Welcome to the first edition of a possible new weekly series I like to call Slow Jam Saturday. Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I prefer ballads and slow jams to any up-tempo material. Therefore, my new series will highlight my favorite slow jams and ballads from my favorite artists. One of my favorite singers, Jon B., returns to The Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria Hall on August 29th. Therefore, I chose to highlight some of Jon’s solo work and songs he has written for other artists as the first artist for Slow Jam Saturday.
Jon B. hit the scene in 1995 with the release of his debut single; the Babyface assisted “Someone To Love,” which also appeared on the soundtrack to Bad Boys. On May 23rd, 1995, Bonafide arrived in stores and was supported by the singles “Pretty Girl” and the final single “Isn’t It Scary,” which serves as my first pick for Slow Jam Saturday.
“Isn’t It Scary” is the tenth song on Jon’s debut and serves as a Mr. Steal Your Girl anthem. With its lush harmony and pristine vocals, “Isn’t It Scary” was a secret weapon in my single days. Nevertheless though, in 2021, someone will try to look at the lyrics for some internet clout in an attempt to cancel Jon. However, we as grown men know that if you are not handling your business in every avenue when it comes to your woman, someone else will.
“Isn’t It Scary” is also the perfect transition into the sensual track that follows “Burning 4 You.” Twenty-six years later, the song still holds up for me with its messages and is always a highlight whenever I see Jon live. For my DMV readers, I highly encourage you to check out Jon B. later this month when he performs. Tickets are available for purchase at The Venue’s Box Office and Ticketmaster.com.
Final Grade: A
Bonafide 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.