Quincy Jones, “The Secret Garden” | Throwback Vibez

On the 15^th edition of Throwback Vibez, we recollect and reflect on “The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)” by Quincy Jones. 

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he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! On the 15^th edition of Throwback Vibez , we recollect and reflect on “The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)” performed by Quincy Jones.

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Theme & Lyrics  

Quincy Jones = icon. The legendary musician/producer has been nominated for 80 Grammys and won 28.  The awesome, throwback song at hand,   “The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)” wasn’t nominated for a Grammy, but its 1989 parent album, Back on the Block, won Album of the Year award at the 33^rd Annual Grammy Awards.  Jones is assisted on this star-studded, ultra-smooth, sensual cut by Barry White, Al B. Sure!, James Ingram, and El DeBarge.

“The Secret Garden” commences seductively with the bass vocals of Barry White, establishing the bedroom vibes.  From there, Al B. Sure! blesses our ears, spitting game to his girl.  “I wanna read your mind,” he sings at the beginning of verse one, adding, “Know your deepest feelings / I wanna make it right for you / Baby, show me.”  Then, James Ingram swoops in the for second verse, asserting, “I know a melody that we could sing together / I’ve got a secret key to you, baby.” Ooh la la! Later, the third verse is tackled by the sweet pipes of El DeBarge, who states, “I can keep you satisfied, baby.” As for the fourth, Barry White returns, urging her to, “Let your hair down, let me get you in the mood.” The centerpiece of this slow jam is the chorus – that’s no SECRET!

“Here in the garden, where temptation feels so right
Passion can make you fall for what you feel
In the garden, we can make it come alive
Every night, oh woman.”

“Secret Garden” was a moderate success on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at no. 31 in 1990.

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Final Thoughts

There was no possible way that “The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)” couldn’t be a success.  Look at the cast Mr. Jones assembled – some of the who’s who of the 80s R&B scene!  Sure, R&B doesn’t sound like this anymore, but maybe, just maybe, more contemporary R&B musicians should draw inspiration from a killer, sensual slow jam like this one.

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Quincy Jones • Back on the Block • Qwest Records, Inc. / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1989
Quincy Jones, “The Secret Garden”: Throwback Vibez No. 15 [: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro,  The Musical Hype, Qwest Records, Inc. / UMG Recordings, Inc.]

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