There is something special about growing up in the nineties and experiencing R&B music. One of the great joys of streaming music is when a nineties act releases something new. I was delighted to see that the nineties duo Men At Large recently released a new single, “Faded,” in support of their upcoming fifth album, Love Benefits, scheduled for release on June 24th.
Primarily known for their 1990 hit single “So Alone,” Men At Large have stayed to their signature vocal stylings instead of trying to keep up with new trends in the 21st century. Original group members Dave Tolliver and Jason Champion sound elegant on the track as they croon about how a woman makes them feel.
Tolliver and Champion share the lead vocals coming across smoothly like an aged cognac. If “Faded” is the vibe the group plans to carry for the new album, I look forward to adding it to my collection.
Final Grade: B+
“Faded” is available on all streaming platforms.
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.