Charlie Wilson was already an established star in his own right when “Without You,” the first single from his second solo album, Bridging the Gap, was released in the summer of 2000. At the turn of the 21st Century, Wilson was still touring with his group The Gap Band and singing hooks on numerous songs from rappers. Hip Hop heads can undoubtedly recall Wilson working with Snoop Dogg on four tracks from the rapper’s sophomore album, The Doggfather. Wilson could have easily made a living just singing hooks for the second part of his career. However, the allure of a solo career was calling.
Wilson had previously released his debut 1992’s You Turn My Life Around, which failed to offer any charting singles. Wilson decided it was time for a change and took a different approach for the lead single for his second solo project. Laney Stewart served as the producer of the beautiful ballad, which is a song about lost love. Everyone can relate to the passion that Wilson’s tenor emotes as he croons :
“It feels like a lifetime, a thousand days have passed by
Since I held you close to me
If I could see that smile from my friend
I know that I could live again
I need you here with me
Heaven knows what to say
Even though for right now you’re so far away
I hope and I pray
Somewhere in your heart I’ll always stay
Girl, lately my sun doesn’t shine without you
Never noticed what it feels like to be without you
Feels like I took my last step and my last breath in
my life ending
Had to say just what I was feeling, girl
Cause my sun doesn’t shine, sun doesn’t shine without you”.
When the song was released, I lived down south, so I remember just how much airplay the song was receiving. While Bridging the Gap wouldn’t entirely give Wilson the solo breakthrough he deserved (that would happen five years later), “Without You” is one of his signature songs and worth revisiting.
Final Grade: B+
“Without You” from Bridging the Gap is available on all streaming platforms.
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.