There was a singer who shall remain nameless set the tone for the nineties slow jams. However as nineties R&B fans know there were tons of singers who provided quality albums and tracks when it came to making a playlist via audiocassette. Lincoln Browder, better known as Link, was one of the singers.
Before releasing his debut single, “Whatcha Gone Do,” Link burst onto the scene after writing LSG’S “My Body” which we all know is a classic. That said, his debut CD Sex Down holds no punches. The theme of this CD is SEX, and he cleverly pulls off his tales of sensuality with radio-ready hooks.
“I Really Wanna Sex Your Body,” “Gimme some,” “Sex Down “and “911 0024” were all single-worthy. While some of the up-tempo, material is not as strong, the slow cuts on Sex Down are pure ear candy, and I can only imagine how many babies were made from the album. I must also shout out composer Darrell “Delite” Allamby, working hand in hand with Link on the production.
To my surprise though, my favorite song on the project is the ballad “Spill,” which finds a ladies’ man realizing he is in love for the first time. I am surprised this was not a single or given to a more prominent artist at the time because it has hit potential written all over it with the endearing lyrics. If you have never heard the album Sex Down, I highly encourage you to check it out on your favorite streaming platform.
Final Grade: B
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.