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.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.