Legendary R&B quartet En Vogue had seen its share of up and downs when its first Christmas album, The Gift of Christmas, arrived in the fall of 2002. Five years prior, fans saw the departure of original member Dawn Robinson. The remaining members would release two albums as a trio before Amanda Cole joined the band in 2001, making them a foursome.
However, they returned to a trio after original member Maxine Jones departed to spend more time with her child. As die-hard fans know, this is the only album to feature vocals from Amanda Cole, and one of those songs is the week’s pick for Slow Jam Saturday. The group’s long-time collaborators Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster provide the song “With My Honey.”
Amanda Cole sings lead on the song while Cindy holds, and all three ladies’ voices come together during the chorus. When I hear this song at 41, I am reminded of femininity and sensuality while the ladies sing. As well as the first Christmas you share with your soulmate.
The remainder of the album features three original songs and eight cover versions of Christmas standards and carols. While Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster put their magic on all the tracks, “With My Honey” is the one I still play in 2022.
Final Grade: B
“With My Honey from The Gift of Christmas 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.