I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin Robert Palmer’s sultry hit “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On” from his 1985 album Riptide. This track, a cover of Cherrelle’s 1984 R&B song written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, was transformed by Palmer into a funky, synth-driven pop-rock anthem. According to a retrospective review on HighResAudio, the song’s “fractured jittery notes, funky basslines, and pounding drums” perfectly match Palmer’s “bothered, sweaty vocals,” creating a passionate vibe that hit number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number nine in the UK. Fun fact: the iconic music video, directed by Terence Donovan, featured Palmer fronting a band of heavily made-up, near-identical female models, a visual style echoing Patrick Nagel’s art. Palmer later quipped in a 1994 Los Angeles Times interview that he “had to live down” the video’s controversial reception, as feminists protested its portrayal of women, yet it became a staple on MTV, boosting the song’s popularity.

Another tidbit from the AllMusic review of Riptide highlights how Palmer’s production on this track foreshadowed the innovative dance hits Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis later crafted with Janet Jackson. Fans on Amazon reviews rave about the song’s infectious energy, with one user noting it’s among their “all-time favorites” for its smooth, laid-back vibe. Posts on X from users like @ThatEricAlper in 2024 also celebrate Palmer’s cool style and smooth vocals, emphasizing how this track, alongside “Addicted to Love,” cemented his 80s legacy. The song’s recording at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas, as noted on Discogs, brought together heavyweights like Power Station’s Andy Taylor on guitar and Bernard Edwards on bass, giving it that punchy, polished sound we’re cranking up for you today.

Robert Palmer’s journey to stardom began in Batley, Yorkshire, England, where he was born on January 19, 1949. Growing up in Malta due to his father’s naval intelligence work, Palmer was exposed to a melting pot of music at naval parties, from soul to jazz, sparking his eclectic taste, as he shared in a 1994 Los Angeles Times interview. By 15, he was playing guitar in local bands, and at 19, he joined the Alan Bown Band, diving into the professional music scene. In 1970, he linked up with the jazz-rock fusion group Dada, which morphed into Vinegar Joe with singer Elkie Brooks. Signed to Island Records, Vinegar Joe released three albums before disbanding in 1974. Palmer went solo that same year, recording his debut Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley in New Orleans with the Meters and Lowell George of Little Feat, blending funk and soul, as detailed on Wikipedia.

Palmer’s solo career took off with hits like “Every Kinda People” in 1978 and “Bad Case of Loving You” in 1979, showcasing his knack for fusing soul, rock, and reggae. His 1980 album Clues, featuring synth-pop with Gary Numan, gained traction with younger audiences via catchy music videos. The real breakthrough came with his stint in Power Station, a supergroup with Duran Duran’s John and Andy Taylor and Chic’s Tony Thompson, producing hits like “Some Like It Hot.” This paved the way for Riptide’s massive success, as noted on 106.7 The Eagle. Palmer’s suave style, inspired by Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding, earned him Rolling Stone’s best-dressed male artist title in 1990, though he told the Los Angeles Times the focus on his looks sometimes irked him.

Sadly, Robert Palmer passed away in 2003, but his legacy lives on through his music and fan communities. You can explore more about him on his official page at robertpalmer.com. Connect with fans on social media via his Facebook and Instagram accounts, or check out posts on X where fans share memories. For deeper dives, visit fan sites like robertpalmerdiscography.com or join the Robert Palmer Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and keep the groove alive!