Despite being must-see TV for some over the last two decades, I’ve always felt that singing competition shows don’t do justice in promoting R&B singers. Whether it’s The Voice or American Idol, male R&B singers never seem to get the recognition they deserve, and for the most part, they don’t win the show. A case in point is the singer Mac Royals, who was cut from the most recent season of The Voice.
American Idol Season 2 constant Corey Clark may have had a publicized disqualification from the show. However, not one to cry over spilled milk, Clark kept pushing to achieve his dream of sharing music with the world. I’ve previously interviewed Clark; he was one of my first podcast guests, and we chopped it up for nearly three hours.
Clark has recently released a cover of El Debarge’s 2011 hit single “2nd Chance”. This is not the first time Clark has covered Debarge’s music; he also covered “All This Love” for his debut album. “2nd Chance” is a touching and soulful song that showcases Clark’s smooth tenor and a hint of falsetto. The song’s lyrics revolve around redemption, forgiveness, and the opportunity for a fresh start. Clark’s heartfelt emotion and vulnerability conveyed through his vocals make the song relatable and resonate deeply with listeners.
Clark decided to keep the production arrangement the same as El, blending elements of R&B and pop. The accompanying instrumentation, such as the piano, drums, and guitar, complements Clark’s vocals, adding depth and richness to the overall composition. One of the things that made the original song so heartfelt was Debarge’s musical testimony, and Clark seems to be doing the same.
Furthermore, the narrative in “Second Chance” is captivating, as Clark illustrates the journey of an individual who has overcome challenging experiences and is now pursuing a renewed opportunity for love and a fulfilling life. The lyrics remain artistic and contemplative, touching upon introspection, personal evolution, and embracing and learning from one’s past errors.
While it never tries to top the original, Corey Clark’s cover of El Debarge’s “Second Chance” showcases Clark’s talent and hopefully is a preview of things to come on a new album.
“Second Chance” by Corey Clark is available on all streaming platforms
Final Grade: B
For more on Corey Clark, check out https://cdcmusicllc.com. In addition,
fans can follow him on social media at the following handles. Twitter @CDCMUSIC and on Instagram @thecoreyclark.
This weekend is about celebrating the King of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson, and his legacy. For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to highlight his debut solo album, “Got To Be There,” which was released on January 24th, 1972.
Fifteen years after his untimely passing, the King of Pop’s music continues to resonate with us, a testament to its timeless appeal. As we honor his heavenly birthday this past Thursday, I wanted to pay tribute to him with ‘Loving You’ for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
When we reminisce about the potential of lead singers who could have been iconic solo acts, the name Sisqó immediately springs to mind. The front man for R&B quartet Dru Hill, Sisqó, stormed onto the scene in 1999 with his solo debut ‘Unleash the Dragon.’ The success of the singles ‘Incomplete’ and ‘Thong Song’ propelled Sisqó’s solo debut to sell a staggering five million copies in the US alone, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.