Our Top 10 Jeffrey Osborne Songs list takes a look at a multi-talented singer/songwriter from the 70s. He is a former lead singer of the group L.T.D. He left the group to become a solo singer. Some of his hits include “On The Wings of Love,” “I Really Don’t Need No Light,” “Stay with Me Tonight,” “We’re Going All the Way,” “Don’t Get So Mad About It” as well as other hit singles.
Jeffrey Linton Osborne was born on March 9, 1948. He was born into a musical family. Most of his family got involved in the music business in one way or another. One of his brothers was in the group L.T.D. Jeffrey Osborn’s father was a popular trumpet player for jazz legends. Jeffrey Osborne’s musical career got started in 1970 when he became a member of Love Men Ltd (LTD). They had several hit singles while they were together. Jeffrey and Billy Osborne decided to leave the group in the 80s. Jeffrey Osborne decided to pursue a solo career.
Jeffrey Osborne released his self-titled album in 1982. The album peaked at number three on the r&b charts and number 49 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “On the Wings of Love,” “I Really Don’t Need No Light” and “Eenie Meenie.” Stay with Me Tonight was released in 1983. The album peaked at three on the r&b charts and number 25 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “Don’t You Get So Mad,” “Plane Love,” “Stay with Me Tonight” and “On the Wings of Love.” The album sold over 500,000 copies.
In 1985, Jeffrey Osborne did outside projects. He wrote Whitney Houston’s hit single “All at Once.” He also appeared on the hit charity single “We Are the World.” In 1987, he sang the unreleased single “Everything Good Takes Time.” The song was a tribute to basketball legend Julius Irving. Don’t Stop was released in 1984. The album peaked at number seven on the r&b charts and number 39 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “Don’t Stop,” “Let Me Know,” “You Can’t Be Serious” and “Is It Right.” The album sold over 500,000.
Emotional was released in 1986. The album peaked at number five on the r&b charts and number 26 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song),” “In Your Eyes,” “Soweto” and “Room with a View.” The album sold over 500,000 copies. One Love-One Dream was released in 1988. It peaked at number 12 on r&b and 86 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “She’s on the Left,” “The Family” and “My Heart Can Wait.” Only Human was released in 1990. It peaked at number nine on the r&b charts and number 95 on Billboard 200. It features the singles “Only Human,” “Feel Like Making Love,” “Back in Your Arms” and “Sending You a Love Song.” He would go on to release several other albums throughout his career.
Jeffrey Osborne has had a long career. He is one of the few people who was able to transition from being in a group to becoming a solo artist. He managed to have hits with L.T.D. as well as hits on his own. This Top 10 Jeffrey Osborne Songs list will feature his best songs.
# 10 – In Your Eyes
The first song on our Top 10 Jeffrey Osborne Songs list is “In Your Eyes” from the Emotional album. The song has an r&b beat. The romantic song is about being in love with a woman. He talks about the way he loves her and can see everything in her eyes. This touching song is relatable to anyone who has ever been in love. The beautiful words will restore your faith in love. This is a cover of George Benson’s song. Since this is a cover song, it’s time for the questions. Should Jeffrey Osborne have taken the risk and covered this song? Did Jeffrey Osborne make this song his own? The answer to the first question is yes.
This isn’t one of George Benson’s signature songs so Jeffrey Osborne could have covered this track. The answer to the second question is not really. Jeffrey Osborne’s version is slightly different from George Benson’s version. In Jeffrey Osborne’s version, the music has more of an orchestral sound while George Benson has a jazz sound. Jeffrey Osborne’s version also has a background singer singing the chorus while George Benson sings his version alone. Other than the little changes made, it was a karaoke version of the song.
Both singers do an excellent job vocally. They have similar vocal styles. Jeffrey Osborne did more runs in his version than George Benson. Jeffrey Osborne’s voice is a little bit deeper than George Benson’s. Jeffrey Osborne’s velvety vocals blend well with the music. His baritone voice is perfect for the bedroom. His phrasing is phenomenal. You can hear every word he says clearly. He holds notes and belts in the chorus and towards the end of the song. The only complaint about the song is it is too short. Other than that, the song is flawless.
# 9 – I’ll Make Believe
The next song on our Top 10 Jeffrey Osborne Songs list is “I’ll Make Believe” from the Stay with Me Tonight album. The song has an r&b and soul beat. The regretful song is about a man dealing with the end of a relationship. He is trying his best to convince himself that things are fine when they really aren’t. The lyrics are heartfelt and realistic. People in bad relationships do try to pretend that things are okay when they really aren’t. If you are dealing with a bad breakup, this song will help you reflect on your relationship. The song may have you doubting whether you should end your relationship.
