When we reflect on R&B reunions from 1997, the first group that often comes to mind is New Edition. However, during the spring of that year, the R&B trio LeVert reunited to release their final album, “The Whole Scenario,” which is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.
Gerald LeVert was already enjoying a successful solo career, having released two albums and a duet album with his father. His brother Sean had also released a solo project, while Marc Gordon found success as a producer. As R&B was beginning to shift, the trio decided to focus more on the Hip-Hop side of things.
The lead single, “True Dat”, found LeVert making a play for classic soul and battling the onset of hip-hop soul. The up-tempo song has a thick, percussive production. It plays close to a New Jack Swing feel, but let’s LeVert’s harmonies shine above the heavy, click-track beat. The song features a guest rap from Yo-Yo and Queen Pen. Despite the quality of the music, the song failed to achieve commercial success.
“Like Water” returned to its roots. This mid-tempo song reminded listeners of why they loved LeVert ballads in the first place. It is a musical love song, complete with Gerald’s slick production, adult R&B arrangement, and some very grown-up lyrics. Gerald’s lead vocal drips with romantic agony. LeVert’s harmony work is splendid. Gerald’s lead never fails to get at the heart of a song, and he again steals the show with his warm lead vocal.
The third and final single was the beautiful, soulful “Sorry Is”. The song is a low-key, apologetic jam that recalls some of LeVert’s best work. The vibe is laid-back and realistic, and the apology song is no exception; once again, Gerald steals the show with his lead. The rest of the album is a mix of slow jams and up-tempo numbers common to nineties R&B.
Upon revisiting the project, I can’t help but wonder why the label didn’t push “Keys To My House” as a single, since Missy Elliott was on the verge of blowing and this song would have catered to a younger demographic.
While not as successful as their earlier releases, “The Whole Scenario” is a perfect and listenable project.
The songs may be a little simple, but the chemistry and maturity of the group shine through. The music is solid, and LeVert always sounds soulful. Although we didn’t receive a proper tour, “The Whole Scenario” serves as an intense coda for the group.
Final Grade: B
“The Whole Scenario” 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.