Lionel Richie

Before he became the easy loving pope, Richie was the keyboardist for the Commodores, one of the absolutely sickest funk bands in history. Here, on his solo debut after the Commodores disbanded, he is still competing with Michael Jackson as much as Kenny Rogers (the latter appearing here). Richie is a truly killer pop songwriter—“Truly” and “My Love” will go up against any silky pop, even Jacque Brel. Wild twist— “You Are,” the most delightfully springy song here, was co-written by his wife at the time, Brenda Harvey-Richie. The exultant feelings of polite love—this category is sadly missed now. Gentleman Funk and Very Respectful Pop. Learn from the god!