The music is touching and soothing. The piano is hypnotic and will hold your attention until the end of the song. The music is a little misleading because it sounds as if it’s a love song and not a song about heartbreak. Jeffrey Osborne’s vocals are extraordinary. He starts the song in his lower register and raises the bar by the hook. His phrasing is on point. His vocals sell the song. You can hear the pain in his voice as he cries out about his relationship ending. He holds amazing notes in the second half of the track that are definitely worth listening to. He shows that he can do a lot with his baritone vocals. If it were someone else, his voice might have cracked. Jeffrey Osborne did his thing vocally. The chorus could be a little tighter. In the beginning, it doesn’t flow as easily as it does towards the end of the song.
# 8 – I Really Don’t Need No Light
The bitter song is from his eponymous album. The song has an r&b beat. The resentful song is about a man who finds out that his ex is getting married. He is upset because he’s not the man she is marrying. He didn’t need a light to tell him it was over. The theme of the track is similar to Vesta Williams’ “Congratulations.” This song has a soap opera feel to it because it has a lot of drama. This song will hit close to home for anyone who is dealing with a breakup and finds out that the person is moving on and getting married. This would be a painful situation for anyone.
Jeffrey Osborne is telling a good story that isn’t told often. The music is groovy and funky considering the theme of the song. The music is surprisingly upbeat. The bassline is fire. It gives the song a funky sound. This track is from the 80s, but it doesn’t sound dated. It can still resonate today. Jeffrey Osborne’s vocals are pure and sensual. He doesn’t have to rely on Autotune because his voice is enough to sell any song. His smooth baritone vocals are out of this world. He sings clearly and inviting which will make you want to sing along with him. This is one of his underrated songs that deserve to be acknowledged. It is a great song that you will want to hear on constant repeat.
# 7 – Don’t You Get So Mad About It
The angry song is from the Stay with Me Tonight album. The song has an r&b and pop beat. The unreasonable song is about a man who is accused of looking at another woman. He doesn’t want her to get upset about it. He wants her to stop being so insecure. He wants her to keep her feelings in check. The lyrics are meant to make you think about the things that make you upset in relationships. This song proves that it’s not always a good idea to accuse the person you love of looking at someone else. False accusations can ruin a relationship.
This is a midtempo jam, but you can move around to it. The music is similar to TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia). It has a mix of 70s and 80s vibe. The melody is similar to Ashford & Simpson’s song “It Seems to Hang On.” This is something you can chill out to while at a cookout or a party. Fans of old-school r&b probably have this song on rotation, but new fans of r&b music will appreciate it too. Jeffrey Osborne does a convincing job with his vocals considering he didn’t write the song. Here is a fun fact. Michael Sembello of “Maniac” fame co-wrote this track.
You would never know Jeffrey Osborne didn’t write it because he does an amazing job with his vocals. He sings in a slightly higher register. He even surprises the listener with his notes towards the end of the song. His vocals are superb and really sell the song. The background singers also sound amazing. They do a great job supporting him in the background.
# 6 – We’re Going All the Way
The longing song is from the Stay with Me Tonight album. The song has an r&b and soul beat. The emotional song is about a couple who is going to make it. They are determined to be together. He believes they will have everlasting love. This song is inspirational for couples who are starting out and for couples who have been together for years. This touching song can be a perfect wedding song. You can also use it as a first dance together. The music is breathtaking. The melody is similar to James Ingram’s “Just Once.” The instrumentation is simple. It’s the piano, guitar, and drums. It is soft and romantic.
The music is designed for slow dancing or romancing. Jeffrey Osborne sounds fierce and commanding as he tells his lady that they are going all the way. When he says it, you believe it. Some women love men who can take charge like that and he does it with his fabulous voice. He starts the song off softly and then gives a build-up to an exciting finale. He takes the song to heights unknown. He knows the right way to entertain his listeners and make them beg for more material. He teases you enough throughout the song and then gives you everything you are looking for at the end. There is no way to avoid listening to this song over and over again. It is too good not to listen to repeatedly.
# 5 – You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song)
The next song on our Top 10 Jeffrey Osborne Songs list is “You Should Be Mine (The Woo Woo Song)” is from the Emotional album. The song has an r&b and soul beat. The alluring song is about a man who feels that a woman should be with him. This is self-explanatory. He thinks the woman should be his. The title of the song is a clever way to get someone’s attention. He insists that the girl should be in his life. Most women love the idea of a man wanting to be with her. The song could have had the potential of sounding corny with the addition of “Woo Woo,” but he managed to keep it from sounding silly.
Here is a fun fact about the track. Jeffrey Osborne’s daughter came up with “the Woo Woo” part of the song. She didn’t know the title of the song so she referred to it as the “Woo Woo” song. This song would go on to be his biggest pop single. The song managed to appear on the shows Santa Barbara and The Cosby Show. The music has a midtempo beat that is good for dancing with the one you love. It is also great to listen to when you are at home and spending time with that special someone. Jeffrey Osborne is at the top of his game with this track. His vocals are strong and sensual. He makes you want to listen to what he has to say. His phrasing and diction are fantastic. He doesn’t hold notes in this song, but he does belt towards the end. The background singers do a fabulous job supporting him in the background.
