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
For the first Second Listen Sunday of 2025, I wanted to return to 2005 and highlight “Gemini,” the eighth album from iconic singer & balladeer Brian McKnight. The album hit stores on February 8th, 2005, and would serve as the singer’s last release on the legendary Motown label. The album’s title pays homage to the singer’s astrological sign.
When discussing families in R&B music, three names are usually at the top: Jackson, Debarge, and Isley. For the first Slow Jam Saturday of 2025, I wanted to show love to Isley Jasper Isley and their hit “Insatiable Woman” from their 1985 album “Caravan of Love.”
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.