Slow Jam Saturday: PM Dawn, “I’d Die Without You”
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I want to venture back to 1992 and give some love to PM’s Dawn “I’d Die Without You”.
Second Listen Sunday: Ruff Endz, “Love Crimes”
My initial introduction was on the soundtrack to the 1999 film “Blue Streak” with the mid-tempo track “Please Don’t Forget About Me”. Produced by Dru Hill’s Nokio, the song wasn’t anything special, despite a strong vocal, and came across more as filler. However, it was another soundtrack effort six months later that won me over. In the spring of 2000, the duo appeared on the soundtrack of the dance film “Center Stage”.
Slow Jam Saturday: The Braxtons, “I’d Still Say Yes”
Nineties R&B was a special time. Particularly when it came to groups, both male and female, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to venture back to 1996 and show some love to The Braxtons’ cover of “I’d Still Say Yes” from their 1996 sophomore album, “So Many Ways.”
Second Listen Sunday: LeVert, “The Whole Scenario”
When we reflect on R&B reunions from 1997, the first group that often comes to mind is New Edition. However, during the spring of that year, the R&B trio LeVert reunited to release their final album, “The Whole Scenario,” which is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: Beyoncé & Bilal, “Everything I Do”
Written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis along with their frequent collaborator Big Jim Wright, “Everything I Do” is a ballad that perfectly blends Beyoncé’s mezzo-soprano with Bilal’s ethereal falsetto. As music fans already know, Jam & Lewis know how to get the best out of artists when it comes to romantic duets.
Second Listen Sunday: Atlantic Starr, “Radiant”
Released on February 3, 1981, “Radiant” featured the group primarily writing the material while also collaborating with legendary Motown producer James Anthony Carmichael. The album’s first single, “When Love Calls,” was written by The Lewis Brothers and showcased a lead vocal by Sharon Bryant. This lively track conveys the importance of seizing love when it presents itself and highlights the potential consequences of indecision.
Slow Jam Saturday: The Whispers, “A Song for Donny”
If you’ve ever grieved for a departed artist or even a departed friend who left us far too soon, then “A Song for Donny” is a song for you.
Second Listen Sunday: Keyshia Cole, “Callin All Hearts”
When we look back to the spring and summer of 2005, Usher was still clearly the king for male singers under thirty in the R&B genre. While Trey Songz and Bobby Valentino had made names for themselves with their debut albums and Chris Brown’s name was starting, another singer, Ray J, decided it was time to release his third album, “Raydiation.”
Slow Jam Saturday: B2K, “Out The Hood”
B2K recently generated considerable excitement among their millennial fan base by announcing a reunion tour following a successful performance at this year’s BET Awards, reaffirming their status as a leading R&B boy band.
Slow Jam Saturday “ Michael Jackson, “The Way You Love Me”
As we approach the sixteenth anniversary of The King of Pop joining the heavenly choir, it was only fitting that MJ was the featured artist for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday. The song I chose was “(I Like) The Way You Love Me” from his 2011 posthumous album, Michael.
As die-hard fans know, MJ originally wrote the song with teeny-bopper group Hanson in mind, but he kept it for himself. An early demo version of the song would appear on his 2004 four-disc set, “The Ultimate Collection,” where I first heard it. A year before Jackson’s passing, he would link up with producer Theron “Neff-U” Feemster to rework the track.
The elegant love song “(I Like) The Way You Love Me” illustrates Jackson’s affectionate feelings towards his partner. The first verse details Mike’s loneliness and confusion until his partner enters his life, bringing light and love to her. Michael Jackson appreciates how his partner’s love manifests through her touch, hugs, and kisses, which make him complete.
The song beautifully captures the singer’s profound sense of fulfillment derived from his relationship, illustrating the transformative journey he has undertaken because of it. MJ resonates with deep gratitude for his partner, who brings boundless joy into his life and helps him move beyond previous struggles, ushering in a sense of enduring happiness.
The lyrics intricately weave a narrative of a relationship built on a robust foundation of love and trust, which empowers the singer to pledge his unwavering commitment to his partner openly. Furthermore, MJ delivers a better vocal than some modern-day singer’s entire catalog, and it’s a shame that when he was in love, he never got a chance to promote it.
“(I Like) The Way You Love Me” is a poignant romantic homage. It celebrates MJ’s intense love for his partner while highlighting their bond’s remarkable positive changes in his life. The song’s evocative imagery and heartfelt sentiments vividly depict true love and personal growth.
Final Grade: A
“(I Like) The Way You Love Me” is available on all streaming platforms.
Second Listen Sunday: Ray J, “Raydiation”
When we look back to the spring and summer of 2005, Usher was still clearly the king for male singers under thirty in the R&B genre. While Trey Songz and Bobby Valentino had made names for themselves with their debut albums and Chris Brown’s name was starting, another singer, Ray J, decided it was time to release his third album, “Raydiation.”
Slow Jam Saturday : Craig David, “Take Em Off”/My Love Don’t Stop”
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to travel across the pond and show some love to Craig David’s third album, “The Story Goes,” …..and the contributions from The Underdog’s “Take Em Off” and “My Love Don’t Stop.”