R&B duo Ruff Endz burst onto the scene in the summer of 2000 with back-to-back hits in the form of “No More” and “Where Does Love Go.” from their debut album, Love Crimes. The group followed those singles up with the smash hit “Someone To Love You,” which made an appearance on the soundtrack to Chris Rock’s film Down To Earth.
For whatever reason, the label decided to wait to release the group’s sophomore album, Someone To Love You, until the spring of 2002. Unfortunately, this didn’t bode well for the group and put a blotch on their career. Due to a lack of promotional support and uncertainty in record labels about what kind of music would be popular at a time of transition in the music industry, the album failed to make an impact.
All that said, “Someone To Love You” is this week’s pick for Slow Jam Saturday, “Someone to Love You” by Ruff Endz is about the singer’s desire to be with someone who has been lonely and acting cold. In the song, group member David Chance feels a deep sense of empathy for this person and wants to understand the reasons for their behavior. He suggests their loneliness may be due to the lack of someone who cares for them and is always there.
Furthermore, the lyrics reflect the singer’s belief that the person has been waiting for a long time to find the right partner. He acknowledges that perhaps they have been searching for someone flawless or who fulfills their expectations like fairy tale princes do. He offers himself as a potential partner who can comfort them during difficult times.
However, he suggests that instead of focusing on fantasies, they should focus on the possibilities of finding someone to love them in the real world. Overall, the song is a romantic plea to be given a chance to love and care for someone waiting for the right person to come along. It conveys a sense of genuine care and understanding of the person’s emotions and experiences and hopes to provide comfort, fulfillment, and happiness.
Final Grade: A-
“Someone To Love You” from the same titled album is available on all streaming platforms.
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.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.