Search
Search
Silk, A Gift From Silk
Picture of Derrick Dunn

Derrick Dunn

Second Listen Sunday : Silk, A Gift From Silk

In 2005 R&B group Silk followed up their first album as a quartet 2003’s, Silktime, with a Christmas EP titled A Gift from Silk. On November 29, 2005, the EP hit stores with then group members Big G, Jimmy, Timzo, and John John displaying their vocal talents for the holiday season. A brief interlude, “Happy Holiday,” opens with the project with John John’s trademark falsetto. Next is the lovely ballad “Make Time for Christmas,” featuring lush four-part harmony.

My first encounter with this song occurred in the United Kingdom when I served in the Air Force. The lyrics were very relatable because even though I was single at the time, I knew that God was saving a remarkable woman for me, whom I would meet a little under two years. A great cover of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” follows and, in my opinion, tops the original and any cover version of the song. Timzo leads the song with a smooth bass, while John John comes in on the second verse. I love this version of the song because the group takes us to church and reminds us of simpler times.

Before closing out the EP with a smooth suite version of “Make Time for Christmas,” Silk gifts fans with another acapella song in the form of “Merry Christmas.” While the EP is brief, the group’s handling of the material makes the listener yearn for more. I would have loved to hear the group cover The Temptations version of “Silent Night” or Alexander O’Neal’s “Our First Christmas” or “Thank You for a Good Year.” Nevertheless, this is a fine EP and a great addition to your holiday playlist.

Final Grade: A-

A Gift from Silk is available on all streaming platforms.

Movie Clappers

More reviews to explorer

Second Listen Sunday: Tamia, Tamia

July 21, 2024

There’s no denying the exceptional talent of Canadian singer Tamia, whose voice stands out as one of the most distinctive in R&B. Her introduction to the music scene was marked by her captivating performances in two songs, the soulful ballad “You Put A Move on my Heart” and the Babyface duet “Slow Jams,” both featured on the 1995 Quincy Jones album Q’s Jook Joint. Tamia’s collaborations with Brandy, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan and her contribution to the legendary ballad “Missing You” further solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in the industry.

Slow Jam Saturday: IV Xample, I’d Rather Be Alone

July 20, 2024

In the 1990s, R&B music was dominated by vocal groups known for their captivating lead singers and smooth harmonies. This week, I wanted to highlight IV Xample and their single “I’d Rather Be Alone” for Slow Jam Saturday.

Second Listen Sunday: Babyface, Lovers

July 14, 2024

As an independent entertainment critic, one of my primary concerns stems from observing established figures within the music industry making factual errors during interviews or reviews. Of particular note are instances where Bobby Brown’s “Don’t Be Cruel” and Usher’s “My Way,” released in 1988 and 1997, are erroneously cited as the artists’ debut albums. It is evident to genuine music enthusiasts that such claims are inaccurate.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn