As Beyoncé continues to break records and entertain fans with her Cowboy Carter Tour, I wanted to give “Queen B” some recognition for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday. Since she has been in the music industry for nearly three decades, I had many songs to choose from. However, I decided to go back to 2003 and highlight her duet with Bilal, “Everything I Do,” from the soundtrack of “The Fighting Temptations.”
Written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis along with their frequent collaborator Big Jim Wright, “Everything I Do” is a ballad that perfectly blends Beyoncé’s mezzo-soprano with Bilal’s ethereal falsetto. As music fans already know, Jam & Lewis know how to get the best out of artists when it comes to romantic duets.
“Everything I Do” transcends a mere request between individuals; it more closely resembles an exchange of vows. This song encapsulates the mutual commitment of two people promising to be there for one another. They convey their readiness to listen and make sacrifices for their loved ones. In essence, “Everything I Do” exemplifies a profound understanding of love and devotion, highlighting the maturity inherent in such relationships.
The vocal interplay between Beyoncé and Bilal is truly captivating, as each artist infuses their distinct styles into the collaboration, creating a seamless blend. Instead of vying for the spotlight, they complement each other’s sound gracefully. Beyoncé’s tone shines with a polished clarity, exuding confidence and sophistication, while Bilal introduces a rich, gritty texture that evokes the depths of spiritual gospel music.
Although it seems unlikely that we will ever experience this song performed live or witness another collaboration between these two remarkable artists, twenty-two years later, “Everything I Do” remains a hidden gem that continues to resonate. This intimate and soulful dialogue reveals the profound connection between two artistic hearts.
Final Grade: B+
“Everything I Do” is available on all streaming platforms.
I’ve always been a fan of Eric Bellinger. My admiration stems not only from the records he has released under his own name but also from the impressive career he built behind the scenes. Long before casual R&B listeners recognized his face, they were already familiar with his songwriting through tracks he penned for artists like Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Bieber, and Wale.
As many of you know, I had the opportunity to visit Paisley Park earlier this week while vacationing in Minnesota. During the tour, our guide shared that an expanded edition of Prince’s album “Parade” is expected to be released to celebrate its 40th anniversary. After spending the day exploring the Twin Cities, it felt like the perfect excuse to revisit one of the most fascinating and underrated albums in Prince’s legendary catalog.
One of the reasons I’ve always considered Prince to have the edge over Michael Jackson is his remarkable collection of ballads and