Buffalo-based new jack swing group burst onto the scene with the debut single, the catchy “Live and Learn.” However, their self-titled debut also featured an elegant ballad in the form of “I Miss You.” The track starts with an elegant instrumental before lead singer Kevin Scott comes in to croon how he feels about a love lost. The group produces the song along with Lionel Job with a sound in the vein of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. The lyrics in the song are relatable, and I am sure anyone can relate to them:
I miss you, it’s been so long
Since I had you wake up next to me
I miss you, I’m coming home
There’s no place that I would rather be
I wake up every morning
And reach to pull you close to me
There’s nothing but the pillow
And not your sexy body I called you up
Just to hear your voice
I can’t wait ’till get home to you
Then we’ll spend some time alone.
Songs about heartbreak were a staple of nineties R&B, and “I Miss You” is an excellent addition to the catalog of nineties slow jams.
Final Grade: A-
“I Miss You” from Joe Public is available on all streaming forms.
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.