Nineties R&B fans had an exciting moment last week when rumors began circulating that vocal powerhouses Brandy and Monica are reportedly embarking on “The Boy Is Mine Tour” this fall. While no official announcement has been made yet, with Monica’s debut album “Miss Thang” celebrating its 30th anniversary next month, I thought it would be the perfect pick for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
Discovered by music legend Dallas Austin when she was twelve years old, Moncia’s debut album differed from other young acts releasing music at the time. The first single, “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days was produced by Austin and co-written with Derrick Simmons. Set to a sample of LL Cool J’s 1993 bop Back Seat (Of My Jeep)”, which itself samples elements from the song “You’re Gettin’ a Little Too Smart” by The Detroit Emeralds, it was the perfect debut song.
Monica’s reflective vocal delivery expresses her frustration and desire for solitude, a sentiment many women can relate to. Austin uses songwriting to portray Monica’s vulnerability, helping her recognize her emotional state without blaming her partner. The song highlights communication as a vital component of relationships. Through the chorus, listeners understand that her emotional fluctuations reflect personal challenges rather than a lack of love for her partner.
The production duo Soulshock & Karlin created the next single, “Before You Walk Out of My Life,” co-written with Andrea Martin. This mid-tempo R&B ballad was initially intended for Toni Braxton, but it suited Monica better, especially considering she was just fifteen. Her vocal delivery captures regret and longing as she pleads with a partner not to leave, reflecting on past mistakes and expressing a desire to mend their relationship before it’s too late. The song resonated with teens experiencing their first love and, possibly, their first heartbreak.
The album’s third single, “Like This and Like That,” brought her back together with Dallas Austin and was crafted for the club scene. It features a sample from “Spoonin’ Rap” by Spoonie G. This relatable anthem for women addresses a man’s inconsistency and lack of commitment in a relationship. Monica expresses her willingness to move on if things do not improve.
R&B legend Daryl Simmons produced the album’s fourth single, “Why I Love You So Much,” another ballad that serves as a heartfelt dedication to a significant other who brings immense happiness and positivity to one’s life. The album’s final single, “Ain’t Nobody,” was another dedication song, with the key difference being that it was up-tempo and featured at Hot 16 from Treach.
The rest of the album explores the typical nineties R&B tropes, all of which Monica slays vocally. Two of the standouts are covers: The SOS Band’s “Tell Me If You Still Care” and Lattimore’s “Let’s Straighten It Out” (featuring Usher). A stronger album that some singers twice her, “Miss Thang”, was the perfect kick-off to Moncia’s career.
Final Grade: B+
“Miss Thang” is available on all streaming platforms.
As a longtime music enthusiast, I’ve often wondered how quickly record labels expect lead singers from groups to release solo albums. This question came to mind recently when my iPod played “So You Like What You See” by Samuelle. Listening to the song, I realized he would be a great choice for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
You know the voice. The moment Michael Marshall starts singing the hook in Luniz’s “I Got 5 on It,” anyone who grew up in the nineties knows exactly what time it is. However, nearly a decade before that 1995 hip-hop classic, Marshall was already responsible for another instantly recognizable vocal.
There are some albums you revisit because of nostalgia, and then there are albums you return to because they remind you just how high the standard used to be. Anita Baker’s Rapture falls into that second category. Released in 1986, the album did more than make Baker a star. It helped define what sophisticated, grown R&B could sound like without losing any soul, sensuality, or personality.