A Guide to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
A Guide to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis
They need no full-length introduction, but their catalog speaks for itself.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, renowned for their stylistic ingenuity and commercial triumphs, hold a record for their longevity in the music industry. This Grammy-winning duo first gained prominence with the Time and played a crucial role in shaping the electronic sound that defined post-disco contemporary R&B. They initially garnered attention with significant hits for artists like the S.O.S. Band and Cheryl Lynn. These successes were just the prelude to their monumental work on Janet Jackson’s 1986 album Control, which achieved quintuple-platinum status.
Their impact on the music industry extended as many started to emulate their production style. Yet, even as others drew inspiration from them, Jam and Lewis continued to evolve, integrating innovations while focusing on traditional songcraft. This approach is evident in their production of over 40 Top Ten pop hits, which includes number-one singles like Janet Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” (1994), Boyz II Men’s “On Bended Knee” (1994), and Usher’s “U Remind Me” (2001).
In recognition of their extraordinary contributions to songwriting and production, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The duo released their first album as headliners, Jam & Lewis, Volume One, in 2021, demonstrating their enduring talent and versatility.
Their song production discography is a book in itself, but we combined twenty-five albums. Here is the guide to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
The Time — The Time
This self-titled debut album by The Time marks a fusion of funk and soul, encapsulated by Prince’s signature arrangement with Jamie Starr and Morris Day carrying the load. The album displays a raw, energetic sound that defines the early ‘80s R&B scene. Each piece on the album exhibits tight, punchy rhythms complemented by quirky synthesizer works, thanks to Jimmy Jam and Monte Moir. The LP mixes playful storytelling with a braggadocio typical of the era’s funk bands. Vocally, Morris Day’s charismatic delivery becomes a distinctive feature, adding personality to the entire album. The bass guitar by Terry Lewis is notably funky and driving, an exemplification of the influence of the Minneapolis sound. Their debut exhibits a youthful, party-ready vibe, setting a solid foundation for the band and the production duo.
What Time Is It? — The Time
What Time Is It? showcases a growth in complexity and refinement in Prince’s instrumentation once more. The album leans heavily into funk grooves while experimenting with expanding the soundstage, giving it a fuller, more polished feel. This project continues the band’s playful, confident swagger with slightly more sophistication. The synth arrangements are more prominent here, adding a layer of elegance to the groove-heavy foundation. There’s an increased use of space in the production, allowing each instrument’s presence to be felt more distinctly. It maintains the party-like atmosphere of their debut but with an evolved richer musical texture. This marked Jam and Lewis’s final album on the group before getting fired by Prince himself.
Just the Way You Like It — The S.O.S. Band
Just the Way You Like It is an excellent showcase of Jam and Lewis’s ability to blend soulful melodies with synthesizer-driven R&B. The album balances danceable beats and emotive ballads, demonstrating versatility. Its production is sleek, characterized by synthesizers that add a glossy, modern feel to the songs. The S.O.S. Band’s vocals are smooth and harmonious, aligning perfectly with the album’s polished sound. Rhythmically, the album is anchored by solid basslines and drum patterns that create a persistent groove throughout. Thematically, the lyrics focus on love and relationships, resonating with a broad audience. This album solidifies the S.O.S. Band’s place in the R&B genre, underpinned by Jam and Lewis’s distinctive production style.
Fragile — Cherrelle
As an album, Fragile demonstrates a delicate balance between sensitivity and strength, reflecting its title. Cherrelle’s vocals shine, bringing a depth of emotion to each song, supported by Jam and Lewis’s nuanced production. The album’s sound is a blend of soft ballads and mid-tempo tracks, showing off a range of dynamics. Synthesizers provide a lush backdrop, while rhythm sections remain subtle yet effective. This album is notable for its ability to convey emotion through lyrics and its rich, layered instrumentation. Cherrelle’s Fragile offers an intimate, heartfelt experience, underscored by Jam and Lewis’s thoughtful production.
Alexander O’Neal — Alexander O’Neal
The self-titled album from Alexander O’Neal stands out for its robust vocal performances and Jam and Lewis’s production finesse. The album blends upbeat numbers and soulful ballads, showcasing O’Neal’s vocal flexibility. Production-wise, the album combines electronic elements with traditional R&B instrumentation, creating a dynamic, engaging listening experience. The album’s rhythm sections are powerful, driving the music forward with energy and precision. This album’s harmonies and background vocals add depth and complexity to the tracks. Alexander O’Neal’s debut is a definitive piece in his career and the Jam and Lewis catalog, reflecting the evolving sound of mid-80s R&B.
