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
It’s hard to believe that an iconic singing competition like American Idol has produced only two Black male winners in its more than two-and-a-half-decade history. Jamal Roberts made history last year when he won the show, following Ruben Studdard’s well-deserved victory in Season Two.
One wonderful aspect of supporting physical media is that I never run short of albums to choose from when deciding what to cover for Second Listen Sunday. Often, I’ll head to the man cave, browse through my CD collection, and an album will pop out at me. This week’s pick is T-Pain’s fourth album, “Revolver.”
One of my favorite singers, Mr. Eric Roberson, is performing this weekend at America’s legendary music venue, The Birchmere. To show Eric some love, I want to highlight something longtime R&B fans have always known: he’s had remarkable songwriting talent.