I’ve been a son for forty-three years, and with Mother’s Day tomorrow, I wanted to pick a song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday that pays homage to moms. So many women have played a part in my life’s journey, whether it was a grandmother, an aunt, a friend’s mom, or even a boss.
Last year, I chose “Sadie” by The Spinners as my mom’s favorite song, but this year, I decided to go with the popular choice, “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men. Written and produced by their longtime collaborator Babyface, the song was the theme song to the classic film “Soul Food” and the second single to their fourth album, “Evolution”.”
This ballad honors the deep affection between mothers and their children and their powerful connection. Nathan Morris delivers the first verse, whose heartfelt singing reminds listeners of how a mother sacrifices for her child. The song’s words show a son’s deep affection for his mother, who is his life’s guiding light and supports him through every struggle and joy.
Wanya’s verse on the song portrays a mother’s sacrifices for her child, her unwavering support, and her ability to provide strength when her child needs to move forward. Shawn Stockman sings about his mother as the queen of his heart and describes her love as comforting, like the tears from the stars during the chorus. The child’s love for his mother reaches such powerful depths that it becomes akin to soul food, which nourishes and sustains.
A staple of their live shows, “A Song for Mama” still resonates as a tribute to a mother’s selfless love and affection and the depth of the bond between a mother and child. The song reminds us of mothers’ vital role in our lives and how they shape our personalities, paving the way for our success and well-being.
Final Grade: A
“A Song for Mama” is available on all streaming platforms.
From his early days in the family group Wings of Faith, Mr. Gill was born to make music. However, as R&B fans know, Johnny Gill’s initial release with Atlantic Records failed to make a significant impact when it first came out. The 1983 self-titled debut showed a strong voice struggling to adapt to a studio that couldn’t properly utilize its power.
My introduction to Myron was with the song “Sistas” on the “Eddie” soundtrack in the summer of 1996. Before setting up his solo album, Myron would write classics for Mya and Dru Hill. “Destiny” was written by Myron and Tyrice Jones, and the latter was also producing. Set to a sample of Herbie Hancock’s “Come Running to Me”, the song explores how fate governs the formation of connections between people meant to exist from the beginning.
Music producers transitioning to a solo album is common in the music industry. For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to revisit Sean Garrett’s solo debut, “Turbo 919,” released in 2008.