Despite being must-see TV for some over the last two decades, I’ve always felt that singing competition shows don’t do justice in promoting R&B singers. Whether it’s The Voice or American Idol, male R&B singers never seem to get the recognition they deserve, and for the most part, they don’t win the show. A case in point is the singer Mac Royals, who was cut from the most recent season of The Voice.
American Idol Season 2 constant Corey Clark may have had a publicized disqualification from the show. However, not one to cry over spilled milk, Clark kept pushing to achieve his dream of sharing music with the world. I’ve previously interviewed Clark; he was one of my first podcast guests, and we chopped it up for nearly three hours.
Clark has recently released a cover of El Debarge’s 2011 hit single “2nd Chance”. This is not the first time Clark has covered Debarge’s music; he also covered “All This Love” for his debut album. “2nd Chance” is a touching and soulful song that showcases Clark’s smooth tenor and a hint of falsetto. The song’s lyrics revolve around redemption, forgiveness, and the opportunity for a fresh start. Clark’s heartfelt emotion and vulnerability conveyed through his vocals make the song relatable and resonate deeply with listeners.
Clark decided to keep the production arrangement the same as El, blending elements of R&B and pop. The accompanying instrumentation, such as the piano, drums, and guitar, complements Clark’s vocals, adding depth and richness to the overall composition. One of the things that made the original song so heartfelt was Debarge’s musical testimony, and Clark seems to be doing the same.
Furthermore, the narrative in “Second Chance” is captivating, as Clark illustrates the journey of an individual who has overcome challenging experiences and is now pursuing a renewed opportunity for love and a fulfilling life. The lyrics remain artistic and contemplative, touching upon introspection, personal evolution, and embracing and learning from one’s past errors.
While it never tries to top the original, Corey Clark’s cover of El Debarge’s “Second Chance” showcases Clark’s talent and hopefully is a preview of things to come on a new album.
“Second Chance” by Corey Clark is available on all streaming platforms
Final Grade: B
For more on Corey Clark, check out https://cdcmusicllc.com. In addition,
fans can follow him on social media at the following handles. Twitter @CDCMUSIC and on Instagram @thecoreyclark.
One of the great things about buying a soundtrack when I was in my DJ prime was discovering a slow jam that I could put on my mix CDs. For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to highlight one of the songs: Jagged Edge’s cover of Air Supply’s, “All Out of Love.”
After twenty-six years in the game, Atlanta-based quartet Jagged Edge is currently on the road celebrating the anniversary of their magnum opus sophomore album, “J.E. Heartbreak,” with a tour titled “An Intimate Evening With Jagged Edge.” To kick off our seventh wedding anniversary celebration, my wife and I will be the D.C. date on the tour this coming Wednesday.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to travel back to 1999 and show some love to R&B group Amyth, which was initially signed to LL Cool J Rock the Bells Records. Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the group was formed in 1995 while the members were students at Southern University.