Music Reviews

It’s been six years since audiences experienced the rating-breaking three-part mini-series, The New Edition Story. I still remember my excitement walking into an advance screening of Part 1 on a cold January night. One of my favorite scenes occurs in this part when a young Ricky Bell and Michael Bivins are supporting a pre-teen Bobby Brown in a talent show. The local Boston-based group, The Untouchables, is performing a cover of Philly soul group Blue Magic’s “Spell” before Bobby takes the stage. After hearing another cover version of the song in Michael Bivin’s documentary, The Hustle of 617 Biv, I decided to feature it for Slow Jam Saturday.

R&B fans were elated this past summer when R&B legend Raphael Saadiq announced he had reunited with Tony! Toni! Toné! for a fall tour. The tour kicked off this past Thursday in Birmingham, Alabama, with twenty-five planned stops. I plan on attending the Oxon Hill, MD, stop this coming Monday.

The year was 1981, and a music legend in the making, Prince was slowly crafting his musical royalty legacy. Before releasing his fourth album, Controversy, Prince introduced the band The Time to the world with their self-titled debut album.

Walden production begins the song with an ethereal and haunting intro, setting a melancholy tone that resonates throughout the track. Mrs. Knight’s plea for love is evident as she passionately expresses her need to hold on to her partner’s affection, emphasizing the intensity of her emotions.

It seems like just yesterday, Eric Roberson blessed fans with “Things Meant For Me,” but he’s back with another single in the form of “I Apologize.” The creators of “I Apologize” are Eric Roberson, Jairus Mozee, Brett “B Dubb” Baker, and Rodney Jones.

No matter the music genre, a standout star is always when a group breaks into the scene. R&B fans were introduced to R&B thugs Pretty Ricky in 2005 with their debut album Bluestars. Three singles supported the album: “Grind with Me,” “Your Body,” and “Nothing but a Number.

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic R&B group New Edition in the music industry. As a fan, I couldn’t resist giving a shout-out to my all-time favorite music group for Slow Jam Saturday. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to 1983 with their album “Candy Girl,” which kickstarted their career, and their debut slow jam, “Is This The End.”

The year was 1981, not only the year of my birth but also when one of Motown’s artists left the label.

Lyfe wisely avoids covering the Taylor Dayne song of the same name, and Jennings gets sentimental on the track. Lyfe has always had a grit in his singing voice that gives his lyrics an extra layer. “I’ll Always Love You” is a heartfelt ballad that expresses enduring love and commitment. The song lyrics convey a message of unwavering affection and the promise always to hold someone dear, regardless of the circumstances.

Frankie J experienced his first taste of stardom as a member of the Kumbia Kings before embarking on a solo career with his debut album What’s A Man to Do in 2003. He followed that project up with a self-titled Spanish language album and then delivered another English language album, The One, in 2005.