Despite releasing a strong southern soul-influenced debut in the form of 1999’s Country Boy, North Carolina bred singer wouldn’t break through until his sophomore album 2:35 PM four years later, which featured the hit single “More Than A Woman.” While that is a great song, I wanted to highlight my favorite track from the album, “Not Like This.”
Richardson linked up with Damon Thomas and Harvey Mason of The Underdogs to create a beautiful ballad. Richardson effortlessly explains that he understands his lady has been in relationships before. Still, the other men do not come close to him. As the singer croons the below lyrics, you feel every word.
“Girl, I know a thing or two about the way things go
With someone as fine as you
You be constantly dealin with the drive-bys
And the way guys be spittin at you
So it’s hard for me to think
That you ain’t had love
Ain’t been you he thought the world of
And I just can’t see
How even a playa wouldn’t be
Ready to settle down
You never been cared for (no not like this)
Girl, don’t look no further
You never made love before (no not like this)
It’s just for you
You say you had everything
And nothing was missing
What you thought was right is wrong
So baby just let me in
Girl, I know you had it, but not like this.”
While Richardson never really slowed down musically (he has released six other albums and scored three Grammy nods), mainstream success has alluded him. Nevertheless though, “Not Like This” still holds up nineteen years later.
Final Grade: A
“Not Like This” from 2:35 PM is available on all streaming platforms
This past Friday marked the 40th anniversary of “The Voice,” a.k.a. Whiney Houston’s self-titled debut album hitting stores. So, in that regard, it was only right to give Nippy her flowers for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
For this weekend’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to take a trip to Motor City and show some love to soul singer Dwele. It was 2005, and I was living in the UK as part of my Air Force enlistment. Dwele had just released his second album, “Some Kinda,” enjoying some chart success with the lead single “I Think I Love U,” by Mike City.
The remainder of the album maintains a classic R&B vibe, showcasing the group’s signature sound. One of the standout tracks is “Maybe Tomorrow,” featuring the iconic Phyllis Hyman. It transforms difficult circumstances into positive outcomes—essentially making lemonade from lemons.