There is something special about growing up in the nineties and experiencing R&B music. One of the great joys of streaming music is when a nineties act releases something new. I was delighted to see that the nineties duo Men At Large recently released a new single, “Faded,” in support of their upcoming fifth album, Love Benefits, scheduled for release on June 24th.
Primarily known for their 1990 hit single “So Alone,” Men At Large have stayed to their signature vocal stylings instead of trying to keep up with new trends in the 21st century. Original group members Dave Tolliver and Jason Champion sound elegant on the track as they croon about how a woman makes them feel.
Tolliver and Champion share the lead vocals coming across smoothly like an aged cognac. If “Faded” is the vibe the group plans to carry for the new album, I look forward to adding it to my collection.
Final Grade: B+
“Faded” 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.