It’s hard to believe I was in the Air Force twenty years ago. While R&B king Usher dominated the R&B scene with his magnum opus’ Confessions,’ the legendary R&B trio The O’Jays, known for their soulful tunes, quietly dropped a bombshell-their highly anticipated new album ‘Imagination ‘.
Arriving in the stores on October 5, 2004, the members featured on the album were founding members Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Sr., and Eric Nolan Grant, who joined the group in 1997. The trio was fresh off an appearance in “The Fighting Temptations,” which somewhat introduced them to a new, younger audience. The O’Jays could have easily had newer producers work on the project, but given their enduring vocal excellence and long-standing reputation, the group finds a way to provide us with a project that would work for singers younger than the,
Troy Taylor and Gordon Chambers used their exceptional songwriting skills to create an enchanting opening track, “Make It Back,” which sets the tone for the entire album. “Repair Man” is a poignant and soul-stirring composition that delves into the profound theme of healing a woman’s broken heart. This heartfelt song was penned by the talented Eddie Levert, who also crafted the soaring ballad “Makeup” and three other captivating tracks on the album.
The album’s significant contribution emerges from the group’s collaborative efforts with renowned producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. “Imagination” is explicitly tailored for dancing, and the prospect of the group collaborating with Brooke Payne for choreography would have been well-received. “Why You Wanna Settle For Less” represents a timeless Jam & Lewis ballad in which Eddie Levert and Walter Williams showcase exceptional alternating lead vocals. The remaining tracks on the album exemplify a distinguished selection of mature R&B music.
While some think the group’s heyday disappeared when Philadelphia International Records, The O’Jays, solicited their legacy well before this album saw release. Nevertheless, “Imagination” retains sufficient allure to satisfy long-time enthusiasts. It is also an excellent case study for emerging R&B artists on how seasoned professionals craft mature and sophisticated R&B music.
Final Grade: B+
“Imagination” is available on all streaming platforms.
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On a musical level, the documentary is a library of Williams’ great works. It’s dramatic performances of his most famous songs, such as the classic “Star Wars” marches, the grand piano music from “Jurassic Park,” and the melancholy music from “Schindler’s List.” Each song is part of a narrative, a call to revisit old films and remember their heart-wrenching connections. Its thrilling finale (which celebrated his work on “Harry Potter”) also underscores the longevity of his music among audiences today.
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