I went back and forth about what song to pick for the final Slow Jam Saturday of 2022. Initially, I thought of collaborating with my guys Thomas Leo and Kyle Ng from YouKnowIGotSOul.com or big bruv Edward Browser from Soul In Stereo. In the end, though, the answer was evident when I looked back at the foolishness, heartbreak, and accomplishments of 2022 and what I want to carry into 2023.
I decided to go with “Pure Gold” from the elements known as Earth, Wind, and Fire. Initially appearing on the group’s nineteenth album Illumination, “Pure Gold” was produced by the legendary Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Co-writing the song with Jam & Lewis were The Avilla Brothers and Tony Tolbert.
The legend Philip Bailey leads the song and elegantly sings about living your life with substance and not focusing on keeping up with the joneses or becoming the center of attention. In addition, “Pure Gold” has a strong message of self-worth, and true love is conveyed through the lyrics. Throughout the song, EWF encourages and reiterates to the listener that nothing is more valuable than true love and self-worth.
A message of peace and strength is conveyed in the song that urges its audience to take some time to find their inner strength and light. This theme is to choose a path of truth and light over worldly desires. As a result, love, above all other possessions, is the only thing that will always remain valuable and never fade away.
Final Grade: A
“Pure Gold” from Illumination 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.