There’s no doubt that the Jackson Family is a musical dynasty. You can go anywhere in the world, and there’s a good chance you will hear a song by Michael or Janet on the radio. In the past, I’ve given some flowers to solo releases from Jermaine and Jackie, but for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to shout out 3T.
Taj, Taryll, and TJ, The three sons of the second oldest brother, Tito, made up the group. 3T was mentored by their late uncle Michael Jackson who signed them to his label MJJ Music. The group’s debut hit stores in November 1995, achieving triple platinum sales worldwide. While I could have picked a few songs from the group’s debut, I went with their contribution to the Men In Black soundtrack, “Waiting For Love.”
A lush ballad from the pen of writing trio John Howcott, Emanuel Officer & Donald Parks, “Waiting For Love” was produced by Craig Burbidge. The lyrics convey a message about a man expressing his desire for a woman he has been waiting for. He wants her to stop pretending and wasting time and give in to their attraction. He promises to take his time and be gentle with her, catering to her every desire. The chorus reveals that he has been waiting for her patiently and anticipates being with her.
The song’s bridge showcases the man’s intense feelings for the woman and desires to be with her. He can sense the passion in her eyes and believes that her sighs are a sign of his desire. He reassures her that he will take good care of her as he doesn’t want her to deny what she feels inside. He advises her to relax, let go of her feelings, and not deny their attraction.
Overall, “Waiting For Love” is a song about a man who has been waiting for a woman and desires her with all his heart. He is willing to do anything for her and wants to make her feel loved and appreciated. The song promotes honesty, passion, and the courage to express one’s feelings.
Per the norm of the music business, 3T never achieved the success of their debut. The group departed Sony and decided to sign to a label in France. They released their cover of Lionel Richie’s ‘Stuck on You,’ with positive reception. However, the release coincided with Michael Jackson’s trial (subsequently acquitted), which caused radio stations and TV networks to pull back from playing 3T’s songs and videos. Shortly after, their auntie Janet had her Super bowl fiasco leading to another setback. Nevertheless, they could drop a successful EP in the streaming age with the right producers and marketing push.
Final Grade: B+
Waiting For Love from the Men In Black soundtrack is available on all streaming platforms.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, we will venture to the city of Brotherly Love and give some flowers to Major Harris and his solo debut, My Way. Harris had already made a name for himself, performing with groups such as the Charmers, The Teenagers, the Jarmels, and Nat Turner Rebellion. Later, he would find success as a member of The Delfonics.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, we’re returning to 1995 to show some love to TLC with their song “Red Light Special,” the second single from their massively popular sophomore album, CrazySexyCool.
On Drake’s most recent album, $ome $exy $ongs 4 U which hit store last Friday he joined forces with his labelmate Party Next Door for this collaborative project. The album attempts to address themes related to intimacy and allure but does not reach the high standard established by the artist’s earlier music. Listeners search for the depth and innovation that have been the signature elements of Drake’s musical trajectory.