As NE fans eagerly await tour dates for the group’s rumored Fall/Winter 2025 trek, I wanted to take a moment to show some love to the group member, Johnny Gill’s second solo album, “Chemistry,” for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
From his early days in the family group Wings of Faith, Mr. Gill was born to make music. However, as R&B fans know, Johnny Gill’s initial release with Atlantic Records failed to make a significant impact when it first came out. The 1983 self-titled debut showed a strong voice struggling to adapt to a studio that couldn’t properly utilize its power.
When Atlantic named Johnny Gill’s comeback album “Chemistry”, they played a game because the title served as both a knowing joke and a direct challenge. Instead of folding under pressure, Gill delivered an album that finally played to his strengths: The album showcased mature, gritty vocals soaked in soul that conveyed an unforgeable emotional depth.
The change becomes apparent on the very first track. Johnny isn’t just singing—he’s feeling. He’s in it. That baritone? Rich as molasses and twice as smooth. And the material? The material perfectly suits a young man emerging as both a vocalist and a storyteller.
“I Can’t Wait Till Tomorrow” presents a vibrant big-band swing sound interwoven with urban rhythms. It features a dynamic amalgamation of brass instruments that effectively conveys a confident atmosphere, reminiscent of Count Basie navigating the streets of Brooklyn in 1985. Johnny exhibits his musical prowess through powerful vocals and impressive stylistic choices.
“I Found Love” is a gentle mid-tempo piece that reveals the more nuanced aspects of Gill’s musical skills. This slow dance artfully expresses heartfelt emotion, illustrating his adept crooning, which retains clarity, warmth, and a consistently masculine quality.
The album’s highlight is the album’s lead single “Half Crazy,” an emotionally compelling work created by Linda Creed, a prominent figure in the Philadelphia soul genre alongside Thom Bell. Gill not only performs this piece; he entirely immerses himself in the rendition. By the conclusion of the final chorus, the audience becomes enveloped in his confusion and heartbreak, providing a profound exploration of emotional turmoil.
The album’s title track, “Chemistry,” presents a slick spacey groove that begins with cosmic shimmer before finding its place in a buttery midtempo pocket. The track’s soulful sophistication and hypnotic quality make it the ideal centerpiece for an album exploring balance.
Johnny Gill’s sophomore album showcases his talent and marks a significant step in his career that would set the stage for his place in one of the greatest R&B groups ever.
Final Grade: B
“Chemistry” is available on all streaming platforms.
