Eric Roberson, the talent affectionately known as the king of independent soul music, returns with his latest single titled “Lessons.” The song’s background is as follows: Around 3 am, the morning of his 13th wedding anniversary, Eric Roberson was sitting in his studio feeling rather creative. Reflecting over his life, he started working on an idea that would soon become the song “Lessons.”
He posted 60 seconds of the song online and went to bed. What Eric woke up to was the most significant reaction he has received from his music in years. From the moment Eric sings the opening lyric, “God has a funny way of showing you lessons,” I immediately connected with the song. The strength of “Lessons” is the layers to the song.
On the one hand, the song is a ballad of a man singing about his love for a significant other. However, after numerous listens, personally, the song took on another meaning. In the early spring of 2021, I was diagnosed with a mild case of COVID. Prayerfully I only had a mild case. But I took my bout with COVID as a lesson from GOD that I was approaching age 40; I needed to strengthen every angle of my life. These angles included weight loss and ensuring that my house is in order. I also loved that the song brings back the art of the bridge, which is missing in R&B these days.
Eric Roberson has been in the music industry for over two decades and has my support no matter what he does. Contrarily though, with “Lessons,” Roberson has crafted a masterful R&B tune with a Gospel influence that I could easily see being played in a Tyler Perry play or an episode on Insecure. I look forward to whatever Mr. Roberson is cooking up next.
Final Grade: A+
“Lessons” is available to stream on all platforms.
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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.
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One Response
Absolutely amazing! Good music is well appreciated these days.