Carl Anderson – “Buttercup”
Carl Anderson – “Buttercup”: A Soulful Gem Written by Stevie Wonder, Delivered with Elegance
When Carl Anderson recorded Buttercup in the mid-80s, he wasn’t trying to top the charts. He was simply doing what he did best: interpreting a soulful song with emotional grace, melodic smoothness, and unshakable groove. The result is a lesser-known track that quietly stands among the finest cuts of 80s adult R&B and deserves fresh recognition.
The Stevie Wonder Connection
“Buttercup” carries a fascinating history. Originally written by Stevie Wonder for The Jackson 5 in the 1970s, the song was never released by them in their heyday. It remained unreleased in any official capacity until Carl Anderson’s take gave it new life on his 1985 album Absence With Out Love. Anderson’s version remains the most well-known—and arguably definitive—rendition of the song.
The tune opens with a synth-driven groove and a walking bassline that screams 1985, yet it’s Anderson’s buttery vocals that really make it stick. His delivery is controlled but warm, with a romantic tone that never feels overdone. He lets the melody breathe, trusting the subtlety of the arrangement, and that makes the track even more infectious.
Who Was Carl Anderson?
For many, Carl Anderson is primarily remembered for his standout portrayal of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, both in the original Broadway cast and in the 1973 film. But his musical career extends far beyond musical theater. He was an accomplished jazz and soul singer who worked with greats like Stevie Wonder, Brenda Russell, and Nancy Wilson.
On Buttercup, he leans into the romantic lyricism and sensuality of the era. The track is less flashy than many of the big hits of the mid-80s, but that’s exactly its charm. It’s a slow burn—a song that gets better with each listen.
A Soundtrack to Quiet Storm
“Buttercup” fits perfectly within the Quiet Storm radio format: mellow, heartfelt, adult-oriented R&B. If Luther Vandross defined the genre’s sound for many listeners, Carl Anderson was one of its secret weapons. He may not have scored massive radio hits, but he delivered music that spoke to grown-up emotions and intimate moments.
The instrumentation is sparse but efficient: soft electric piano chords, light rhythm guitar, and those unmistakable 80s drum machine accents. It’s clean, refined, and focused on the vocals, which are mixed front and center.
Why “Buttercup” Still Matters
At Funky Pearls Radio, we believe in preserving the grooves that the mainstream left behind. “Buttercup” is one of those tracks that DJs and collectors know, but that wider audiences rarely get to appreciate. It’s a slice of musical craftsmanship—written by one legend and interpreted by another.
Listening to Carl Anderson sing “You don’t have to worry / You can trust me baby” in that intimate, reassuring tone feels like an invitation into a warm sonic space that so many modern productions have lost. It’s real soul. No gimmicks, no filters.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re discovering this song for the first time or revisiting it after decades, “Buttercup” offers timeless soul elegance. Carl Anderson may have lived in the shadows of bigger stars, but this track proves he belonged in the spotlight.
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