R&B songstress Mýa will grace the stage of The Theater at MGM in Oxon Hill, Maryland, tonight along with Faith Evans and SWV as part of the Femme It Forward music series. I have seen SWV live more times than I can remember; however, I have not seen Faith; she was an opening for Usher on his 2002, 8701 Evolution tour. While I am looking forward to seeing Faith again for the first time in two decades, I am most excited to see my hometown girl; Mya, return to the DMV in what will be my first time seeing her in concert.
While I know all of Mya’s signature hits for this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to give a listen to one of her projects I had not heard since the initial release. On Valentine’s Day 2014, Mýa released her debut EP titled With Love. This four-track EP celebrates the release of her debut single “It’s All About Me” and her 16th anniversary in the entertainment industry.
Mýa opens the project with “Space,” which she co-writes with Latisha Hyman and Cliff Lewis. Set to the production of Yonny and Squat, the track finds Mýa letting her significant other know she does not need space and wants to be with them.
“Like a Woman” finds the singer collaborating with producer Antione Hart for the acoustic-inspired track where she lets her other half the best way to love her. I enjoyed the vibe, and if I were still pursuing film, I would use this track in one of my projects.
Mýa reunites with producer Yonny for the last two tracks, “House Party” and “Do It “. The former has a cookout groove to it that is overly infectious. While the latter is, the closest Mya may ever come to Trap R&B. However, the singer makes the song’s production suits her singing style and never comes off chasing trends. While the song may come off as overtly candid and sexual for some, I found the song tastefully done.
Since going independent with her music in 2008, Mýa releasing numerous projects that received critical acclaim and tons of fanfare. Featuring just four songs, all of which clock in under four minutes, is worth the stream.
Final Grade: B+
With Love 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.