El Debarge broke into the music scene as a member of one of the eighties’ best family groups at the Motown label. When El left the group in 1986 for a solo career, industry insiders expected El to succeed tremendously. Motown didn’t allow El to write or produce anything on his first album. Thus the album didn’t cross over to the pop charts or connect with R & B audiences.
While El’s second and third albums would showcase his writing and production skills, neither made a dent on the charts. Hoping to reclaim some of his former glory, El linked up with some industry heavyweights Jermaine Dupri and Babyface for his fourth album, Heart, Mind, and Soul.
The second single, “Where Is My Love,” from that album is this week’s pick for Slow Jam Saturday. Babyface had wanted to work with El for the longest so linking the two together for a duet made perfect sense. Babyface’s signature voice opens the song setting the mood for a lush ballad.
In the second verse of the song “Where Is My Love,” El croons a song about a man’s yearning for true love and sings about how he uses that yearning to find it. Through the lush tenor, he expresses his desire for a woman who will act as a receiver of his love and devotion. There is a sense of urgency in the lyrics and the exploration of the longing for a companion with whom one can share special moments. In addition, there is an urgency to meet them as soon as possible.
On vocal levels, both El and Babyface can be heard singing about wanting to give her everything they have. As soon as they meet, neither man hesitates to do whatever her heart desires as long as she lets them. At the song’s end, both El and Face express their hope that the love they want will eventually find them.
Final Grade: A
“Where Is My Love” from Heart, Mind, and Soul is available on all streaming platforms.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to continue giving flowers to Quincy Jones and highlight one of his album tracks, “Everything.” The lush ballad finds Jones working with Tevin Campbell on a track for the first time since Campbell’s debut album. Andy Hill and Antonina Armato wrote ” Everything ” about grief, yearning, and the desire to reconnect with an ex.
If “Soldier” sets the stage for a woman’s initial attraction to a man, then “Cater 2 U” takes that dynamic to the next level by exploring the deepening desire for intimacy. In this empowering anthem, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams express their commitment to being ideal partners by genuinely catering to their significant other’s wants and needs.
Arriving in stores on November 9th, 2010, “The Floacist presents Floetic Soul” was led by the single “Forever” featuring Musiq Soulchild. A sensual slow jam written by Stewart and produced by J.R. Hutson, “Forever” explores the unwavering and enduring nature of love. The lyrics convey a deep connection between two individuals who have overcome challenges and found solace in each other’s presence. Stewart’s voice perfectly complements Musiq as they sing about unconditional love and support, expressing their willingness to meet any needs or desires their loved one may have.