Kevon Edmonds, 1/3 of legendary R&B trio After 7, was already a household name when he released his solo debut 24/7 in the fall of 1999. I was a senior in high school and living in El Paso, Texas when Kevon broke through with his solo single “24/7”. Working with writers Angelo Ray / David Scott, Edmonds did not stray that far from the After 7 formula, which was smooth vocal harmony and heartfelt lyrics.
Edmonds’s next single, “No Love (I’m Not Used to),” arrived from the pen of Daryl Simmons and showcased his vocals over a song that anyone who ever got too comfortable in a relationship can relate to. We have all been there where we take someone for granted and when we lose them, it’s hell on your heart. I am a firm believer that sometimes you have to learn to be alone to prepare yourself for the right person.
For the last single, Kevon linked up with his brother Babyface for the beautiful ballad “Love Will Be Waiting at Home.” Marc Harris and Tommy Sims also provided their talents to the song. The opening song “Never Love You” is another Babyface written gem that could serve as a sequel to “No Love (I’m Not Used to)” with the pleading Kevon is doing to get his girl back. Quite honestly, “Never Love You” is a better song than some albums coming out today. Kevon could have easily relied on his younger brother for every song on the CD. While Babyface does provide his usual trademark to songs like “A Girl Like You” and “How Often,” Kevon has excellent chemistry with the other producers on the album as well.
Tim & Bob provide Kevon with two up-tempo bangers in “When I’m With You” and “I Want You”, while Gregory Curtis contributes the lush “Sensitive Mood.” 24/7 does lose a bit of steam towards the album’s end as the last few songs come across as filler. Nevertheless, this was a strong debut overall that I often revisit.
Final Grade: B+
Top Tracks: The singles and “Never Love You.”
24/7 is available on all streaming platforms
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.
Reviews And Dunn is a unique blog showcasing all things cinema, music & theater.