The best thing about coming of age in the nineties was discovering an R&B gem on a soundtrack. Often an artist would release a song on a soundtrack, building anticipation for an album that sadly would never get a release. “Come Around” from Dos of Soul falls into that category and is this week’s Slow Jam Saturday selection.
Dos of Soul was a quartet of three male singers and one female.
“Come Around” was one of the numerous singles from the soundtrack to the 1996 box office hit The Nutty Professor. The late Mark Morales, aka Prince Markie Dee and Cory Rooney were the writers and producers of the song. “Come Around” opens with the group singing the song’s chorus to a luxuriant instrumental sound.
Group member Demonie leads the song with a smooth tenor, taking the listener on a blissful journey expressing emotions for his ladylove. The song’s strength comes from the relatable lyrics. I have always taken from the song that no matter what you are going through, the company of a suitable mate will always lift your spirits. In addition, in the song’s second verse, the lyrics evoke intimacy and the true essence of sharing the first time with your mate.
The Nutty Professor soundtrack is arguably one of the best released in 1996. Featuring an all-star lineup that included the talents of Case, Jay-Z, LL COOL J, and Monica, it is still in my rotation. However, the song I revisit the most is “Come Around.”
Final Grade: A
“Come Around” from The Nutty Professor soundtrack is available on all streaming platforms.
When discussing families in R&B music, three names are usually at the top: Jackson, Debarge, and Isley. For the first Slow Jam Saturday of 2025, I wanted to show love to Isley Jasper Isley and their hit “Insatiable Woman” from their 1985 album “Caravan of Love.”
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.”