If Sheree Brown’s debut was the "acoustic soul" spark, her 1982 follow-up, The Music, was the full-spectrum realization of her artistry. Released during the high-gloss era of early 80s R&B, the album managed to maintain Sheree’s organic warmth while embracing the sophisticated funk and "boogie" sounds that were taking over the airwaves.
Today, The Music is regarded as a definitive piece of West Coast soul, balancing radio-friendly grooves with deep, personal songwriting.
Key Tracks: Collaboration and Star Power
The Music featured an even more expansive roster of legendary talent, turning the studio sessions into a masterclass of early 80s musicianship.
| Track |
Writers |
Producers |
Notable Personnel |
| Happy Music |
Sheree Brown |
Sheree Brown, Alexander Thomas, Andre Fischer |
Features infectious "vocoder" textures and driving funk. |
| Got To Get Away |
Sheree Brown |
Sheree Brown, Alexander Thomas, Andre Fischer |
A standout "Rare Groove" anthem with a pulsing bassline. |
| On My Way Home |
Sheree Brown |
Sheree Brown, Alexander Thomas, Andre Fischer |
Stevie Wonder guest stars on harmonica, adding a soulful finish to the record. |
| Tonight |
Sheree Brown |
Sheree Brown, Alexander Thomas, Andre Fischer |
A smooth, mid-tempo groove featuring keys by Patrice Rushen. |
The album also featured a "who's who" of session greats, including Abraham Laboriel and Neil Stubenhaus on bass, and John "JR" Robinson on drums, ensuring every beat was world-class.
Chart Performance & Recognition
While the album solidified Sheree’s reputation among critics and soul purists, it occupied a unique space on the charts:
-
Album Charts: The Music followed its predecessor onto the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. While it didn't surpass the top-40 success of her debut, it maintained a steady presence in the soul market.
-
Singles: "Got To Get Away" and "Happy Music" became staples in the UK club scene, eventually becoming more valuable as "Rare Grooves" in the 90s than they were as contemporary pop hits in 1982.
-
Awards & Longevity: Though it didn't take home a Grammy, the album's legacy is found in its reissue history. It has been remastered and re-released globally—including high-end Japanese editions in 1995 and 2002—proving that the demand for The Music has never truly faded.
The Evolution of Maturity: Linking to 2026
The transition from The Music (1982) to Sheree’s 2025/2026 project, Messages From The Soul: The Power of Music, represents a full-circle moment.
In 1982, Sheree was singing about the feeling of music—the joy, the escape, and the groove. In her current work, that focus has shifted to the purpose of music. While tracks like her 2026 "Power (House Remix)" show she hasn't lost the ability to move a dancefloor, her writing now carries the weight of a "Cultural Steward."
She has moved from the youthful exuberance of "Happy Music" to the seasoned resilience found in her new trilogy of books and albums. Her daughter, MayaNicol, and son, Revels, now contribute to her writing, transforming the solitary "acoustic soul" girl of the 80s into the matriarch of a musical dynasty.
Buy Now