Second Listen Sunday: Michael Jackson, “Got to be There”
This weekend is about celebrating the King of Pop, Mr. Michael Jackson, and his legacy. For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to highlight his debut solo album, “Got To Be There,” which was released on January 24th, 1972.
Slow Jam Saturday: Michael Jackson, “Loving You
Fifteen years after his untimely passing, the King of Pop’s music continues to resonate with us, a testament to its timeless appeal. As we honor his heavenly birthday this past Thursday, I wanted to pay tribute to him with ‘Loving You’ for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
Second Listen Sunday : Sisqó, Genesis
When we reminisce about the potential of lead singers who could have been iconic solo acts, the name Sisqó immediately springs to mind. The front man for R&B quartet Dru Hill, Sisqó, stormed onto the scene in 1999 with his solo debut ‘Unleash the Dragon.’ The success of the singles ‘Incomplete’ and ‘Thong Song’ propelled Sisqó’s solo debut to sell a staggering five million copies in the US alone, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Slow Jam Saturday : Raheem DeVaughn, Let’s Fall In Love
Washington, D.C.-based singer Raheem DeVaughn is coming home for two shows later this month at The Legendary Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, Virginia. So, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, a segment where we celebrate the best slow jams in R&B, I wanted to give some kudos to one of his new ballads, “Let’s Fall in Love.”
Second Listen Sunday: Marques Houston, Veteran
Former teen idol Marques Houston had successfully transitioned to a credible R&B vocalist with their second solo album, “Naked,” in the fall of 2005. Houston continued to make a name for himself two years later with this third album, “Veteran,” this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: Heatwave, “Look After Love”
For mainstream music fans, if you ask them to name a song from London disco-funk band Heatwave, the go-to answer is more than likely either “Boogie Nights,” “The Groove Line,” or the iconic ballad “Always and Forever.” So, while I could write a lengthy piece on “Always and Forever” for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to highlight “Look After Love” from the band’s fifth album, 1982’s “Current.”
Second Listen Sunday: Johnny Gill, Still Winning
Like the rest of New Edition, R&B balladeer Johnny Gill had seen ups and downs as a solo artist. While Mr. Gill had enough hits to tour off, his fans clamored for music. In 2011 after fifteen years, he returned to music with his sixth solo album, “Still Winning,” this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: One Chance, That’s My Word
R&B luminary Usher is commencing his “Past Present Future” tour this week. Notably, two decades ago, he experienced resounding success with “Confessions” and the subsequent “Truth Tour.” For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday segment, I intend to revisit 2005 and spotlight a selection from the “In the Mix” soundtrack, which Usher had a starring role.
Second Listen Sunday : Today, Today
The renowned Motown label encountered a period of stagnation in the late 1980s. At this pivotal juncture, the imminent departure of founder Berry Gordy Jr. prompted the appointment of Jheryl Busby as his successor. Mr. Busby, a distinguished figure in his own right, aimed to propel the label into the contemporary era by devising a marketing strategy to resonate with loyal fans of the label’s heyday and a new audience.
Slow Jam Saturday : Bobby Caldwell, My Flame
In the late seventies, the music world was in for a surprise when it was revealed that the voice behind the classic R&B ‘What You Won’t Do for Love’ was the talented Bobby Caldwell, a white musician. While the obvious choice for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday would be a write-up on that song, I wanted to highlight one of my favorites, ‘My Flame,’ an album track from his 1978 debut.
Second Listen Sunday : The Time, Ice Cream Castle
This month marked the 40th anniversary of the renowned cinematic masterpiece “Purple Rain.” While I intend to collaborate with fellow critics in the future on a retrospective project, for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I plan to honor The Time’s third album, “Ice Cream Castle,” which is notable for featuring two enduringly classic songs that were included in the film as mentioned earlier.
Slow Jam Saturday : Missy Elliot, Friendly Skies
Missy Elliott, a versatile artist, is currently performing at various venues nationwide as part of her inaugural headlining tour, “OUT OF THIS WORLD—THE EXPERIENCE.” I had the opportunity to attend a preview of the tour last year, and I’m eagerly anticipating the upcoming show scheduled for this Thursday in Baltimore, Maryland.