Back in 2015, one of the last things we expected to hear was a brand new song from then 60 year old R&B legend Jermaine Jackson. A star as a member of the Jackson clan and also as a solo artist — particularly in the 1980s when he had a series of big hits like “Let’s Get Serious” and “Do What You Do” — Jermaine had appeared to set aside his solo ambitions, as he toured with his brothers again as The Jacksons.
But seemingly out of nowhere, Jermaine issued the Gene Griffin-produced single, “Summer Time Feeling,” a fresh, cut that gave a glorious tribute to those last days of Summer. “Summer Time Feeling” was a breezy acoustic number that captured the warm evening vibe of Smokey’s “Cruisin'” and featured Beach Boys-worthy rich harmonies. It became one of the season’s best songs, though it never really grabbed the attention it deserved.
Jermaine Jackson was always an underrated performer, and “Summer Time Feeling” reminded us again of his immense talent, nearly a half century after we first heard him. It is our latest SoulTracks Lost Gem.
By Chris Rizik
