Brian McKnight was already a force in R&B music when his seventh album, U-Turn, hit stores in March 2003. The album took inspiration from McKnight’s separation from his wife, evident in the first single, “Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda,” where McKnight points out his flaws.
The CD finds McKnight teetering between regret for his former love and enjoying the single life. However, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to show kudos to one of U-Turn’s album tracks, “Good Enough.”
Brian decided to craft a sensual posse cut for the song. Fellow R&B crooners Carl Thomas, Joe, Tank, & Tyrese join Brian on the song. The singer’s voices all mesh well together throughout the tune’s nearly five-minute run time, with no one trying to outshine his counterpart. I’ve always enjoyed this particular song because it creates a sexy vibe, but it never goes into crass territory or vulgarity to set the mood. It still boggles my mind why the record label didn’t push this one as a single, as the numbers would have been crazy.
Final Grade: B+
“Good Enough” from Brian McKnight’s U-Turn is available on all streaming platforms.
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.
As Black Music Month 2025 continues, I wanted to give flowers to “The Queen of Funk,” Ms. Chaka Khan, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday. The song I decided to highlight is “Through the Fire.”
If there were ever a question on Jeopardy with a category about R&B bands and the question centered on Cameo, I’m sure it would be on one of their signature songs, “Candy” or “Word Up!”