The world of R&B kicked off 2022 with a somber tone when GOD called Jesse Daniels, of the Force MDs, home. While the group is primarily known for their 1985 hit “Tender Love”, over thirty-plus years the group continued to stay active by touring, releasing singles, and of course, entertaining guests on the Staten Island Ferry with their trademark vocal stylings.
Last year I had the chance to interview founding group member Stevie D. Lundy on my podcast, and I also featured the group’s third album, Touch and Go, as a Flashback Friday album review. In honor of Mr. Daniels, I wanted to take it back to the group’s second album Chillin‘ and showcase the ballad “Here I Go Again”.
Serving as the second single from the album, “Here I Go Again” was produced by Robin Halpin, who co-wrote the song with group member Antoine Lundy. Following the success of “Tender Love,” another ballad was a no-brainer. Opening with a lovely intro that anyone who has gone through the motions of a relationship can relate to.
The moment Antoine croons,
“You and I
Have differences
On that we can agree
But the thing
That really hangs me up
Is your touch
Still sets me free.”
We know that we were in for a ballad that recalls the slow drag popularized in the late seventies. While Antoine leads the song, Jessie comes in on the bridge to mesh eloquently with his nephew’s signature falsetto. Daniels was a true talent who never got his just due as a lead singer in a genuinely “unsung” group.
While “Tender Love” may be the signature tune for the Force MDs, the group has numerous fine slow jams, which deserve a spot on your playlist, with “Here I Go Again” serving as one of those songs.
Final Grade: A-
“Here I Go Again” from Chillin is available on all streaming platforms
For more on the Force MD’s, please check out their website: theforcemds.com
In addition to the 2020 interview I did with Stevie D, click on https://anchor.fm/reviewsanddunn/episodes/Staten-Soul-With-Stevie-D-of-The-Force-MDs-egg316/a-a2lfmgv
This past Friday marked the 40th anniversary of “The Voice,” a.k.a. Whiney Houston’s self-titled debut album hitting stores. So, in that regard, it was only right to give Nippy her flowers for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
For this weekend’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to take a trip to Motor City and show some love to soul singer Dwele. It was 2005, and I was living in the UK as part of my Air Force enlistment. Dwele had just released his second album, “Some Kinda,” enjoying some chart success with the lead single “I Think I Love U,” by Mike City.
The remainder of the album maintains a classic R&B vibe, showcasing the group’s signature sound. One of the standout tracks is “Maybe Tomorrow,” featuring the iconic Phyllis Hyman. It transforms difficult circumstances into positive outcomes—essentially making lemonade from lemons.