The late George Michael successfully transitioned from a boy band to a successful soul artist with his debut solo album Faith in 1987. Michael had already scored four successful singles when the fourth single, “One More Try,” hit the airwaves.
The duration of this ballad lasts nearly six minutes. It narrates the story of a young man who is reluctant to initiate or resume a new relationship due to his past emotional wounds. However, towards the end of the song, he succumbs to temptation and sings the title for the only time.
“One More Try” is a song that captures the struggle of letting go of a failing romantic relationship. George, the singer, expresses his feelings of being trapped in a situation that no longer brings him happiness. The lyrics convey his diminishing ability to control the situation. The chorus emphasizes the significance of prioritizing self-preservation over the desire to salvage the relationship. Ultimately, George discloses that he is prepared to move on and possesses the strength of self-love to do so.
Final Grade: A
“One More Try” from Faith 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.