For the last Slow Jam Saturday of the year, I wanted to highlight one of the most underrated voices in music, Mr. Kevin Ross, and his recently released single “This Winter”.
When I started my website, the essence of Slow Jam Saturday was always to celebrate tracks that resonate—melodies that don’t just aim to capture a fleeting moment but instead claim a lasting presence. Kevin Ross’ “This Winter” exemplifies this tradition perfectly.
It isn’t a festive tune designed to drown out the seasonal hustle and bustle; instead, it quietly draws you in, dims the lights, and reminds us why R&B has long been associated with intimacy, especially during cuffing season.
As an acclaimed singer-songwriter and one of today’s most dependable voices in modern R&B, Kevin Ross delivers “This Winter” with both subtlety and confidence. The song unfolds gradually, anchored by a seemingly simple refrain – “all I need is love for Christmas”—which resonates not just as a catchy phrase but as wisdom gained over time. Ross skillfully avoids exaggerating the emotion, allowing it to flourish naturally.
The enduring quality of this track evokes classic soul without merely falling into nostalgia. The melody exudes a cozy warmth, much like sitting by a fire. Simultaneously, his vocal delivery flows smoothly, creating a cinematic impact—personal enough to feel intimate yet polished enough to fill any space. This is the balance Ross has mastered throughout his career.
When Ross claims the song is about love being the greatest gift, it doesn’t come across as a mere promotional line. It feels genuine. “This Winter” conveys the message that the holidays aren’t about spectacle; they’re about connection with those you hold close. Who are you thinking about when the world slows down?
In a season crowded with novelty records, “This Winter” feels built for return visits. Not just this year, but the next one—and the one after that.
Final Grade: B+
“This Winter” 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.