If you’ve ever fallen down a rabbit hole of mid-80s R&B, you’ve probably stumbled across that specific, glossy sound that defined the era. It’s polished. It’s synthesizer-heavy. It’s unapologetically "pop." At the center of this world in 1985 was George Benson, a man who had already conquered the jazz world as a guitar virtuoso before deciding he quite liked being a global superstar singer, too.
George Benson I Just Want to Hang Around You is a track that often gets overshadowed by the monster hits like "Turn Your Love Around" or "Give Me the Night," but honestly? It’s a masterclass in West Coast AOR and sophisticated soul.
Released as part of the 20/20 album, the song captures a very specific moment in Benson's career. He wasn't just a jazz guy anymore. He was a hitmaker.
The DNA of the Track
You can't talk about this song without talking about the Sembello family. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Michael Sembello was the guy behind "Maniac" from Flashdance. For "I Just Want to Hang Around You," it was a full-on family affair. The credits read like a Sembello reunion: Cruz, Danny, John, and Michael all have their names on the songwriting credits.
Produced by the legendary Russ Titelman, the track has that expensive, high-fidelity sheen that only 80s Warner Bros. budgets could buy.
It’s got those signature "glassy" synthesizers.
The bass is tight.
The groove is infectious.
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The song peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. While it didn't set the Hot 100 on fire (peaking at #102), it became a staple for those who appreciated the "Quiet Storm" radio format. It’s the kind of song you’d hear at a summer backyard party or while driving a car with tan leather interior.
Who Else Was in the Studio?
The personnel list for the 20/20 album is basically a "who's who" of session greats. On this specific track, you’ve got:
- George Benson: Lead vocals (obviously)
- Michael Sembello and Patti Austin: Background vocals (that’s some serious firepower)
- Paulinho Da Costa: Percussion
- Randy Waldman and Danny Sembello: Synthesizers
- Bryan Lee Janszen: Programming
Benson’s vocals here are smooth—kinda like silk. He has this way of sliding into notes that feels effortless. You don’t hear much of his world-class guitar playing on this specific track, which was a point of contention for jazz purists at the time. They wanted the Breezin' era Benson. He gave them 80s synth-pop instead.
Why 20/20 Was a Turning Point
By 1985, the music industry was changing. Drum machines were replacing live kits in many sessions. MIDI was king. 20/20 was Benson’s full embrace of this tech. Some critics at the time—and even now—call it "Formica music." They think it’s too plastic.
But there’s a nuance they miss.
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Even when Benson is singing a straightforward pop-soul tune like "I Just Want to Hang Around You," his phrasing is still rooted in jazz. He isn't just hitting notes; he's swinging. The lyrics are simple—basically a guy telling someone he’s "hypnotized" and wants to spend every night with them—but the delivery makes it feel like a genuine confession.
The album also featured the original version of "Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You." Most people think Glenn Medeiros wrote that. Nope. It was George.
The Legacy of the "Hang Around" Groove
So, why does this song still matter in 2026?
Mainly because the "West Coast" sound is having a massive resurgence. Younger producers are obsessed with the clean, bright production styles of the mid-80s. When you listen to the rhythmic precision of "I Just Want to Hang Around You," you can hear the blueprints for modern R&B.
It’s also a perfect example of what people call "Yacht Soul."
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It’s sophisticated.
It’s breezy.
It’s technically perfect.
Interestingly, the song has a 12-inch version that gives the groove a bit more room to breathe. If you can find the UK 12-inch vinyl (released in July 1985), it’s worth a spin just to hear how the percussion sits in the mix. Paulinho Da Costa’s work is subtle but it’s what keeps the track from feeling like a rigid computer sequence.
Actionable Takeaways for Benson Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into this specific era of George Benson or just want to appreciate the track more, here’s how to do it:
- Listen to the "Edit" vs. the "Album Version": The 7-inch single edit clocks in at 3:31, while the album version is 4:41. The extra minute on the album allows the synth textures to really layer up.
- Check out the Sembello Connection: Listen to Michael Sembello’s album Bossa Nova Hotel right after this. You’ll hear the exact same production DNA and realize how much that family shaped the mid-80s sound.
- Watch the Live Performances: While there aren't many "official" music videos for this deep cut, Benson has performed it live occasionally over the decades. Seeing him bridge the gap between his jazz guitar roots and this pop vocal style is pretty fascinating.
- Explore the "Quiet Storm" Context: Add this track to a playlist with Al Jarreau’s "We’re in This Love Together" and Bill Withers' "Just the Two of Us." It fits perfectly into that "adult contemporary" soul vibe that defined the early-to-mid 80s.
George Benson's transition from jazz icon to R&B superstar wasn't an accident. Tracks like "I Just Want to Hang Around You" prove he had an ear for what worked on the radio without completely losing the soul that made him a legend in the first place. It might be "pop," but it's pop played by masters of the craft.