Irons in the Fire is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Teena Marie, released on August 14, 1980, by Motown. Her first self produced effort, it was dedicated to her father, Thomas Leslie Brockert (1919-1976). It received positive reviews on its release. In a 2009 interview she named it as her personal favourite of all her albums.

Reception

Irons in the Fire peaked at #9 on the Black Albums chart and #38 on the Pop Albums chart. Lead single "I Need Your Lovin'" peaked at #9 on the US Black Singles chart and became her first Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #37. It also reached #28 in the United Kingdom, making it Marie's second and last top 30 single in that country. In addition, along with the track "Chains", "I Need Your Lovin'" peaked at number two for two weeks on the dance charts. "Young Love" was released as the album's second single, peaking just outside the top 40 on the US Black Singles chart.

Track listing

All songs were written by Teena Marie, except where noted. Bonus tracks - 2011 Expanded Edition

Personnel

Technical

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Singles

Covers

In 2000, pop singer Sheena Easton covered "I Need Your Lovin'" as a bonus track on her retro Disco covers album Fabulous for the Japanese market. The Cover Girls, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam and Curiosity Killed the Cat have also covered the song.