With the passing of Peabo Bryson on June 2nd week, it felt only fitting to revisit his final studio album, “Stand for Love”, for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
For many casual listeners, Bryson will forever be remembered as the voice behind Disney classics like “A Whole New World” and “Beauty and the Beast.” But longtime R&B fans know his legacy runs much deeper. From “Feel the Fire” and “I’m So Into You” to his timeless duets with Roberta Flack, Bryson spent decades establishing himself as one of the genre’s most reliable and underrated vocalists.
Released in 2018, “Stand for Love” arrived more than a decade after his previous album, “Missing You”. Rather than attempting to recreate his past successes, Bryson teamed with legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to create something many veteran artists struggle to achieve: a contemporary album that still sounds authentic to the artist.
What stands out most about Stand for Love is how Jam and Lewis modernized Bryson’s sound without sacrificing his identity. Too often veteran artists either chase younger audiences or become trapped in nostalgia. Here, the production feels current while allowing Bryson to remain the sophisticated balladeer fans have loved for decades. In many ways, the album serves as a blueprint for how legacy artists can evolve gracefully.
The opening track, “All She Wants to Do Is Me,” immediately sets the tone. It’s funky, playful, and surprisingly danceable for an artist best known for romantic ballads. “Love Like Yours and Mine” successfully blends modern R&B influences with the grown-folks soul that has always defined Bryson’s catalog.
One of the album’s most creative moments comes with “Looking for Sade.” Using the famously private Sade Adu as the inspiration for a love song is a clever concept, and Bryson’s smooth vocals bring warmth and charm to every lyric. The title track, “Stand for Love,” delivers an uplifting message, while “Goosebumps (Never Lie),” featuring Gary Clark Jr., adds a soulful edge to the project.
The album isn’t perfect. Songs like “Here for You” and “Smile” occasionally play things a bit too safe, and the live medley featuring classics like “Feel the Fire” and “Tonight I Celebrate My Love” feels more polished than spontaneous. Still, those are minor complaints.
Listening to “Stand for Love” today serves as a reminder of what made Peabo Bryson special. His voice remained strong, his delivery remained sincere, and his commitment to quality music never wavered. More importantly, the album proves that growing older doesn’t mean growing outdated.
Final Grade: B+
“Stand for Love” is available on all streaming platforms.
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