“Just Once” by James Ingram is one of those early ‘80s ballads that somehow hits twice as hard decades later. Produced by Quincy Jones for his 1981 album The Dude, the song carries that signature Jones polish—smooth arrangement, soft piano lines, and a tasteful rhythm section that gives Ingram’s soulful vocals all the space they need. It’s the kind of track that sneaks up emotionally on you; what sounds like a classic love ballad at first slowly reveals itself to be something heavier, an inner plea for emotional connection that never quite worked out right.

A huge part of the song’s lasting impact came from its unexpected use at the end of The Last American Virgin (1982). That film, a teenage sex comedy on the surface, ends on a gut punch of heartbreak and disillusionment—and “Just Once” rolls in right as the realization sinks in. Instead of tying things up neatly, the song underscores the protagonist’s pain and futility, matching the moment perfectly. It’s almost cruel how the film pairs that kind of emotional devastation with a song this beautiful.

And that’s what makes “Just Once” stand apart from other ballads of its era: it’s not syrupy or idealistic. It’s a bittersweet confession wrapped in a soulful groove, about trying your best and still losing. The honesty in Ingram’s delivery gives the song an authenticity few pop hits manage to capture. Whether you first heard it through Quincy Jones’ production or that unforgettable movie ending, it’s hard to shake off once it finds you—it’s heartbreak with melody, regret with elegance.

Just Once

I did my best
But I guess my best wasn’t good enough
Cause here we are
Back where we were before
Seems nothin’ ever changes
We’re back to being strangers
Wondering if we ought to stay
Or head on out the door

Just once

Can we figure out what we keep doin’ wrong
Why we never last for very long
What are we doin’ wrong?

Just once

Can we find a way to finally make it right
Make the magic last for more than just one night
We could just get to it
I know we could break through it
Hmm hmm

I gave my all
But I think my all may have been too much
Cause Lord knows we’re not gettin’ anywhere
Seems we’re always blowin’
Whatever we’ve got goin’
And it seems at times with all we’ve got
We haven’t got a prayer…

Just once

Can we figure out what we keep doin’ wrong
Why the good times never last for long
Where are we goin’ wrong?

Just once

Can we find a way to finally make it right
Make the magic last for more than just one night
I know we could break through it
If we could just get to it

Just once
I want to understand…
Why it always comes back to goodbye
Why can’t we get ourselves in hand
And admit to one another
We’re no good without each other
Take the best and make it better
Find a way to stay together

Just once…

Can we find a way to finally make it right
Whoa
Make the magic last for more than just one night
I know we could break through it
If we could just get to it

Just Once…

Whoa, oh
We can get to it…

Just Once…