R&B balladeer Peabo Bryson was eight years into his career when his tenth album, Straight from the Heart, stores on May 15th, 1984. Bryson had already carved a successful niche as a solo artist and a duet partner for R&B songstresses. Bryson had previously recorded successful duet albums with Natalie Cole and Roberta Flack.
For this album, Bryson switched labels to Elektra. Bryson took a leading role in the album’s production, contributing his songwriting and keyboard-playing expertise. He wrote five of the eight songs on the album, showcasing his creative abilities and dedication to the project.
Naturally, for the first single, Bryson released a ballad with “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.” Bryson took a back seat from the writing, deciding to croon the lyrics of Tom Snow, Cynthia Weil, and Micheal Masser (who also produced the song). Arguably one of Bryson’s signature songs, Bryon croons lyrics about the better man he will become if he gets his lady back.
“Slow Dancin” was the album’s second single, allowing Bryson to show off his writing skills. While I didn’t get my first slow dance until about the third grade, I’ve always understood the significance of a slow dance. Slow dancing deepens connections and amplifies emotions between two individuals, demonstrating pure affection and romance. Bryson easily creates this mood.
Throughout Straight from the Heart, Bryson effortlessly switches between romantic ballads and groovy R&B tracks, proving his versatility as an artist. Tracks like “I Get Nervous” showcase his ability to create catchy, upbeat songs that make you want to get up and move. One of the most remarkable tracks on the album is “There’s No Getting Over You.” The soulful performance by Bryson and the haunting instrumentation perfectly convey the anguish of a lost love.
Bryson’s vocal range is evident in nearly every song on the album. He effortlessly hits high notes and brings depth and emotion to every song he sings. His ability to convey vulnerability and strength in his vocals sets him apart from other artists in the genre.
Straight from the Heart is a solid album highlighting Peabo Bryson’s incredible talent as a singer and songwriter. With its mix of soulful ballads and groovy R&B tracks, it is an album that fans of various musical styles can enjoy.
Final Grade: B+
Straight from the Heart is available on all streaming platforms.
Nineties R&B was home to many female groups, so standing out took more than good looks and a major industry endorsement. I still remember seeing Allure in a Vibe ad and thinking how gorgeous those four women were. The question was whether they had the talent to compete in the music scene.
In 1996, I first heard the Houston quartet Ideal on the Original Gangsters soundtrack. Their interpretation of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues,” featuring the Chi-Lites, caught my attention.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to revisit 2004 and highlight Romeo’s debut solo album, formerly of Immature. Titled “Food for Thought” and released on June 22nd, this project marked the singer’s change of name to Young Rome in an effort to distance himself from the youthful sound of his group, much like his bandmate Marques Houston had done a year earlier.
R&B balladeer Peabo Bryson was eight years into his career when his tenth album, Straight from the Heart, stores on May 15th, 1984. Bryson had already carved a successful niche as a solo artist and a duet partner for R&B songstresses. Bryson had previously recorded successful duet albums with Natalie Cole and Roberta Flack.
For this album, Bryson switched labels to Elektra. Bryson took a leading role in the album’s production, contributing his songwriting and keyboard-playing expertise. He wrote five of the eight songs on the album, showcasing his creative abilities and dedication to the project.
Naturally, for the first single, Bryson released a ballad with “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.” Bryson took a back seat from the writing, deciding to croon the lyrics of Tom Snow, Cynthia Weil, and Micheal Masser (who also produced the song). Arguably one of Bryson’s signature songs, Bryon croons lyrics about the better man he will become if he gets his lady back.
“Slow Dancin” was the album’s second single, allowing Bryson to show off his writing skills. While I didn’t get my first slow dance until about the third grade, I’ve always understood the significance of a slow dance. Slow dancing deepens connections and amplifies emotions between two individuals, demonstrating pure affection and romance. Bryson easily creates this mood.
Throughout Straight from the Heart, Bryson effortlessly switches between romantic ballads and groovy R&B tracks, proving his versatility as an artist. Tracks like “I Get Nervous” showcase his ability to create catchy, upbeat songs that make you want to get up and move. One of the most remarkable tracks on the album is “There’s No Getting Over You.” The soulful performance by Bryson and the haunting instrumentation perfectly convey the anguish of a lost love.
Bryson’s vocal range is evident in nearly every song on the album. He effortlessly hits high notes and brings depth and emotion to every song he sings. His ability to convey vulnerability and strength in his vocals sets him apart from other artists in the genre.
Straight from the Heart is a solid album highlighting Peabo Bryson’s incredible talent as a singer and songwriter. With its mix of soulful ballads and groovy R&B tracks, it is an album that fans of various musical styles can enjoy.
Final Grade: B+
Straight from the Heart is available on all streaming platforms.
Nineties R&B was home to many female groups, so standing out took more than good looks and a major industry endorsement. I still remember seeing Allure in a Vibe ad and thinking how gorgeous those four women were. The question was whether they had the talent to compete in the music scene.
In 1996, I first heard the Houston quartet Ideal on the Original Gangsters soundtrack. Their interpretation of Marvin Gaye’s “Inner City Blues,” featuring the Chi-Lites, caught my attention.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to revisit 2004 and highlight Romeo’s debut solo album, formerly of Immature. Titled “Food for Thought” and released on June 22nd, this project marked the singer’s change of name to Young Rome in an effort to distance himself from the youthful sound of his group, much like his bandmate Marques Houston had done a year earlier.