Actors releasing musical albums has been a norm for as long as I can remember. While many like Jamie Foxx find success, others (who shall remain nameless) aren’t so lucky. One such talent was Jason Weave, who released his debut in 1994 on Motown records.
Weaver had already won audiences over with his performance as Michael Jackson in the ABC miniseries, The Jacksons: An American Dream. He followed that up with a scene-stealing singing voice role of as young Simba in The Lion King. Naturally, an album was the next move.
Jason’s debut single, “I Can’t Stand The Pain,” has smooth production, allowing one to hear the lush tone in Weaver’s voice. One of the most surprising takes on the album is Jason’s cover of The Isley Brothers’ classic, “For The Love Of You,” which Jason quickly makes his own. “My Love” and “Love Ambition” deliver the goods for fans of ballads.
However, the up-tempo tracks are solid as well. A pre-fame Robin Thicke pens “On Top Of The Hill” and “All Up Into You.” While the vastly underrated production skills of Hakim Abdulsamad from The Boys shine through on “Ordinary Guy” and “My Love.” The presentation of this CD is handled with finesse and skill far beyond the years of Jason Weaver.
Unless he alluded to his age a few times, one would almost forget that he was not an adult when he recorded this if he didn’t allude to it a few times. It’s not because he acts like a grown-up but because he sings the songs with passion and ease that you start to believe he knows what he’s talking about. That’s not easy, considering the somewhat mature content of the songs. Nothing vulgar, but not what you’d expect to hear from a 15-year-old, yet it’s handled with taste. No doubt being the son of singer/performer Kitty Haywood helped him in this regard.
Unfortunately, Weaver’s debut didn’t do anything sales-wise and shifted his focus back to acting. Weaver was supposed to release a second CD in 1996, but it was shelved, and for a while, there were rumors of signing him to the Disturbing The Peace label after his hook singing success on Chingy’s “One Call Away.”
Nevertheless, this is a fine album; hopefully, Jason will return to music one day.
Final Grade: B+
Love Ambition 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.