The best thing about coming of age in the nineties was discovering an R&B gem on a soundtrack. Often an artist would release a song on a soundtrack, building anticipation for an album that sadly would never get a release. “Come Around” from Dos of Soul falls into that category and is this week’s Slow Jam Saturday selection.
Dos of Soul was a quartet of three male singers and one female.
“Come Around” was one of the numerous singles from the soundtrack to the 1996 box office hit The Nutty Professor. The late Mark Morales, aka Prince Markie Dee and Cory Rooney were the writers and producers of the song. “Come Around” opens with the group singing the song’s chorus to a luxuriant instrumental sound.
Group member Demonie leads the song with a smooth tenor, taking the listener on a blissful journey expressing emotions for his ladylove. The song’s strength comes from the relatable lyrics. I have always taken from the song that no matter what you are going through, the company of a suitable mate will always lift your spirits. In addition, in the song’s second verse, the lyrics evoke intimacy and the true essence of sharing the first time with your mate.
The Nutty Professor soundtrack is arguably one of the best released in 1996. Featuring an all-star lineup that included the talents of Case, Jay-Z, LL COOL J, and Monica, it is still in my rotation. However, the song I revisit the most is “Come Around.”
Final Grade: A
“Come Around” from The Nutty Professor soundtrack is available on all streaming platforms.
Nineties R&B was home to many female groups, so standing out took more than good looks and a major industry endorsement. I still remember seeing Allure in a Vibe ad and thinking how gorgeous those four women were. The question was whether they had the talent to compete in the music scene.
In 1996, I first heard the Houston quartet Ideal on the Original Gangsters soundtrack. Their interpretation of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues,” featuring the Chi-Lites, caught my attention.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to revisit 2004 and highlight Romeo’s debut solo album, formerly of Immature. Titled “Food for Thought” and released on June 22nd, this project marked the singer’s change of name to Young Rome in an effort to distance himself from the youthful sound of his group, much like his bandmate Marques Houston had done a year earlier.