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.
As the King of Pop’s biopic continues to perform well at the box office, I wanted to revisit one of Michael Jackson’s overlooked solo albums, “Forever, Michael”, released in 1975, for my first Second Listen Sunday of 2026.
As Joe prepares for his upcoming Tiny Desk performance, it’s a fitting time to revisit “U Should Know Me,” one of the hidden gems in his catalog. This song, which he wrote and produced himself, first appeared in 1998 on the soundtrack for “Caught Up”, a hood drama starring Bokeem Woodbine and Cynda Williams.
As fans look forward to his upcoming co-headlining “Nights Like This” tour with Akon, Ne-Yo is smoothly transitioning into country music while still maintaining his R&B roots with his latest single, “Ms. Tundra.” This infectious track is the third release from his forthcoming tenth studio album, “Highway 79,” set for release on July 10 via Compound Entertainment.