In Love

Released in December 1979, In Love served as the critical follow-up to Cheryl Lynn's self-titled debut. While her first album was anchored by the massive success of 'Got to Be Real,' In Love sought to establish Lynn as a versatile R&B powerhouse capable of sustaining a full-length narrative beyond a singular club hit. Produced largely by Barry Blue, the album exemplifies the 'Columbia Records sound' of the era: high production values, prominent string sections, and a clean, punchy rhythm section. It captures the transition point where disco began to evolve into the more structured, synth-augmented R&B of the early 1980s. Despite not reaching the same commercial heights as its predecessor, the album is highly regarded by soul purists for its vocal technicality and the sophisticated arrangement of tracks like 'Feel It' and 'Love Bomb.' It remains a definitive example of Lynn's 'whistle register' capabilities and her influence on the subsequent generation of R&B divas.