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 this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I took a trip back to 2007 and revisited “Don’t Talk Just Listen” from the group B5. Hailing from the Peach State, B5 comprised the Breeding Brothers, Bryan, Carnell, Dustin, Kelly, and Patrick. Initially finding success two years earlier with their cover of The Jackson 5’s “All I Do,” their debut did just enough with their preteen fans to warrant a second album.
With the exception of a few cases, R&B groups experienced a period of stagnation in 2007. While some groups continued to tour and perform their renowned classics, releasing new music was infrequent. To commemorate this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I would like to acknowledge a notable piece from Jagged Edge’s sixth album, “Baby Makin Project,” titled “Whole Town’s Laughing At Me.”
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, we are taking a trip to the Great Lake State and showing some love to R&B Band Ready for The World and their self-titled debut album. Arriving in stores on May 14, 1985, via MCA Records, the album on which the band produced their first single was “Tonight.”
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