One of the highlights of Summer 2023 for me was attending Essence Fest for the first time. Jill Scott was a featured performer, and for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to show some love to one of my favorite tracks in her catalog, “Easy Conversation.”
Initially appearing on the soundtrack to the 2002 film Brown Sugar, the song features the production talents of Dre & Vidal. “Easy Conversation” is a song that highlights the pleasure and ease of engaging in open and truthful communication with someone. It celebrates the bond and comprehension that can be achieved through effortless conversations.
In her lyrics, Jill Scott expresses appreciation for her ability to openly share her thoughts and emotions with her partner without fear of judgment. She admires her partner’s understanding and acceptance, as they don’t react with confusion or misunderstandings when she struggles to articulate her thoughts. This highlights the strong level of mutual understanding and acceptance in their relationship.
The hook emphasizes the positive feelings that arise from their easy conversations. The repetition of “Ooh, this feels nice” and “Ooh, this feels so tight” showcases the pleasure and satisfaction derived from their communication. These lines highlight the comfort and ease they experience when talking to each other, which deepens their bond.
The bridge, characterized by vocalizations, further amplifies the beauty and tranquility found in their connection. It suggests that words are only sometimes necessary to convey understanding and admiration. This portion of the song emphasizes the non-verbal aspects of their relationship and the appreciation of each other’s presence.
Overall, “Easy Conversation” celebrates the beauty of a relationship built on open communication, mutual understanding, and the ability to express oneself honestly. It signifies the joy and fulfillment that comes from freely sharing thoughts, emotions, and experiences with a partner.
Final Grade: A
“Easy Conversation” from the Brown Sugar soundtrack 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.