As we bin the flowers, polish the wine glasses and dust off the sheets from another Valentine’s day episode, the mind drifts to relationships. You know, those things you get when two or more people interact? Relationships start and they end eventually, in one way or the other. Sometimes, between the start and the end of the relationships you get break-ups and make-ups. The music industry is littered with failed relationships and numerous break-ups and make-ups. Let’s take a look at a few musical break ups that could do with some making up, just to give us the fans something to enjoy once again. In the immortal words of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway, “back together again to get the world in a spin” (with slight artistic embellishment).

Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle – One of the great due pairings. Let’s get back some of that Saturday Love/Never Knew Love This/Everything I miss at Home magic.

Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike…and Ralph and Johnny – This is the mother of all break-ups/makes-ups. We never know whether we’re coming or going with the lads, it’s could Ralph by himself, Ralph and Johnny, Bobby alone, Bobby and BBD, BBD by themselves, geez! Just take it back to the NE Heartbreak New Edition please, boys.

Starleana Young and Curt Jones – Would so love to hear that original Aurra sound again. Many have tried to imitate it but haven’t cracked it. While you’re at it, get Steve Washington back on production and it’s a sure thing.

Rufus and Chaka Khan – Sure Chaka has gone on to do alright by herself but think “Sweet Thing”, “Do You Love What You Feel” and “Ain’t Nobody”. Nuff said.

Stacy Lattisaw and Johnny Gill – Both now in their 50s and not the sweet teenagers from back when they made music together. But there’s no doubt they had the perfect combination, no pun intended. P.S. Yes it’s Johnny again, guess he’s gonna have to choose.

George Benson and Quincy Jones – Both legends worked together on the one album, “Give Me The Night” but it sure was one classy album. Please do it again.

Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, Damion Hall and Timmy Gatling – Yes, including Timmy Gatling. Listen to the Guy debut album and you can hear that Gatling brought an influence to the group. Besides, in this writer’s opinion, the Blackstreet iterations just never had the rawness of Guy.

Carl McIntosh, Jane Eugene and Steve Nichol – Some new Loose Ends songs with the original line-up would be nothing short of amazing. Get producer Nick Martinelli behind the board and let’s get that old magic back.

Caron Wheeler and Jazzie B – Another great UK act, you always had the feeling there was so much more to come from this relationship. Soul II Soul worked with many great vocalists but Caron’s voice was simply The One. This re-acquaintance will be complete with Nellee Hooper and Simon Law in attendance.

Leee John, Ashley Ingram and Errol Kennedy – Still on the UK vibe, another great group we’d like to see back together is Imagination. John’s falsetto, Ingram’s rolling moog basslines and Kennedy’s drums need to get back for at least one more time.

Charlie Wilson and Ronnie Wilson – Before Uncle Charlie became the king of smooth R&B, there was this group made up of three Wilson brothers, named The Gap Band. Unfortunately, youngest brother Robert is no longer with us (R.I.P) but I’m pretty confident we can trust Charlie and Ronnie to give us some of that old Funk.

Mic Murphy and David Frank – The System had their unique electro R&B/Funk sound which simply cannot be recreated by anyone else. Listen closely and you’ll hear their influence on some Pharrell Williams’ songs, so imagine what the original masters can give us if they were to get back together.

Tevin Campbell and Babyface – No doubt Tevin Campbell and Babyface made some beautiful songs together. Tevin has had the privilege of working with many of the greats like Quincy Jones, Prince, Arthur Baker and Narada Michael Walden to name a few but there was something special about the Babyface songs.

Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill and Pras Michel – That fusion of Hip hop, R&B and Reggae championed by the Fugees has simply not been replicated. This make-up would be a tough one but hey, where there’s love there’s a way, right? Oh right, you need the love first.

Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Daniels and Jody Watley – Another one where there appears to be no love lost is the trio that made up Shalamar. Hewett and Watley’s voices so defined the Shalamar sound that no other replacements would do. Let’s get it back people.

The Calloway Brothers and Midnight Star – The Calloway Brothers parted ways with the other members of the group, citing irreconcilable differences. They then went on to ‘be rich’ and the rest did quite okay for themselves too. However, there’s no doubt the best music came when they were all together.

Sure, even asking that some of the above stand together outside a studio, never mind get back inside one is a far stretch but just imagine what could be if they did. Cupid, you know where to shoot your arrows next time.