The Twelve Inch 146 : What Have You Done For Me Lately : Funk/Synth-Funk - 1986

This week, we dive deep into the mid-’80s synth-funk sound crafted by the legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. We kick things off with Janet Jackson’s empowering anthem, seamlessly paired with King MC’s answer song. The journey continues with another Jam & Lewis masterpiece, Keep Your Eye On Me, produced for Herb Alpert, Janet’s record label boss. Rounding out the opening trio is Janet’s brother Michael with his 1987 smash hit, Bad.

This mix showcases how the Jam & Lewis synth-funk style influenced music far beyond traditional dance tracks. Mid-’80s gems like Julien Clerc’s Bambou Bar find a perfect place here, alongside Sheena Easton’s Strut. And the set wouldn’t be complete without The Human League’s I Need Your Loving, yet another standout production by Jam & Lewis. Together, these tracks prove just how far-reaching and transformative their sound truly was.