Slow Jam Saturday : Calvin Richardson , Not Like This

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