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.
R&B fans were elated this past summer when R&B legend Raphael Saadiq announced he had reunited with Tony! Toni! Toné! for a fall tour. The tour kicked off this past Thursday in Birmingham, Alabama, with twenty-five planned stops. I plan on attending the Oxon Hill, MD, stop this coming Monday.
The year was 1981, and a music legend in the making, Prince was slowly crafting his musical royalty legacy. Before releasing his fourth album, Controversy, Prince introduced the band The Time to the world with their self-titled debut album.
Walden production begins the song with an ethereal and haunting intro, setting a melancholy tone that resonates throughout the track. Mrs. Knight’s plea for love is evident as she passionately expresses her need to hold on to her partner’s affection, emphasizing the intensity of her emotions.
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