Chico DeBarge made a fantastic comeback to the music scene in the late nineties with two solid solo albums in the form of Long Time No See and The Game. Around late summer 2000, Chico seemingly stopped promoting his recent release, The Game, which is a shame because (“Sexual,” the Bobby Brown assisted “Talk About You,” and the Brian McKnight written “When Can I See You Again” were all single-worthy).
Instead, BET started to promote Debarge’s latest single, “Playa Hater.” The song found DeBarge reuniting with his frequent collaborator JOE for another smooth slow jam where DeBarge effectively croons about why he hates men who are doing their ladies wrong.
Nevertheless, “Playa Hater” is one of the strongest songs in the singer’s catalog. Initially set to appear on the soundtrack to the Jamie Foxx film Bait, the song only ended up becoming a single.
The track was a personal anthem of mine during my single days, but that is a story for another day.
Final Grade: A
“Playa Hater” is available on YouTube.
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.