Mark Middleton broke into the music industry as a member of Blackstreet, joining the group in 1996 for their sophomore album, Another Level. Middleton’s vocals were prevalent on the massive single “Don’t Leave” and a personal favorite, “Never Gonna Let You Go.”
Middleton would exit the group after this album to try his hand at a solo career. Singing with Quincy Jones Qwest Records, Middleton had plans to release his album My Turn – My Time in the spring of 2001.
Sadly the album was shelved, but one of the songs, “I Do,” appeared in the 2001 film, The Brothers. The song plays during the climactic wedding scene of Clifton Powell and Jennifer Lewis’s characters. Through lush production, Middleton conveys his appreciation for his lover in “I Do.”
In the song, Middleton asserts that his love for him is unconditional and expresses his appreciation for the love he has been given. There is no limit to where his passion can take him, and he promises never to leave the other person behind. The way they fell in love is something that Middleton cannot explain. Nevertheless, it is a love that was always meant to be.
Undoubtedly, he shares their love for each other, is committed to them, and assures them that he will always be there for them. At the song’s end, as a way to affirm his love and commitment to his rib, he concludes by saying, “I do… I love you.”.
Sadly “I Do” is unavailable on streaming platforms. However, you can find the song on YouTube.
Final Grade: A
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.