Welcome back to Slow Jam Saturday. We are continuing to pay homage to this month’s artist Jon B. This week, we are looking at what many consider Jon’s best album, Cool Relax. For his second album, Jon had more creative control and it shows in the music. “Don’t Say,” “They Don’t Know,” “I Do (Whatcha Say Boo),” and “Are U Still Down” (featuring 2Pac) were the singles from the album. Any one of these would have been a fine choice to highlight Jon’s talent, however, I had to go with an album track.
Initially, I wanted to go with “I Ain’t Going Out.” The reason being, I could relate to the lyrics of the song, particularly when it comes to the newness of a relationship. We all know when you find the right one that your friends then take a back seat. However, I decided on track #13, the sultry slow jam, “Can We Get Down.”
The song’s production is smooth as an aged cognac, and the lyrics can set a mood without ever crossing into the crass territory. We have all been in a situation where you want to be intimate with someone you may be living with. Sometimes, it is hard to find the exact words to say in your youth, and with “Can We Get Down,” Jon provides the lyrics for you. “What do I have to do/what do I have to say/to get you to come over girl/and let me have my way tonight.” For me, the song’s strength is that while Jon wants sex, he knows that it’s not a guarantee just because you are coming over.
Of the 93 songs in my Jon B. iTunes playlist, “Can We Get Down” has the most plays at twenty-eight. Now, if I could hear live just once, I can cross it off the songs to hear live.
Final Grade: A
Cool Relax is available on all streaming platforms.
For my DMV readers, I highly encourage you to check out Jon B. later this month when he performs at The Birchmere. Tickets are available for purchase at The Venue’s Box Office and Ticketmaster.com
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to continue giving flowers to Quincy Jones and highlight one of his album tracks, “Everything.” The lush ballad finds Jones working with Tevin Campbell on a track for the first time since Campbell’s debut album. Andy Hill and Antonina Armato wrote ” Everything ” about grief, yearning, and the desire to reconnect with an ex.
If “Soldier” sets the stage for a woman’s initial attraction to a man, then “Cater 2 U” takes that dynamic to the next level by exploring the deepening desire for intimacy. In this empowering anthem, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams express their commitment to being ideal partners by genuinely catering to their significant other’s wants and needs.
Arriving in stores on November 9th, 2010, “The Floacist presents Floetic Soul” was led by the single “Forever” featuring Musiq Soulchild. A sensual slow jam written by Stewart and produced by J.R. Hutson, “Forever” explores the unwavering and enduring nature of love. The lyrics convey a deep connection between two individuals who have overcome challenges and found solace in each other’s presence. Stewart’s voice perfectly complements Musiq as they sing about unconditional love and support, expressing their willingness to meet any needs or desires their loved one may have.