This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - George Benson's "Turn Your Love Around"

Few artists active during the half-century history of rock music so far have displayed the broad versatility of George Benson, a sterling jazz guitarist capable also of convincing forays into pop and soul as a smooth, expressive vocalist. Nowhere is this latter truth more delightfully apparent than on this shimmering, melodic track from 1982. Co-written by a trio of similarly versatile music industry figures, including two '80s mainstays in Toto guitarist and in-demand session man Steve Lukather as well as songwriter and latter-day Chicago member Bill Champlin, this fine tune displays a smorgasbord of decidedly '80s characteristics. Tasty synth, supported by some funky post-disco bass, give way quickly and appropriately to Benson's underrated, velvety voice, but what really stands out is the highly organic and remarkably unified finished product of a tune cooked up by multiple chefs in the kitchen.

"Turn Your Love Around" has always been one of my favorites from an era quite early in my developing years as a pop music fanatic. Benson's performance combined with the flawless, impeccable production really screams '80s in the best possible way. And if I were a dancer in any remote sense of the term, I'd put my heavy-set frame on groove display every time I heard this song. Obviously and mercifully, I am no kind of dancer.

• Sample or download "Turn Your Love Around" here.
• Compare prices on George Benson CDs here.
• George Benson Official Site