High Priority — Cherrelle
Cherelle’s second album capitalizes on her vocal strengths, backed by Jam and Lewis’s dynamic and layered production. The album contains a variety of tempos, from danceable beats to slower, sensual tunes. Jam and Lewis’s use of synthesizers and drum machines is creative and pioneering, adding a futuristic feel to the album. Cherelle’s voice, ranging from powerful belts to softer tones, adapts fluidly across the album’s varied moods. Each composition is carefully crafted, ensuring the music supports and enhances the storytelling. High Priority marks a significant development in Cherelle’s artistic growth, supported by Jam and Lewis’s evolving, innovative production style.
Control — Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s Control is a landmark album, reflecting a significant shift in her artistic direction, heavily influenced by Jam and Lewis’s production. The album combines catchy, rhythmic beats with assertive lyrics, mirroring Jackson’s coming of age. It’s a breakthrough in melding pop sensibilities with a strong R&B foundation, creating broad appeal. Production-wise, Jam and Lewis incorporate synthesizers, funk-inspired bass lines, and robust drum patterns to create a fresh and influential sound. Jackson’s vocal delivery on the album is confident and varies from assertive anthems to softer, more reflective pieces. The themes revolve around independence, personal growth, and empowerment, resonating with a broad audience. Control is a crucial album in the careers of both Jackson and Jam and Lewis, signaling a new era in R&B and pop music.
Sands of Time — The S.O.S. Band
In Sands of Time, The S.O.S. Band, under the guidance of Jam and Lewis, creates an album that skillfully blends soulful vocals with a clean, modern production. The album leans towards a smooth, refined sound, demonstrating maturity in the band’s musical direction. Intricately layered arrangements combined with crisp drum machine beats form the album's backbone. Vocal harmonies are rich and well-executed, complementing the contemporary feel of the production. The love and longing rhyme runs through the lyrics, delivered with passion and subtlety. The album’s balance of up-tempo numbers and mellow tunes showcases the band’s versatility. Sands of Time is an eloquent expression of late-‘80s R&B sophistication.
Crash — The Human League
The Human League made a distinct turn with Jam and Lewis at the production helm, infusing their R&B sensibilities into the band’s synth-pop style. The album features an eclectic mix of electronic elements and conventional pop rhythms. The Human League’s new wave style is enriched by Jam and Lewis’s soulful, rhythmic influences, creating a unique crossover appeal. The album is diverse, combining lead and background vocals that add texture and depth. The production employs various electronic sounds, demonstrating a playful yet calculated approach to synth-pop. Crash represents a successful fusion of genres, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of Jam and Lewis’s production skills.
Hearsay — Alexander O’Neal
In Hearsay, Alexander O’Neal and the producing duo deliver a rhythmically vibrant album with soulful expression. The sound perfectly blends funk influences and modern R&B, creating a catchy yet emotionally resonant experience. O’Neal’s robust vocal delivery is a highlight, conveying a range of emotions with power and nuance. The production pairs classic R&B instrumentation with synthesizer-driven touches, resulting in a timeless yet contemporary feel. The mix of upbeat and slower tracks keeps the album dynamically interesting. Hearsay exemplifies the chemistry between O’Neal’s top-tier vocals and Jam and Lewis’s production expertise, offering a memorable R&B experience.
Heart Break — New Edition
Heart Break exemplifies the evolution of New Edition into a more mature, polished sound. The production by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis introduces a dynamic fusion of R&B with a hint of new jack swing, showcasing the group’s vocal abilities. Notably, the album balances emotion-filled ballads and uptempo numbers, displaying a versatile approach to rhythm and harmony. The lyrical content reflects a coming-of-age theme, resonating with an audience experiencing similar life transitions. The use of synthesizers and drum machines is a hallmark of the era yet feels timeless in its execution. Vocal arrangements are intricate, allowing each member’s unique tone to shine.
Affair — Cherrelle
Affair presents a robust example of 1980s R&B through Jam and Lewis’s production. The album artfully balances passionate vocals with sophisticated musical arrangements. Cherelle’s vocal performance is powerful and dynamic, communicating the complexities of romantic relationships. The synthesizer-led melodies and rhythmic beats create a dynamic listening experience. Affair maintains a cohesive sound throughout, with each song contributing to the narrative arc. This work solidified Cherelle’s position in the R&B genre, highlighting her unique voice.
