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.
For the first Second Listen Sunday of 2025, I wanted to return to 2005 and highlight “Gemini,” the eighth album from iconic singer & balladeer Brian McKnight. The album hit stores on February 8th, 2005, and would serve as the singer’s last release on the legendary Motown label. The album’s title pays homage to the singer’s astrological sign.
When discussing families in R&B music, three names are usually at the top: Jackson, Debarge, and Isley. For the first Slow Jam Saturday of 2025, I wanted to show love to Isley Jasper Isley and their hit “Insatiable Woman” from their 1985 album “Caravan of Love.”
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.