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
R&B fans were elated this past summer when R&B legend Raphael Saadiq announced he had reunited with Tony! Toni! Toné! for a fall tour. The tour kicked off this past Thursday in Birmingham, Alabama, with twenty-five planned stops. I plan on attending the Oxon Hill, MD, stop this coming Monday.
The year was 1981, and a music legend in the making, Prince was slowly crafting his musical royalty legacy. Before releasing his fourth album, Controversy, Prince introduced the band The Time to the world with their self-titled debut album.
Walden production begins the song with an ethereal and haunting intro, setting a melancholy tone that resonates throughout the track. Mrs. Knight’s plea for love is evident as she passionately expresses her need to hold on to her partner’s affection, emphasizing the intensity of her emotions.
Reviews And Dunn is a unique blog showcasing all things cinema, music & theater.
You must be logged in to post a comment.