In 1989, R&B singer Christopher Williams, who would play the educated brother from the bank two years later in the Hip Hop classic New Jack City, released his first album, Adventures In Paradise. This week’s Slow Jam Saturday pick is “Promises, Promises” from that album.
For his debut album, Brown’s initial single “Talk To Myself” didn’t gain much traction on the charts. As a result, he opted to pursue a ballad for his next release. Williams collaborated with Timmy Gatling and Alton Stewart on the track and received a writing credit, as the lyrics were inspired by Williams’ then-girlfriend, Stacey Dash.
“Promises, Promises” delves into the emotional turmoil when a relationship fails to meet expectations. Williams’ lyrics are filled with vivid descriptions of the pain, regret, and disappointment that are all too familiar to anyone who has experienced the end of a romance. He poignantly reflects on the promises made in the throes of passion, which now seem hollow and meaningless after heartbreak.
Chris acknowledges that he can no longer rely on his assurances in these relationships, as they are insufficient to provide solace or even basic sustenance. Ultimately, “Promises, Promises” is a powerful tribute to the transient nature of love and the bittersweet understanding that even the most robust connections are not immune to the passage of time.
While I was eight years old when the song came out, I can imagine that many bruthas who found themselves in the dog house after an argument with their lady used this song to return to their good graces. For his next album and most popular one, Brown would move to Uptown Records. Sadly, Music industry politics and his temper would affect Williams’s long-term career, “Promises, Promises” is a testament to his talent.
Final Garde: B+
“Promises, Promises” from Adventures In Paradise is available on all streaming platforms.
Thirty years ago, in 1995, Bad Boy Records was a top-notch record label, but over a decade later, it had begun to lose its luster. While the “Bad Boys II” soundtrack and the debut album from Da Band did numbers, no real superstars were left on the label.
Whether it’s the loss of a celebrity you grew up with or a daily dumb remark from our current commander-in-chief, three months in 2025 are already getting crazy. So, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I decided to change it up and offer something inspirational like Mariah Carey and her 2006 hit “Fly Like A Bird.”
Music video director David Yarovesky brings together Bill Skarsgård and two-time Academy winner Anthony Hopkins for his third feature film, “Locked” from the Avenue. Horror icon Sam Raimi produces the film, while Michael Arlen Ross pens the film’s screenplay.