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.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.