You know that feeling when a song starts and the first three seconds just feel like a warm hug? That's basically the opening of Glenn Jones We've Only Just Begun. Released in 1987, it didn't just climb the charts; it sort of defined a whole vibe of "grown and sexy" R&B that was bubbling up at the time.
Honestly, if you grew up in a house where the radio was always tuned to the local soul station, this track was likely the soundtrack to every Saturday morning cleaning session or late-night car ride. It has that specific late-80s sheen. You’ve got the gated reverb on the drums, the sparkly DX7-style synthesizers, and Glenn’s voice, which—let’s be real—is one of the most underrated instruments in music history.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Song
A lot of people hear the title and immediately think of The Carpenters. Understandable. But Glenn Jones isn't doing a cover here. His version, officially titled "We've Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)," is an entirely original composition written by Glenn himself alongside producer Timmy Allen.
It wasn't a remake. It was a statement.
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By 1987, Glenn had already spent years in the industry. He started in gospel with a group called the Modulations and then did that legendary stint with Norman Connors. But moving to Jive Records was a pivot point. This song was the lead single from his self-titled album, and it signaled a shift from the more traditional soul of his RCA years to something a bit more "urban contemporary."
The Secret Sauce: Why It Hit #2
It’s easy to look at the Billboard charts and see that it peaked at number two on the R&B chart, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Why did this song stick when so many other mid-tempo tracks from '87 faded into obscurity?
- The Vocal Control: Glenn doesn't oversing. In a decade where everyone was trying to be the next Luther Vandross or Patti LaBelle with the vocal acrobatics, Glenn stays in a pocket of smooth, effortless confidence.
- The Production: Timmy Allen was the man behind the boards. If you look at the credits, you'll see names like LaForrest "LaLa" Cope and Yogi Lee on background vocals. These were the architects of the New Jack Swing-adjacent sound before it went full-throttle high-energy.
- The Relatability: The lyrics aren't about a breakup or a "one-night stand." It’s about longevity. In 1987, that resonated with an audience that was looking for "Quiet Storm" anthems that actually meant something.
The track also made some noise on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at 66, and even touched the UK charts. For a ballad-heavy R&B singer, those crossover numbers were a big deal back then.
The "Here I Go Again" Connection
People often debate which song is Glenn's true "signature." While "Here I Go Again" actually hit number one a few years later in 1991, many purists argue that "We've Only Just Begun" is the superior vocal performance. It has more nuance.
When you listen to the 12-inch version—which, if you can find the vinyl, you absolutely should—the instrumental bridge allows the production to breathe. You can hear the "Downtempo" and "RnB/Swing" elements that Discogs collectors obsess over. It’s a bridge between the disco-soul of the 70s and the programmed-heavy 90s.
The Legacy of the 1987 Self-Titled Album
The album itself, simply titled Glenn Jones, is a bit of a masterclass. Besides the hit single, tracks like "Stay" showed that he could handle a groove just as well as a ballad. But let's be honest: Glenn Jones We've Only Just Begun is the reason that record is still in heavy rotation on streaming platforms today.
It’s interesting to note that this was his first project after leaving RCA. Sometimes a change of scenery—or label—is exactly what an artist needs to find their "forever" song. Jive Records gave him a bit more grit, a bit more modern polish, and the result was a classic that hasn't aged a day.
How to Appreciate This Classic Today
If you're just discovering this track or rediscovering it after years, don't just settle for a low-bitrate upload. Here is how to actually experience it:
- Listen to the "The Romance Is Not Over" Extended Mix. It gives you the full scope of Timmy Allen's production and Glenn's ad-libs at the end.
- Compare it to his Gospel roots. Go back and listen to "Melancholy Fire" with Norman Connors. You can hear the evolution of a singer who learned how to control the "fire" and turn it into a slow-burn romance.
- Check the Credits. Pay attention to the background singers. LaLa Cope (who wrote "You Give Good Love" for Whitney Houston) adds a layer of sophistication to the harmonies that you just don't hear in modern tracks.
There is a reason why, even in 2026, this song shows up on every "Essential 80s R&B" playlist. It isn't just nostalgia. It is just really, really good songwriting.
To truly dive deeper into Glenn's discography, your next move should be checking out his 1992 Atlantic debut. It shows a completely different side of his vocal range, leaning into the 90s sound while keeping that same smooth foundation he perfected on "We've Only Just Begun."