Burning The Ground Exclusive
A 1986 Quiet Storm Gem from Teena Marie
In 1986, Teena Marie released “Lips 2 Find U” as a single from her album Emerald City, further cementing her status as one of R&B’s most sophisticated singer-songwriters of the decade.
While it may not be the first title that comes up in casual conversation, the single made a respectable impact, climbing to #28 on the Billboard Black Singles chart — proof that Teena’s core audience was locked in and listening.
The Emerald City Sound
By the mid-’80s, R&B production was evolving rapidly. Drum machines were sharper, synth textures glossier, and arrangements more layered. Yet Teena always found a way to keep warmth in the mix.
“Lips 2 Find U” sits squarely in that sweet spot — polished but intimate. The production is sleek, with airy keyboards and subtle rhythm programming that give the song space to breathe. It’s not bombastic. It’s not chasing pop crossover trends. It’s mood-driven and mature.
And that’s exactly why it works.
A Charting Slow Burn
Reaching #28 on the Billboard Black Singles chart may not qualify as blockbuster status compared to earlier hits like Lovergirl or the funk classic Square Biz, but it reflects something equally important: consistency.
By 1986, Teena wasn’t a novelty or a breakout artist — she was an institution within R&B. Songs like “Lips 2 Find U” reinforced her credibility with Quiet Storm programmers and adult soul audiences who valued emotional nuance over flash.
Vocals That Whisper and Soar
What makes the track endure is her performance.
Teena Marie had extraordinary vocal control. On this record, she leans into sensuality with restraint. The phrasing is delicate, almost conversational at times, then gently lifts into those signature soaring notes that remind you just how powerful her instrument truly was.
It’s longing without melodrama. Romance without excess.
Why It Deserves Rediscovery
For collectors and deep-dive fans, “Lips 2 Find U” represents a fascinating period in Teena’s career — post-breakthrough, fully autonomous, refining her sound in an increasingly digital era.
It’s the kind of single that may not dominate greatest-hits playlists but rewards anyone willing to explore beyond the obvious tracks. And for those of us who appreciate the art of the slow burn, it’s essential listening.
Teena Marie didn’t just deliver hits. She built moods.
And “Lips 2 Find U” is one of her most elegant.
SIDE A:
Lips 2 Find U 5:11
SIDE B:
Lips 2 Find U (Instrumental) 5:09
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot Black Singles | #28 | 1986 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Epic – 49-05376
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: Electronic, Funk / Soul
Style: Synth-pop, Funk
CREDITS:
- Executive-Producer – Larkin Arnold
- Mixed By, Producer, Written-By – Teena Marie
- Photography – Randee St. Nicholas
NOTES:
Special Version from the Epic LP:
“Emerald City”
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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