The Seductive Groove That Launched a Career: Revisiting Groove Theory’s Tell Me

From Humble Beginnings to R&B Stardom

Who could have predicted that an unassumed song penned by Amel Larrieux as a potential toss-off for another artist would ignite an entire movement? “Tell Me,” the 1995 debut single from R&B duo Groove Theory, not only catapulted them to mainstream success but also marked the arrival of a dynamic new voice in contemporary R&B.

The Song’s Sultry Soul

At its core, Tell Me is a timeless tale of romantic longing set to an impossibly smooth groove. The opening verse captures that relatable feeling of being blindsided by an unexpected attraction, as Larrieux croons, “Ever since I looked in your eyes, I had one question for you.” Her velvet alto glides over a mid-tempo vamp lifted from the Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long,” giving the track an instant familiarity rooted in classic soul.

But it’s in the candid, conversational lyrics that Tell Me truly shines. Larrieux conveys an endearing vulnerability as she musters the courage to lay her feelings on the line: “Boy, you wanna know the deal? You are wondering if the words I’m saying are for real.” Her self-aware honesty is both charming and disarming.

A Modern Vocal Summit

No examination of Tell Me would be complete without acknowledging the iconic “vocal summit” during the bridge. As Larrieux poses the pivotal question, renowned session vocalist Trey Lorenz (known for his work with Mariah Carey on “I’ll Be There”) chimes in with his signature soulful ad-libs. Their sublime vocal interplay elevates an already remarkable song into the stratosphere of R&B perfection.

An Indelible Mark on ’90s R&B

In many ways, Tell Me represented the beginning of a stylistic shift in R&B—a move towards more organic, funk-inspired grooves delivered with equal parts confidence and tenderness. Its success proved there was an audience hungry for music that evoked the classic soul era while still sounding utterly contemporary.

The song’s crossover appeal drove it to impressive chart peaks, including #3 on the R&B charts, #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and an unlikely #2 on the Dance charts. More importantly, it served as the catalyst for Amel Larrieux’s critically acclaimed solo career and cemented Groove Theory’s place in the pantheon of 90s R&B innovators.

An Eternal Mood-Setter

Groove Theory Groove Theory album artwork

Over 25 years later, Tell Me remains a go-to soundtrack for romantic nights in or chill sessions with friends. Its ageless sound and resonant lyrics have made it a quintessential “baby-making” song, as likely to be heard emanating from a bedroom as a backyard gathering.

In many ways, Tell Me is more than just a hit song; it’s a cultural touchstone that sparked creative renewal in R&B while providing the ultimate seductive ambiance. For that seamless fusion of timeless soul with contemporary sensibilities, Groove Theory’s debut single will forever hold a rarefied place in the annals of modern music.

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Groove Theory Tell Me Lyrics

Intro: Amel Larrieux
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh yeah

Verse 1: Amel Larrieux
I’ve been doing my own thing
Love has always had a way of having bad timing
But to my great surprise, ever since I looked in your eyes
I had one question for you

Chorus: Amel Larrieux
Tell me if you want me to give you all my time
I wanna make it good for you ’cause you blow my mind
I promise, boy, that I’ll be true, you’re the perfect find
So tell me if you want me to
Yeah

Verse 2: Amel Larrieux
If you thought I’d sleep on this
Boy, you’re wrong ’cause all I dream about is our first kiss
And you’re the first one to make me feel like this
And this is one opportunity that I can’t miss, no, no
Boy, you wanna know the deal
You are wondering if the words I’m saying are for real
‘Cause you got more appeal than any man in this whole world
And baby, I got to know how you feel, yeah

Bridge: Amel Larrieux, Trey Lorenz, Both
Sweetheart, now it’s time I let you know
I don’t wanna rush, we should take it slow
Boy, I can love you, can you help me grow
Give me a new beginning (And I’ll give you a happy ending)
Tell me if you want me to
(Oh, my love, please tell me if you want me to)
I want you to, I want you to
(I wanna make it good) Yes, I do
(I wanna make it good to you, baby)
Oh oh yeah, yeah
(So won’t you tell me) Tell me
(Tell me, whoa-ho-ho-oh, yeah)
(Tell me if you want me to)
(Ooh-hoo, ooh-ooh, baby)
(I wanna make it good for you)
(Huh, huh, huh, uh-huh)
(I promise, girl, that I’ll be true)
(Oh, ho, oh, oh)
(So tell me if you want me to)
(Tell me, baby)
Hey, hey

Outro: Amel Larrieux
Tell me if you want me to
Wanna make it good for you
Promise, girl, that I’ll be true
Tell me if you want me to
Tell me if you want to
I can make it good for you
I promise that I’ll be true
I really, really want to
I promise, girl, that I’ll be true
So tell me if you want me to
I promise that I’ll be true
I really, really want to
Tell me if you want me to
I wanna make it good for you