This week’s Second Listen Sunday takes us back to 1992 to pay homage to R&B singer Christopher Williams and his second album ‘Changes.’ This album, a significant milestone in the R&B and soul music scene, was released after Williams’ success in portraying Kareem Akbar in ‘New Jack City,’ setting the stage for his impactful journey in the music world. On December 29, 1992, Williams unveiled his album in record stores, kicking off the promotion with the lead single ‘I’m Dreamin’.
This track, also featured on the ‘New Jack City’ soundtrack, was a collaborative effort between Stanley Brown and B. Durrell Edwards, with Brown taking on the producer role. A dance floor anthem, ‘I’m Dreamin’ had an infectious groove, setting the stage for Williams’ heartfelt expression of deep love and his desire to remain in a perpetual dream state with his beloved. Williams collaborated with his label mates Horace Brown and DeVanté Swing for his second single to compose “All I See,” which Swing also produced. “All I See” has a New Jack Swing ballad vibe with a seventies soul feel. Williams delivers an elegant yet dynamic performance, pleading for his lady love’s return. Instead of resorting to overtly emotional appeals, he utilizes his resonant baritone to underscore the incompleteness without her, projecting an alpha male persona.
With the release of the third single, ‘Every Little Thing I Do,’ Williams returned to the dance floor. This track, a collaboration with the production trio 3 Boyz From Newark and co-written by Kiyamma Griffin and Vincent Herbert, was a spiritual successor to ‘I’m Dreamin’.’ “Every Little Thing I Do” delves into Williams’ profound attraction and infatuation with a woman, capturing his sense of being captivated and enticed by her actions, words, and overall presence. Williams’ vocal arrangement on the track hinted at a potential secondary career as a vocal coach. The exceptional remixes of the song by DJ Clark Kent and Buttnaked Tim Dawg also deserve special recognition.
“Changes” final single was a cover of the Teddy Pendergrass classic “Come Go with Me.” Taking on an icon like Teddy P is a huge task, but Williams does more than accomplish it. Williams was 25 when he recorded his version and displayed a vocal talent behind his years as he croons about wanting companionship and an intimate connection with a beautiful woman. If you’ve never seen Williams’s live cover of the song from the “Uptown Unplugged” special, I highly urge you to seek it out as it quickly validates Williams making the classic R&B ballad his own. The rest of the album is ballad-heavy, which makes sense given William’s vocal styling, and that’s a good thing. Some of the album’s up-tempo tracks come off as filler, but Williams still sings them well.
“Changes” is a solid sophomore album showcasing a singer’s vocal talent who deserved much better than the industry gave him.
Final Grade: B+
‘Changes’ is available on all streaming platforms.
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