While Thelma Houston is forever etched in music history for the disco anthem "Don't Leave Me This Way," her mid-80s output captured a sophisticated transition into synth-heavy R&B and club music. A standout from this era is particularly the Extended Version , which remains a favorite for crate-diggers and fans of the "Minneapolis Sound". The Sound of the Mid-80s
Revisiting a Dance Classic: Thelma Houston’s “(I Guess) It Must Be Love”
From her 1984 MCA album "Qualifying Heat", this song reached #59 on the R&B chart in 1985. YouTube·Kandyman1028 (I Guess) IT MUST BE LOVE - Thelma Houston While Thelma Houston is forever etched in music
Beyond the original 12" mixes, the track has seen renewed life through modern edits, such as the Pete Le Freq Remix and various club re-edits that highlight its "Jam & Lewis" style production. For those looking to explore her 80s catalog, this track serves as the perfect bridge between classic soul and the electronic future of R&B.
"Since we've been together / Everyone's been telling me / There's been a change in my behavior / I wonder what's come over me" YouTube·Kandyman1028 (I Guess) IT MUST BE LOVE -
From her 1984 MCA album "Qualifying Heat", this song reached #59 on the R&B chart in 1985. YouTube·Kandyman1028 [I Guess] It Must Be Love
Released in on MCA Records as part of her album Qualifying Heat , the track is a masterclass in early-to-mid 80s dance production. It was written and produced by Monte Moir , a key member of The Time and a frequent collaborator within the Prince-adjacent funk scene. YouTube·Kandyman1028 [I Guess] It Must Be Love Released
The song reached #59 on the R&B charts in early 1985, proving Houston could still command the dance floor years after the disco peak. Lyrical Themes: Vulnerability on the Dance Floor