James Ingram, a 1980s/1990s pop/R&B artist, songwriter, and 14-time Grammy nominee, spent his early years singing back-up vocals for the likes of Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles. A demo of this 1981 track, “Just Once,” came to the attention of producer Quincy Jones, prompting a record deal. Ingram continued to work with Quincy, co-writing the uptempo pop confection “PYT” for Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller album.
The bridge brings key changes at 2:51 and 3:05; one more modulation hits as the bridge transitions to the final chorus at 3:24 before one last shift as the outro fades at 4:21.