For this week’s selection for Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to venture to the Twin Cities and highlight “I Want My Girl” from Jesse Johnson’s solo debut “Jesse Johnson’s Revue.” The guitarist had already made a name for himself as the lead guitarist in the funk band, “The Time.” As diehard fans know, The Time would disband after releasing their third album, “Ice Cream Castle.”

Johnson took a page from his bandmate Morris Day’s book and signed a solo deal with A&M Records. The bulk of Johnson’s debut keeps the Minneapolis sound intact, but there was something special about the ballad “I Want My Girl.” Written and produced by Johnson, it has that lush eighties soul feel.

At its core, the ballad conveys a profound sense of longing and heartache. It tells the story of a love so intense that one is willing to endure mistreatment and hardship, all in the name of affection. The poignant lyrics capture the heart-wrenching emotions of yearning for someone, even when sacrificing self-respect and allowing oneself to be treated as insignificant.

Johnson delivers his song performance with a heartfelt and genuine vocal style. Despite being only twenty-four years old when the song debuted, his voice reflects a depth of personal experience that resonates with listeners. The lyrics capture a universal emotion: the excitement and confusion that can accompany meeting a new love interest.

In those moments, it’s easy to be swept away by infatuation and lust, leading one to believe that this new person could be a soulmate. This relatable theme illustrates why the song continues to strike a chord with audiences, even after forty years. The enduring power of his message highlights the timeless nature of love and desire.

Johnson continued to release solo albums, but “I Want My Girl” still takes the cake as my favorite song from him.

Final Grade: B+

“I Want My Girl” is available on all streaming platforms.