Jackson, DeBarge, and Sylver are just a few of the names that come to mind when you think of families in R&B music. Today is Father’s Day, so I wanted to highlight a legendary father and son duo for Second Listen Sunday. Arriving in stores on Sept 26, 1995, Father and Son was the first full-length collaboration between the late great Gerald LeVert and his dad Eddie LeVert. The two had many successful collaborations in the past, most notably “Baby Hold On To Me” from Gerald’s 1991 solo debut. Thus a full-length album had to happen at some point.
“Already Missing You” was the album’s first single. Gerald wrote the song with his longtime associate Tony Nicholas. The song is about the emotions that arise when someone leaves or dies. The lyrics express the pain and longing that comes with such a loss and how hard it is to let go and forget. The song effectively delves into the profound emotions of grief, underscoring the significance of cherished recollections and the affection between two former lovers. “Already Missing You” is a heartfelt homage to a profoundly and dearly cherished individual.
Gerald and Eddie continued to tug at the heartstrings for the second single, a cover of “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Initially written in 1982, the song has seen versions by legendary artists such as Gladys Knight & the Pips, Lou Rawls, and most famously, Bette Milder for the movie Beaches.
The LeVert men put their spin on the song, with Gerald passionately singing about his admiration for his dad. The senior LeVert sings about how proud he is of his son forging his career in the music industry. At 42, the song hits a bit deeper for me as it reminds me of my grandfather, who went to his eternal resting place in 2016.
Father and Son hit us with a slow jam for the final single: “Get You Thing Off.” The LeVert men were known for their ways with the ladies; this song is no different. The message I always get from the song is that two men know how to satisfy a woman in the bedroom and are not afraid to acknowledge it.
The rest of the album is typical nineties R&B, which is fine. A real highlight is the cover version of The O’Jays You Got Your Hooks in Me” featuring Walter Williams. Overall this is a fine addition to both men’s catalogs. The special bond between father and son and their mutual love and respect for each other is evident throughout the album.
Final Grade: B+
Father and Son by Gerald and Eddie LeVert 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.