Rhythm Nation 1814 — Janet Jackson
Rhythm Nation 1814 is a groundbreaking album for its thematic content and sonic innovation. The album blends pop, R&B, funk, and industrial beats, creating a unique sound landscape. Its thematic ambition, addressing social issues such as racism, poverty, and substance abuse, is matched by its bold musical experimentation. Jackson’s vocals are commanding and expressive, conveying the album’s message. The production is layered and sophisticated, blending hard-hitting rhythms and smoother melodic elements. The album’s cohesive narrative and conceptual depth set it apart in the late 1980s music scene. Rhythm Nation 1814 is an artistic achievement for Jackson and a cultural landmark in music history.
Mo’ Money (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) — Various Artists
The Mo’ Money soundtrack, curated by Jam and Lewis, features diverse artists (Big Daddy Kane, Mint Condition, Sounds of Blackness, Public Enemy, etc.), illustrating their ability to meld varying styles into a unified compilation. The soundtrack stands out for its blend of R&B, hip-hop, and pop, mirroring the film’s energetic and dynamic spirit. Production-wise, the album showcases Jam and Lewis’s ability to adapt and optimize the strengths of each artist. The result is a vibrant, eclectic mix that maintains a consistent quality and flow. Despite featuring multiple artists, the album avoids feeling disjointed, attesting to the producers’ skill in album construction.
janet. — Janet Jackson
janet. signifies a bold shift in her artistic direction, primarily influenced by Jam and Lewis’s production. This album marks a departure from the socially conscious themes of “Rhythm Nation” to more intimate, personal subjects. Musically, it fuses contemporary R&B with funk, pop, and jazz elements, showcasing Jackson’s versatility. The production is lush and multi-layered, creating a sensual and inviting atmosphere. Jackson’s vocal performance is both confident and vulnerable, exploring themes of love, sexuality, and self-assertion. janet. stands out for its candid lyrical content, which was somewhat pioneering for a female artist then. The album was a critical and commercial success, cementing Jackson’s status as a multifaceted and influential pop and R&B music figure.
Solo — Solo
The self-titled album by the group Solo emerges as a significant work in 90s R&B. The album offers a refreshing take on classic soul and R&B, infused with contemporary production values. Solo’s harmonizing is smooth and skillfully executed, demonstrating their vocal talent and chemistry. The production interlaces classic soulful melodies with modern rhythms, creating a timeless quality. Each song on the album contributes to a personal and relatable narrative; it is noteworthy for its authentic soul sound and a notable contribution to the genre in the 90s.
The Velvet Rope — Janet Jackson
The Velvet Rope is a profound exploration of personal struggles and societal issues, again showcasing the dynamic collaboration with Jam and Lewis. The album integrates various musical styles, including R&B, pop, trip-hop, and folk, creating a rich auditory experience. Its lyrical themes are deeply introspective, dealing with mental health, self-worth, and social exclusion. Jackson’s vocal delivery is emotionally charged and nuanced, effectively conveying the album’s complex themes. The innovative production incorporates diverse instruments and sound effects to enhance the emotional impact. The Velvet Rope is celebrated for its conceptual depth and courageous vulnerability. It remains a critical highlight in Jackson’s career, influencing many artists in various genres.
All for You — Janet Jackson
All for You is characterized by its upbeat, optimistic tone and diverse musical styles. The album skillfully blends pop, R&B, and funk with a touch of rock and disco. The album’s lyrical themes revolve around independence, joy, and love, marking a lighter direction than The Velvet Rope. Jackson’s vocal style is versatile and engaging throughout the album, adapting seamlessly to the varying musical moods. The production quality is polished, with catchy melodies and rhythmic beats that highlight Jackson’s strengths as a performer. All for You demonstrates Jackson’s ability to consistently reinvent her sound and appeal. The album was a commercial success, reinforcing Jackson’s status as a leading figure in the music industry.
Glitter — Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s Glitter soundtrack, produced during a tumultuous period in her career, is a unique entry in her discography. The album, heavily influenced by 1980s music, showcases Carey’s adaptability and vocal expertise in a different musical context. Jam and Lewis’s production brings a nostalgic feel, blending retro elements with contemporary R&B. Despite mixed critical reception, the album highlights Carey’s range as a singer and her ability to capture the essence of a bygone musical era. The production melds electronic beats with soulful melodies, offering a backdrop to Carey’s passionate vocal performances. Glitter combines genres and generations, reflecting Carey’s musical roots and experimentation. The album, over time, has garnered a cult following and is noted for its unique place in Carey’s career.
