Second Listen Sunday, Stevie Wonder, The Woman in Red Soundtrack
In the summer of 1984, music legend Stevie Wonder had already churned out numerous hits and two classic albums in the form of Songs In The Key Of Life and Hotter Than July. Stevie Wonder still had tons of music left, though, and would soon deliver his second soundtrack album, The Woman in Red, to accompany Gene Wilder’s same tiled film.
Slow Jam Saturday: Teena Marie, Out On A Limb
In the summer of 2005, I was two years into my Air Force enlistment when I had a DJ gig on a Saturday night. That evening, the news of Luther Vandross’s passing broke, and like most music fans, I felt sad. However, I also regretted turning down the chance to see him perform live in 2002. Since then, I have made it a point to see performers of yesteryear whenever possible. In 2010, adulting got in the way of me seeing the legendary Teena Marie. Sadly, less than six months after that missed opportunity, Lady T passed away.
Single Review: Teddy Pendergrass, Close the Door {DJ Soulchild Remix}
Remix Phenom DJ Soulchild kicks off 2024 with a fresh bop as he brings his talents to a Philly soul classic with his spin on Teddy Pendergrass’s “Close The Door. ” As fans of R&B music already know, the song is a classic soul and R&B ballad that oozes sensuality and romance. It was released in 1978 on Teddy’s Life Is a Song worth Singing album. The song highlights Pendergrass’s smooth and commanding vocals, which have become iconic in soul music.
Second Listen Sunday: Color Me Badd, Time and Chance
For the first Second Listen Sunday of 2024, I wanted to highlight a group many consider a one-hit wonder despite having released four albums, the first of which went triple platinum. That group is Color Me Badd, and the album is their vastly underrated sophomore project, Time and Chance.
Slow Jam Saturday : Ralph Tresvant, When I Need Somebody
In 2024, it will be the 30th anniversary of two famous R&B albums, Boyz II Men’s “II” and Mary J. Blige’s “My Life.” As the anniversary approaches, I will highlight both albums in some way. However, for the first Slow Jam Saturday of 2024, I want to credit Ralph Tresvant, the lead singer of New Edition, and his second album, also released in 1994, It’s Goin’ Down. In particular, I want to highlight the album’s second single, “When I Need Somebody.”
Single Review : Chris Brown, Sensational
As the highly anticipated release of his eleventh album, 11:11, draws near, R&B sensation Chris Brown recently dropped his second single, “Sensational,” much to the delight of his adoring fans.” Following the mid-tempo R&B vibes of the lead single “Summer Too Hot,” Brown links up with Davido and Lojay to craft a surprisingly infectious dancefloor bop.
Album Review : Ruben Studdard, The Way I Remember It
Following his 2018 Luther Vandross cover album, Season 2 American Idol winner Ruben Studdard returns to the original material for his eighth album, The Way I Remember It.
Second Listen Sunday: Kut Klose
Yesterday, I highlighted the R&B trio Jade for Slow Jam Saturday, and for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to show some love to another female nineties R&B trio, Kut Klose. The Atlanta-based group comprised vocalists Athena Cage, Lavonn Battle, and Tabitha Duncan. R&B legend Keith Sweat discovered the group and quickly put them […]
Slow Jam Saturday : Jade, Looking For Mr. Do Right
The nineties were a prime time in R&B. I often say there were so many groups dropping heat that many got lost in the shuffle. Often, mainstream listeners write off acts as one-hint wonders when artists would have R&B charting hits that didn’t necessarily transition into pop hits. Female R&B trio Jade is one such group and this week’s Slow Jam Saturday pick.
Second Listen Sunday: Sisqo
In the summer of 2001, R&B was still going strong. Usher was preparing to release his third solo album, Jon B.’s underrated Pleasures U Like, had hit stores in the spring, and the genre’s current superstar Sisqó was due to release his sophmore project, Return Of Dragon. Fueled by the success of the singles “Incomplete” and “Thong Song,” Sisqó’s solo debut, Unleash the Dragon, would sell five million copies in the US alone.
Slow Jam Saturday : Skyy, Real Love
R&B group Skyy was already a decade into their music career with eight albums when they made a comeback in 1989 with the album Start of A Romance. While New Jack Swing was taking over the radio, Skyy didn’t just hop on the latest trend train. During the late 1980s, they dedicated a significant amount of time to refining their sound. They maintained their funk-inspired ethos and incorporated upbeat disco elements to create catchy rhythms.
Second Listen Sunday: Toni Braxton, Libra
This week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday is from the R&B songstress Toni Braxton catalog. She was already a force in the music world when her sixth album, Libra, arrived in stores in the fall of 2005.