Cassandra Lucas and Charrisse Rose, better known as Changing Faces, started as backing vocalists for Sybil in the music industry. In 1994, the duo released their debut self-titled album, which featured two lead singles, “Stroke You Up” and “Foolin Around,” by a writer/producer who shall remain nameless. Instead, I want to focus on the album’s third single, “Keep It Right There,” for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday selection.
DeVanté Swing of Jodeci was the writer and producer of this song, and it features Swing’s signature production. Fresh off his success overseeing his group’s second album, Swing was a high in demand producer. 1995 saw him working with Usher, H-Town, and overseeing 99% of the production on the debut of female R&B group Sista, in which Missy Elliot was a member.
The R&B sound of the nineties was a special time, and Swing could honestly do no wrong. He was one of the top producers during the early nineties, however, his contributions rarely receive mention by the mainstream. “Keep It Right There” solidifies this as Cassandra opens up the song with a sultry vocal crooning:
“Anytime I need you baby you gave good love
And every time I turn around you’re all that I’m thinking of
Lately, you think our relation going too fast
Can we try it tonight now baby can we make it last”
Before Charrisse comes through on the chorus eloquently chanting
“Keep it right there keep it right there if you wanna please me
Keep it right there keep it right there and I’ll make it easy
Keep it right there keep it right there if you wanna please me
Keep it right there keep it right there and I’ll make it easy”.
The ladies’ voices sound wonderfully harmonious over the nearly 3 ½ minute slow jam. The one thing about DeVanté Swing’s production is that you always know his sound when you hear it. Honestly, the song could’ve easily found a place on Jodeci’s second or third album as well, but I’m ecstatic that Swing gave the song to a female artist instead. While Changing Faces fans may consider their collaborations with the nameless producer as signature songs, “Keep It Right There” is a personal favorite.
Final Grade: A –
“Keep It Right There” is available on all streaming platforms
The album’s first single, “How Do I Breathe,” features the singer’s reunion with the production team Stargate. Co-writing the song, Mario delivers a lush ballad that captures a man’s emotional struggle after a breakup. He expresses feelings of loss and the difficulty of moving on following the end of a significant relationship.
In the spirit of the tour, I want to show some love for “I Don’t Want to Do Anything” (featuring K-Ci Hailey of Jodeci) for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday. Although it was never officially released as a single, “I Don’t Want to Do Anything” has become a staple on nineties R&B Quiet Storm playlists. The song was written and produced by DeVante Swing, a member of Jodeci
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.