Slow Jam Saturday: A Few Good Men, “Have I Never”
R&B groups were all the rage in the nineties. A new group released a new album or single with quality music every week. For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to highlight A Few Good Men’s “Have I Never” ballad. The group was signed to LaFace Records and initially hit the scene in 1994 with their debut, “A Thang for You.
Second Listen Sunday : Marvin Gaye, I Want You
The year was 1976, and Marvin Gaye was on top of the world. Three years earlier, he solidified his place as an R&B lover man with his groundbreaking album “Let’s Get It On .”For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to revisit Marvin’s follow-up, “I Want You.” The album “I Want You” marked a notable shift in Marvin Gaye’s musical direction, inspired by his relationship with Jan Hunter. Gaye’s music moved from his traditional Motown and doo-wop-influenced sound towards a more funky and light-disco soul. Despite this change, the album continued to explore the sexual themes in Gaye’s previous work, expanding on them further.
Slow Jam Saturday: The Whispers, “I’m Gonna Make You My Wife”
Yesterday was the sixteenth anniversary of my marital union. In honor of this occasion, I have selected a song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday that celebrates the sanctity of marriage. While I considered several options, such as Robin Thicke’s “Angels,” Luther Vandross’ “So Amazing,” or Myron’s “Give My All to You,” all of which played a significant role in my wedding, I ultimately decided on The Whispers’ “I’m Gonna Make You My Wife” due to its particular resonance with me.
Second Listen Sunday: B5, Don’t Talk Just Listen
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I took a trip back to 2007 and revisited “Don’t Talk Just Listen” from the group B5. Hailing from the Peach State, B5 comprised the Breeding Brothers, Bryan, Carnell, Dustin, Kelly, and Patrick. Initially finding success two years earlier with their cover of The Jackson 5’s “All I Do,” their debut did just enough with their preteen fans to warrant a second album.
Slow Jam Saturday: Jagged Edge, Whole Town’s Laughing At Me
With the exception of a few cases, R&B groups experienced a period of stagnation in 2007. While some groups continued to tour and perform their renowned classics, releasing new music was infrequent. To commemorate this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I would like to acknowledge a notable piece from Jagged Edge’s sixth album, “Baby Makin Project,” titled “Whole Town’s Laughing At Me.”
Second Listen Sunday: Ready For The World
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, we are taking a trip to the Great Lake State and showing some love to R&B Band Ready for The World and their self-titled debut album. Arriving in stores on May 14, 1985, via MCA Records, the album on which the band produced their first single was “Tonight.”
Slow Jam Saturday : Danny Boy, It’s Over Now
During the 1990s, it was commonplace for numerous hip-hop record labels to have an R&B vocalist who would collaborate with the label’s artists in composing hooks. This week’s edition of Slow Jam Saturday features Danny Boy, a singer who fulfills this category, and his poignant ballad “It’s Over Now.”
Second Listen Sunday: Bobby Brown, The Masterpiece
While he is enjoying a second career wind with a booming food condiment and seasoning line tours with New Edition and a successful Vegas residency, Bobby Brown hasn’t released an album since 2012’s “The Masterpiece” this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday. Fans were already aware of the album’s arrival as Brown constantly spoke about it on tour. The first single was “Get out the Way,” in which Brown dabbles in familiar territory by addressing the haters in his life.
Slow Jam Saturday: Johnny Gill, I’m Still Waiting
R&B balladeer Johnny Gill was basking in the success of his self-titled third solo album in the spring of 1991 when he contributed a soulful ditty to the soundtrack for the classic film “New Jack City.” Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis affiliate, the late Randy Ran, wrote and produced the song. No stranger to singing about heartbreak, the song finds Gill crooning about longing for a supportive, dependable partner in life. Ran’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and the need for emotional support.
Second Listen Sunday: Bobby Brown, King Of Stage
The year was 1986, and Bobby Brown, a well-known teen idol, was at a critical juncture in his career. His childhood friends had recently voted him out of their musical group, New Edition. Nonetheless, his label’s CEO, the late Jheryl Busby, apprised Brown that the label was obligated to offer him a solo deal. Consequently, Brown embarked on his debut solo album, “King of Stage,” which we chose as our featured selection for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: Mtume, You, Me & He
Although some may consider R&B band Mtume as one-hit wonders for their classic song “Juicy Fruit,” true music enthusiasts know that the group had already released two albums before that song, along with some fantastic album cuts and 11 other charting songs. Led by James Mtume and featuring the powerful lead vocals of Tawatha Agee, Mtume’s track “You, Me and He” is the perfect choice for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
Second Listen Sunday: Night And Day
I have previously mentioned the perks of growing up in the nineties, particularly discovering a great R&B gem on a movie soundtrack. Often, artists would release a track on a soundtrack, building anticipation for an album that might not even be released. This week’s Second Listen Sunday featured artist Night & Day falls into the former group.