Musician Kem and his sophomore project “Album II” is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday. Arriving in stores on May 17th, 2005, the album came when R&B was still shifting. For the most part, younger singers dominated the market, while older crooners like Anthony Hamilton and Brian McKnight were forced to the Urban A/C demographic.
Thankfully, Kem’s debut single, “Love Calls,” from his first album, garnered him a fan base among the jazz and urban AC crowd. So naturally, Kem stayed in his lane with “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, the lead single from “Album II”. Written and produced with collaborator Carlos Gunn, the lush ballad delves into the singer’s intense and unwavering love for his lady
Kem remembers the day he encountered the “perfect stranger”, who later became central to his thoughts in the first verse. Being “wrapped around your finger” implies total surrender and complete enchantment by their presence. Their relationship grew into a holy gift when the sun shone upon them and God himself smiled upon their union. The remaining lyrics deliver mature R&B infused with subtle jazz elements.
The album’s second single, “Find Your Way (Back in My Life)”, is a spiritual successor to its preceding single. Kem reflects on their experience with a complex romantic relationship that seems to repeat itself. The song lyrics express his exasperation and bewilderment at how their former lover consistently manages to re-enter their life.
Kem opens the song by expressing his wish to leave and highlighting their shared goal of moving forward from the relationship. They work hard to meet new people but always return to their exes. The pattern indicates a repeating cycle of separation followed by reunion.
The album’s final single, “Into You”, explores the dynamics of emotional openness and profound romantic bonds. The lyrics are direct yet poetic—Kem doesn’t rely on heavy metaphor, instead opting for sincerity: You occupy my thoughts constantly, babe, because I’m deeply into you.
This simplicity is part of the charm. Kem communicates his devotion through straightforward language that feels conversational rather than overly complex. The song illustrates mature love transcending physical desire and romantic obsession, including deep appreciation and an emotional connection.
To my surprise, Kem avoided trend chasing as he only has one guest on the album, Stevie Wonder, who plays harmonica on “You Might Win”. The rest of the album is organic music that deftly avoids the sophomore slump.
Final Grade: B
“Album II” is available on all streaming platforms..
I’ve been a son for forty-three years, and with Mother’s Day tomorrow, I wanted to pick a song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday that pays homage to moms. So many women have played a part in my life’s journey, whether it was a grandmother, an aunt, a friend’s mom, or even a boss.
Growing up in the nineties, movies aimed at a melanin audience often featured soundtracks that had to be just as flavorful as the films themselves. This week, for Slow Jam Saturday, I want to take a trip back to 1993 and highlight one of the slow jams from the soundtrack of “Menace II Society”.
Last week marked two significant anniversaries for one of the greatest artists of all time, Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson. It’s only fitting that I show him some love for Second Listen Sunday. The first anniversary was on the 21st, commemorating nine years since his passing. The second anniversary was on the 22nd, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day.”