Nodesha — Nodesha
Nodesha’s self-titled album exhibits a fresh, energetic take on early 2000s R&B, with Jam and Lewis’s production playing a crucial role. The album features a blend of contemporary R&B with funk and hip-hop elements, showcasing Nodesha’s versatile vocal ability. The beats are crisp and modern, with catchy hooks and rhythms accentuating the album’s youthful vibe. Nodesha’s voice is expressive, delivering lyrics centered around empowerment, romance, and personal growth. The album stands out for its engaging, upbeat sound and solid production quality. Despite being less known, Nodesha’s debut offers a look at the potential of new artists in the R&B genre.
Damita Jo — Janet Jackson
Released after the Super Bowl controversy, Damita Jo reveals a multifaceted approach to R&B, blending smooth rhythms with robust production. The album showcases Jackson’s vocal versatility, moving seamlessly between sultry tones and more assertive, dynamic delivery. Jam and Lewis blend contemporary beats and classic soul elements, demonstrating their adaptability and understanding of the genre. The album’s arrangement maintains listener interest throughout, balancing slower ballads with upbeat numbers. This project marks an evolution in Janet Jackson’s artistry, displaying a mature sound enriched by Jam and Lewis’s unique touch.
20 Y.O. — Janet Jackson
In 20 Y.O., Janet Jackson presents a record that merges nostalgia with modern R&B trends. The album reflects on her career’s evolution, paying homage to her musical roots while exploring current sounds. The production quality is high, characterized by Jam and Lewis’s attention to crisp, clean beats and harmonious backdrops. They skillfully craft a soundscape that supports Jackson’s vocal strengths, allowing her to shine. The album’s structure is thoughtfully composed, providing a coherent listening experience showcasing the growth and continuity of Jackson’s career. Fusing rhythmic dance numbers with slower, emotional pieces creates a dynamic range. Overall, 20 Y.O. is an effective collaboration between Jackson and her long-time producers, highlighting their consistent ability to innovate within the R&B genre.
Funk This — Chaka Khan
Funk This represents a triumphant return for Chaka Khan, with Jam and Lewis contributing significantly to its success. Their production brings a fresh vitality to Khan’s powerful voice, blending classic funk with contemporary R&B elements. The album resonates with authenticity, driven by Khan’s delivery and the producers’ knack for creating deeply engaging musical backdrops. The meticulous arrangement of each song ensures a seamless flow, highlighting Khan’s skill as a storyteller through music. Jam and Lewis’s expertise in songcraft is evident as they balance funk nostalgia with modern soundscapes' urgency. Funk This is a celebration of Khan’s legacy and a showcase of Jam and Lewis’s versatility and skill in adapting to different artist styles.
Unbreakable — Janet Jackson
Her first album in seven years and latest release as of this writing, Unbreakable, unfolds as a thoughtful exploration of contemporary issues and personal narratives. This album marks a significant point in Jackson’s discography, characterized by its reflective lyrics and nuanced production. Jam and Lewis contribute a refined touch, weaving together sounds that complement Jackson’s vocal range and thematic focus. Their subtle electronic elements fused with traditional R&B rhythms create a unique soundscape. The album’s structure is meticulously crafted, offering a narrative flow that enhances the thematic depth. Jackson’s performance and Jam and Lewis’s production created an emotionally resonant and sophisticated album. Unbreakable demonstrates the enduring chemistry between the artist and producers, highlighting their collective ability to evolve while staying true to the core elements of R&B.
Jam & Lewis, Volume One — Jam & Lewis
Everything comes full circle. Jam & Lewis, Volume One marks the debut album from the iconic production duo, showcasing their skill as frontmen in the world of R&B. This album diverges from their typical role as producers, putting their creative vision at the forefront. The production is impeccable, featuring a blend of classic R&B and contemporary influences, showcasing their mastery of the genre. Each song is thoughtfully arranged, displaying diverse styles and moods while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout the album. Their collaboration with various artists across the tracks brings a dynamic range of vocals and interpretations to the duo’s compositions featuring Boyz II Men, Usher, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, and countless others. Jam and Lewis’s experience and skill in songwriting are evident as they easily navigate through different themes and musical structures . The album celebrates their historic career and solidifies their status as innovators and influential figures in the R&B genre.