# 4 – Only Human
The dramatic song is from the album of the same name. The track has an r&b and soul beat. The charismatic song is about someone who discusses his imperfections to the woman he loves. People aren’t perfect and have flaws. Jeffrey Osborne wants the woman he loves to know that he’s not perfect and that he’s “only human.” He doesn’t want her to ask him for too many things that he can’t provide for her. The song is relatable to anyone who tries their best to please others. It has a good message that let’s people know that they don’t have to be perfect to be in love.
The music will hypnotize you as soon as it starts. It has a smooth r&b and jazz sound. It will definitely put you in a romantic mood. The keyboard is sizzling and will put you in a trance. The drumbeat doesn’t take over the song. The drums give the song some tempo. The song has limited instrumentation and that’s just what the doctor ordered. It gives you a chance to focus on his voice. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss his vocals. Jeffrey Osborne’s vocals are on another level.
He really takes your breath away as he pours his heart out with the lyrics. He makes you believe that he wants his lady to know that he isn’t perfect. He does incredible runs throughout the song. He proves that you can do a lot of vocal tricks with his type of voice. He sings in a higher key at different points of the song and handles it like a professional.
# 3 – On the Wings of Love
The joyful song is from the album of the same name. The song has an r&b and pop beat. The loving song is about lovemaking him feel like he is on cloud nine. This is a unique way to describe being in love. It could have turned out to be cheesy, but he made the lyrics romantic. Here is some trivia about the song. Jeffrey Osborne believed in the song, but his producer didn’t.
The music was also meant to be faster. The way it is now was the right decision to make. It sounds more vulnerable as a ballad. Jeffrey Osborne had big shoes to fill when he recorded this song because he had just left L.T.D. for a solo career. He was able to pull it off because this song went on to be a hit for the r&b crooner. He proved that he wasn’t a one-trick pony with this sizzler.
The music has a great blend of r&b and pop. It will please fans of both genres. The song has crossover appeal. Jeffrey Osborne is on top of his game with this track. He starts the song off softly and vocally soars. He tries to turn the song into a power ballad. He sounds outstanding when he is belting out the memorable chorus. He made the right decision letting the song fade out with the chorus. It is the best part of the song. This song is the epitome of perfection. Everything about this song works from beginning to end.
# 2 – Stay with Me Tonight
The affectionate song is from the album of the same thing. The song has an r&b, pop and rock beat. The energetic song is about a man who thinks about his lover. His thoughts are consumed with her. He is lusting after the woman because she is constantly on his mind. Jeffrey Osborne is out of his wheelhouse lyrically with this track because he is singing about lust instead of love. He is known for his love ballads so this was different territory for him. It gave him a chance to let loose and have fun. It also gave him a chance to embrace a rock edge by including the guitar solo. It’s a great blend of r&b meets pop and rock.
It has a classic 80s beat, but it can still be appreciated today. It has a thumping bassline and a smoking hot drumbeat. It will have you moving around in your seat or on the dance floor. The standout instrument is the guitar riffs which are performed by Queen’s Brian May. The chorus and bridge stand out in the track. They are both infectious and will stay in your head long after the song is over. Jeffrey Osborne’s vocals are out of this world. He utilizes his deeper register. His deep vocals blend well with the music. He uses a double in the background that is flawless. This song could have easily been number one on the list, but it lost the coin toss.
# 1 – The Last Time I Made Love ft. Jeffrey Osborne
The number one song on our Top 10 Jeffrey Osborne Songs list is “The Last Time I Made Love” from Joyce Kennedy’s Lookin’ For Trouble album. The song has an r&b and soul beat. The sensual song is about making love for the first and last time. It’s about a couple who wants to make love to each other. The lyrics are heartfelt and romantic. This song is perfect for couples in love. It will make you appreciate the person you’re with. This slow jam is perfect for the bedroom.
The second you hear the opening keyboard, you will be hooked to the song. The rest of the music is rhythmic and melodic. The musicians keep it soft and simple so the listener can embrace the vocals. Speaking of the vocals, Joyce Kennedy and Jeffrey Osborne have vocal chemistry with each other. The pair is a match made in vocal heaven. Joyce Kennedy sounds like a combination of Gladys Knight and Vesta Williams. Joyce Kennedy has incredible vocal range. She can sing as deep as Gladys Knight and belt out like Vesta Williams. Jeffrey Osborne sings in his lower register.
When Joyce Kennedy and Jeffrey Osborne sing together, it’s a match made in heaven. Joyce Kennedy has a slight edge with the vocal battle because she was able to hold notes and belt with her deep voice. It’s too bad they didn’t sing more songs together. This song is underrated because it is an incredible gem that doesn’t get the recognition it should.
Top 10 Jeffrey Osborne Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022
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