory keyboard noodling helps lube this call to sexual arms. To make it complete add in a shuffling percussion section. If this song isn't already a fixture on urban radio, it damned well better be in short order. There's nothing in these lyrics that's snug in the pocket of deep thought. You'd be wise to get the champagne chilling and at least make one housecall to Victoria so you can purchase at least one version of her secrets. It's so sad that on December 26th, 2010 she took her final celestial bow. "Luv Letter" does succeed in providing some much needed comfort. Old school is back in session. What Teena's teaching is worth your attention. If it manages to make your afterglows more rewarding then, not only is Teena smiling  from Heaven, she's pretty sure she's followed her earthbound assignments to the letter.