For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to return to 1999 and show some love to Blackstreet’s third album, “Finally.” After their second album, 1996’s “Another Level,” sold four million copies off the strength of “No Diggity,” the group was on top of the world. Given the success of their second album, the group labels allowed them a bigger budget, but they would lose group member Mark Middleton, who Terrell Phillips replaced.
Arriving in stores on March 23, “Finally” was led by the single “Take Me There,” which also served as the theme song for the animated feature film The Rugrats Movie. Mya and rappers Mase and Blinky Blink were featured on the song, which Riley produced and co-wrote with Tamara Savage. At its essence, ‘Take Me There’ embodies a captivating portrayal of the yearning to transcend reality and immerse oneself in a realm of marvel and imagination. The lyrics encapsulate a profound longing for an enchanting place where boundless possibilities exist and aspirations materialize into reality. Given the group’s popularity then, the collaboration made perfect sense and was a song that parents and kids could jam to.
For the second single “Girlfriend/Boyfriend“, the group reunited with musical icon Janet Jackson, bringing along rising hip hopers Ja Rule and Eve. Once again, Riley produced the track and brought in a co-writer. This time, it was Cynthia “Lil’ Mo” Loving. The song explores the themes of unreciprocated love, fixation, and unwelcome attention set to futuristic hip-hop instrumentals. Riley and Mo’s lyrics depict two individuals, one male and one female, who are being pursued by someone in whom they do not share an interest.
The first verse describes the male’s encounters with a persistent woman who continuously calls and texts him, expressing dismay when he does not return her affections. In contrast, the second verse illustrates the female’s experience with a man who won’t stop trying to be with her despite her lack of interest. This verse emphasizes the man’s aggression and the frustration of the female character.
The album’s final single, “Think About You,” would also appear on “The Wood” soundtrack later that summer. Led by group member Chauncy Black, the song explores the longing and nostalgia associated with your special someone. As a writer, one of Riley’s strengths was always his ability to paint a picture of yearning throughout his lyrics, and he does so with ease here, thus validating the beauty of having deep feelings for someone. “I’m Sorry” and “Black & White” are also strong ballads.
The rest of the album is somewhat of a mixed bag, with both “Yo Love” (featuring Sauce Money) and I Got What You On” (featuring Beanie Sigel) coming off as filler. In addition, the gospel centric “In A Rush” (featuring Stevie Wonder) and “Finally” (featuring Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Tabernacle) seem out of place on the album.
Following up on a massive album is a huge undertaking for any artist, and given the success of “Another Level”, Blackstreet had their work cut for them, especially when we look at the shift R&B music was taking. While “Finally” is often forgotten among mainstream music fans, there are some bright moments here.
Final Grade: B-
“Finally” is available on all streaming platforms.
