For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to take a trip back to 1996 and shine a spotlight on the R&B group Az Yet and their self-titled debut album. Released on April 30 of that year, the group consisted of Marc Nelson, Shawn Rivera, Kenny Terry, Dion Allen, and Darryl Anthony.
My introduction to the group came with their debut single, “Last Night. Written by Keith Andes and Babyface and co-produced by the former with Meryn Warren, the song was a lush ballad that was everyone’s one mixtape in the summer of 1996.
The group shares lead vocals throughout the song as they croon about the intense emotions and profound connection one experiences during a passionate encounter with a partner. Never once does the song go into crass lyrics. The next single, a cover of Chicago’s “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” became another hit.
Once again produced by Babyface with co-production from group member Shawn Rivera, the song achieved even greater success when the original producer, David Foster, added his magic touch and included vocals from Peter Cetera. The group effortlessly captures the original’s message, which explores the complexities of relationships and the struggle to express remorse and apologize.
From what I recall, the group unfortunately did not release a third single, which is quite disappointing. Babyface, who was responsible for many of the album’s standout tracks, was truly at the height of his creative prowess. Songs like “Saved for Someone Else,” “Care for Me,” and “I Don’t Want to Be Lonely” continue to resonate with a timeless freshness that captivates listeners.
Even the tracks not associated with Babyface shine brightly, such as “Secrets,” expertly written and produced by Jon B., and “Through My Heart (The Arrow),” courtesy of the talented Brian McKnight. Both songs exemplify the smooth, rich sound of ’90s R&B, showcasing the genre’s heartfelt emotion and musical craftsmanship.
While AZ Yet is most known for their two singles, the group’s self-titled debut is worth revisiting for fans of grown-man R&B and balladry.
Final Grade: A-
“Az Yet” is available on all streaming platforms.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to revisit 2004 and highlight Romeo’s debut solo album, formerly of Immature. Titled “Food for Thought” and released on June 22nd, this project marked the singer’s change of name to Young Rome in an effort to distance himself from the youthful sound of his group, much like his bandmate Marques Houston had done a year earlier.
In the nineties, Hip-Hop reigned supreme, and every label CEO wanted a share of the lucrative R&B market. One strategy was to keep singers on their roster who could deliver catchy hooks, keeping everything in-house and saving money. Bad Boy had Carl Thomas, Death Row had Danny Boy, and Roc-A-Fella had Rell, our featured artist for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday
Growing up in the eighties, I was surrounded by incredibly talented male R&B singers who could deliver unforgettable love songs. Artists like Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osborne, and Peabo Bryson dominated the airwaves, but Freddie Jackson was another voice that truly deserved recognition.