Second Listen Sunday : Eric Benét , “Love & Life”
Neo-soul artist Eric Benét is gearing up to embark on the “R&B Invitation Tour” alongside fellow singers Joe and Musiq Soulchild. Yesterday, I gave some flowers to Musiq Soulchild, and for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, Eric Benét is the recipient.
Slow Jam Saturday: Musiq, “Who Knows”
Neo-Soul Crooner Musiq Soulchild is preparing to hit the road for the “R&B Invitation Tour” with fellow singers JOE and Eric Benét. Therefore, it was only right to revisit a ballad from his third album, “Soulstar, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
Second Listen Sunday : Debarge, “Rhythm of the Night”
Debarge returned to ballads with the second single, “Who’s Holding Donna Now,” penned by David Foster, Randy Goodrum, and Jay Graydon. El’s powerful vocals express his longing for his ex, Donna, as he grapples with moving on. The lyrics convey his desire to be with her again, showcasing his willingness to do anything to be in the place of the man who holds her now.
Slow Jam Saturday : Kool & The Gang, “Cherish”
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to return to that magical year of 1985 and show some love to Kool & the Gang’s wedding staple “Cherish. The third single from their sixteenth album’ Emergency.”
Second Listen Sunday : Montell Jordan, “This is How We Do It”
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to return to 1995 and show some love to R&B singer Montell Jordan and his platinum-selling single, “This Is How We Do It,” which hit record stores on April 4th, 1995. Jordan was the second male R&B artist to sign with legendary label Def Jam and burst onto the scene with the Slick Rick sampling hit “This Is How We Do It.”
Slow Jam Saturday : Soul For Real, “If Only You Knew”
The year was 1995, and the pop boy band takeover was still a few years away. Nevertheless, R&B vocal groups were holding it down. MCA had already found success with Immature, the nineties answer to New Edition, and their subsidiary Uptown had an answer to The Jacksons with the Dalyyrrimple brothers, a.k.a. Soul for Real.
Second Listen Sunday : Brian McKnight , “Gemini ”
For the first Second Listen Sunday of 2025, I wanted to return to 2005 and highlight “Gemini,” the eighth album from iconic singer & balladeer Brian McKnight. The album hit stores on February 8th, 2005, and would serve as the singer’s last release on the legendary Motown label. The album’s title pays homage to the singer’s astrological sign.
Slow Jam Saturday : Isley Jasper Isley, “Insatiable Woman”
When discussing families in R&B music, three names are usually at the top: Jackson, Debarge, and Isley. For the first Slow Jam Saturday of 2025, I wanted to show love to Isley Jasper Isley and their hit “Insatiable Woman” from their 1985 album “Caravan of Love.”
Second Listen Sunday : Intro, “New Life”
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
Slow Jam Saturday : Natalie Cole, “Starting Over Again”
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Second Listen Sunday : Toni Braxton, Snowflakes
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.
Slow Jam Saturday : The Isley Bros, “What Can I Buy You”
Iconic R&B group The Isley Brothers had already solidified their pleasure in R&B when they released their first Christmas album, “I’ ‘ll Be Home for Christmas,” in 2007. Group member Ron has always had one of those voices that can sing anything, so it makes sense that the group’s first Christmas album would feature the usual standards with an R&B interpretation.