New Affair

Released in 1981, 'New Affair' represents a pivotal moment in The Emotions' discography. Following their massive success with Earth, Wind & Fire's Maurice White, this album saw the group refining their sound for the new decade. While it retains the funk-inflected soul that made them stars, it incorporates the emerging '80s R&B aesthetic - specifically the use of more prominent synthesizers and a cleaner, more compressed drum sound. The album was produced during a period of shifting tastes in the R&B landscape, as the disco era fully gave way to the 'Quiet Storm' and 'Urban Contemporary' formats. Critical reception often highlights the group's vocal prowess, which remained undiminished even as the musical backdrops evolved. Tracks like 'Turn It Out' showcase their ability to command a dance floor, while the title track demonstrates a more mature, storytelling-oriented lyrical approach. It stands as a testament to their versatility beyond the 'Best of My Love' archetype.