Undoubtedly, one of the most popular shows of the nineties was FOX’S Beverly Hills, 90210. While the show lacked any melanin leads, the producers strove to showcase R&B music on occasion as the show grew in popularity. Artists such as Brian McKnight, Monica, Luther Vandross, and Jade made cameo appearances on the show. Fans will also remember Eric Benet & Tamia’s stunning “Spend My Life With You” performance during the show’s finale, which featured David Silver and Donna Martin’s long-awaited wedding.
R&B also played in the series two released soundtracks. The first soundtrack was released in 1992, during Season 3, and featured the likes of Color Me Badd, Jody Watley, and even Ms. Chaka Khan. Season 5’s soundtrack, released in 1994, highlighted the college years and went deeper into R&B with groups After 7 and Hi-Five contributing songs.
However, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to give the elegant Shanice Wilson and her lush ballad “Saving Forever for You” some flowers. Written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster, the song was a fantastic choice for the songstress to showcase her coloratura soprano voice to a mainstream audience.
Before the single’s release, Shanice had already released two albums. However, while “I Love Your Smile” from her sophomore album found success on the pop charts, the follow-up singles were negated to the R&B charts.
Released on October 1st, 1992, as the soundtrack’s first single, the first time I recall hearing “Saving Forever for You” wasn’t on the radio. It was during the episode A Presumption of Innocence in a scene where the character of Niki attempts to teach Brandon how to dance, not knowing he has two left feet.
We all know that Diane Warren is one of the all-time great songwriters. Combine that with the heavenly arrangements of David Foster, and you have a sure-fire hit. Wilson was nineteen when the song was released and sang the lyrics beautifully. While she avoids the whistle register, I’ve felt she sang the vocals from the standpoint of a young woman experiencing love for the first time as she enters adulthood.
While some may feel the saccharine lyrics haven’t aged well, thirty-one years later, the song remains my favorite ballad in Shanice’s catalog.
Final Grade: A
“Saving Forever For You” from the Beverly Hills 90210 soundtrack is available on all streaming platforms.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.