Slow Jam Saturday : Charlie Wilson “Thru It All”

One of my favorite singers, Mr. Eric Roberson, is performing this weekend at America’s legendary music venue, The Birchmere.  To show Eric some love, I want to highlight something longtime R&B fans have always known: he’s had remarkable songwriting talent.

For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I’m revisiting “Thru It All,” a standout track from Charlie Wilson’s third solo album, *Charlie, Last Name Wilson*, released in 2005.  Roberson co-wrote the song with the production duo Dre & Vidal, and together they crafted a grown-man R&B record that fits Uncle Charlie like a tailored suit.

“Thru It All” is a lush ballad centered around themes of commitment, familiarity, and love that has weathered various challenges over the years.  Wilson isn’t begging, chasing, or trying to convince anyone; he is appreciating the woman who has stood by him through thick and thin.

This maturity is what sets the song apart.  In the opening verse, Wilson reflects that time hasn’t dulled their relationship; instead, his affection has only grown stronger.  His delivery is effortless, warm, and conversational, while Dre & Vidal provide a smooth backdrop that complements the message without overshadowing it.

Looking back at “Thru It All” in 2026, you can also hear Eric Roberson’s influence throughout the song.  The emotional honesty, conversational writing style, and focus on love after the initial excitement all feel like early building blocks for the kind of music Roberson would continue to create throughout his career.

In fact, I hear a spiritual connection between “Thru It All” and Roberson’s later signature ballad, “Lessons.” Both songs convey the message that true love isn’t just about the butterflies; it’s about what remains after life has put you to the test.

Nearly twenty-one years later, “Thru It All” still sounds like premium R&B, reminding us that Eric Roberson’s songwriting has made an impact for years.

Final Grade: A