Originally published in 2003 on NE20.com (inactive)
“Don’t you know it was a crucial lovin’”
Synopsis
Music fans recognize how this song reflects the “Minneapolis Sound”, a genre defined by Prince and his protégés, The Time, in the 1980s. One contributor to this sound is producer and musician Jellybean Johnson.
Johnson has a distinctive production style and sound of his own, characterized by fuzzy guitar solos and popping electric drums. Johnson incorporates his style in “Crucial”. You can also hear his production work on Mint Condition’s Meant to be Mint and his musicianship on Janet Jackson’s “Black Cat” (from Rhythm Nation 1814).
Commentary
As a fan of the Minneapolis Sound, I especially enjoy this song. If you listen to “Crucial”, along with “Fishnet” and “Love Is A Game” from Morris Day’s Daydreaming, this is what a Time reunion album might have sounded like in 1987 or 1988.
This song is rare for NE since only one member of the group performs the lead and background vocals (Johnny’s “Thank You” on Home Again is another).
Will Leon 