Jody Watley - Affairs of The Heart (1991–1992)

Affairs of The Heart (1991–1992)

Watley would state that she was eager to change her musical range and image, and no longer wanted to be seen as just a dance diva. She was inspired toward a more introspective approach for ‘Affairs Of The Heart", wanting to address social concerns.

In December 1991, Watley released her third album, Affairs of the Heart, described by Justin Kantor in Guide to Soul as an overlooked standout of her 1980s and 1990s output. The album peaked at #124 on the US chart, and #21 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart.

The lead single, "I Want You," failed to crack the top 40, peaking at #61 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, though peaking at #5 on the US R&B singles chart, and #17 Dance. The second single, "I'm The One You Need", reached #3 Dance and peaked at #19 on the US Hot 100. The final single was the ballad "It All Begins With You", her first single to miss the US Hot 100. Watley earned an invitation by President George H. W. Bush in 1992 to perform this song at the White House. Watley used the opportunity to encourage the government to provide more support and funding for public schools.

Watley recorded "It's All There" for the movie "Switch" with legendary composer Henry Mancini.