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.”
Second Listen Sunday : Men Of Vizion, “Personal”
The vocals are split among group members as they highlight themes of love, devotion, and the willingness to embrace domestic roles traditionally associated with women.
Second Listen Sunday: Monica, “Miss Thang”
Nineties R&B fans had an exciting moment last week when rumors began circulating that vocal powerhouses Brandy and Monica are reportedly embarking on “The Boy Is Mine Tour” this fall. While no official announcement has been made yet, with Monica’s debut album “Miss Thang” celebrating its 30th anniversary next month, I thought it would be the perfect pick for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
Slow Jam Saturday: Chaka Khan, “Through the Fire”
As Black Music Month 2025 continues, I wanted to give flowers to “The Queen of Funk,” Ms. Chaka Khan, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday. The song I decided to highlight is “Through the Fire.”
Second Listen Sunday: Cameo, “Single Life”
If there were ever a question on Jeopardy with a category about R&B bands and the question centered on Cameo, I’m sure it would be on one of their signature songs, “Candy” or “Word Up!”
Slow Jam Saturday : Melvin Riley Jr., “Whose Is It?”
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to venture to the Wolverine State and show some love to “Whose Is It,” the lead single from Melvin Riley Jr.’s solo album “Ghetto Stories.”