Shirley Murdock, Husband | Throwback Vibez

In the 170^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Husband” by R&B singer Shirley Murdock.

[nx_dropcap]T[/nx_dropcap]he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 170^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Husband” performed by Shirley Murdock.

[nx_pullquote]“Mmm, those lonely nights / I waited for your call / I didn’t know it then…”[/nx_pullquote] What didn’t you know then, Shirley Murdock (b. 1957)? Why, “You were someone’s husband.” Scandalous! “Husband” is the opener from Murdock’s 1988 sophomore album, A Woman’s Point Of View. Although a marvelous song, it regrettably didn’t chart on the pop charts (Only “As We Lay” earned those honors). The good news is that “Husband” did reach number five on the R&B charts. Billy Beck and Larry Troutman (1944 – 1999) penned “Husband.” Larry’s brother, Roger (Roger Troutman, 1951 – 1999) produced it.

Shirley Murdock has strong feelings for this man – somebody else’s husband.  “You satisfied a real desire in me,” she admits in her dynamic second verse, and adds, “I still have those needs.” Not unfounded in the least.  However, despite these desires and urges, she describes herself as “a lady with class,” making it crystal clear, “This cannot occur.” On the bridge, she is transparent about past foolishness.  However, she drops banger lyrics singing, “If Shirley’s gonna be a fool / A fool for any man / That man has got to be my…” Fill in the ellipsis… HUSBAND, of course! The chorus is the crème de la crème, intact with marvelous vocal harmonies carried by background vocals.

“Because you are my husband

My desire for you is strong

And I won’t do wrong

‘Cause I know in my heart that you are hers

I know, I know you are her husband

That’s why I got to let you go

Desire says I should, but I say no

I say no.”

That’s right, Shirley – “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin”! Beyond Murdock’s refined, lead vocals, memorable songwriting, and tuneful melodies, “Husband” thrives on its smooth, adult contemporary R&B instrumental.  There are plenty of cool, playful music cues. Perhaps, listening back, some of the synths and sounds are somewhat dated, but the sound of “Husband” remains striking. Old-school, the mature position that Shirley Murdock takes despite the temptation to cheat is admirable.  This should’ve impacted the pop charts!