Déja - Serious (1987)

Former Aurra members Starleana Young and Curt Jones make their debut as duo Deja with Serious, released by Virgin in September 1987. 

The lead single "You and Me Tonight," produced by Eban Kelly and Jimi Randolph, went to number two on the R&B charts and number 54 on pop in the fall of 1987. The gentle follow-up, "That's Where You'll Find Me," eased its way to number 17 on the R&B chart in early 1988. 

Monte Moir, one time keyboardist for The Time, produced the bulk of the album which has a strong Minneapolis Sound slant. The solid, pumping "Heartbeat" has a strong Jam and Lewis influence (circa their mid-'80s work with Cherelle). The languid "Summer Love" lopes along pensively, while the upbeat, funky "Straight to the Point" comes closest in recalling their Aurra days.

Aurra's founder Steve Washington fell out with the duo over money issues. To relinquish his control over them, he offered to sell them the name and trademarks of Aurra- to which Jones and Young objected. 

As a result, they changed their name to Deja, signed with Virgin and altered their sound in the process. Joining them for the ride was producer and former member of The Time Monte Moir- who previously wrote and produced songs for Janet Jackson and Alexander O'Neal, among others. Moir produced virtually the entire album- save for the first single "You And Me Tonight", which was produced by "Like I Like It" producers Jimi Randolph & Eban Kelly. 

The album leads off with the uptempo title track "Serious", where they issue their plea for commitment. Also on the album is the quiet storm favorite "That's Where You'll Find Me" as well as the minor club hit "Heart Beat". 

Curtis Jones and Starleana Young also act as co-producers- with the former on the optimistic "Some Things Turn Around" and the funky "Life", with the latter on "Premonition". 

Deja's "Serious" is a listenable album from the duo. Sadly, it would also be the last album with Starleana Young- as she would depart for a solo career and would be replaced by Mysti Day. 

It's not a particularly memorable outing, but it's certainly a satisfying one.

A1.  Serious - 5:14

A2.  Some Things Turn Around - 4:40

A3.  That's Where You'll Find Me - 4:48

A4.  Heart Beat - 4:39

A5.  Premonition - 4:15

B1.  Life - 5:13

B2.  What To Do Now - 4:23

B3.  Summer Love - 5:30

B4.  Straight To The Point - 4:27

Notes

Release: 1987

Genre:  Soul / Funk

Length:  42:41

Label:  10 Records

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