In the 1990s, R&B music was dominated by vocal groups known for their captivating lead singers and smooth harmonies. This week, I wanted to highlight IV Xample and their single “I’d Rather Be Alone” for Slow Jam Saturday.
IV Xample, a talented R&B group hailing from Los Angeles, comprises Andre “Dre” Allen, Robert “Bobby C” Chevis (also known as Athemus Chevis), Raymond “Runni Rae” Chevis, and Bryant “Lucious” Woo. Their debut single, “I’d Rather Be Alone,” captures the raw emotions of heartbreak often expressed in R&B music, showcasing their soulful vocal harmonies over poignant lyrics.
“I’d Rather Be Alone,” written by Hershel Boone and Lovell Moorer II and produced by Steve Dublin, delves into themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and the struggle to move on from a failed relationship. The group takes turns sharing the lead vocals as they express their love for their partner while admitting a preference for solitude over staying in a relationship filled with lies and deceit.
The lyrics vividly portray the pain of realizing love was not returned and the challenge of letting go. Lines like “Girl, you made me a fool” and “There was no need to lie” emphasize the protagonist’s sense of betrayal and hurtmention of being the “only man” and hint at unfaithfulness, causing deep emotional scars.
The song accurately captures the bittersweet feelings of longing for the past while recognizing the need to move forward for personal well-being. “I’d Rather Be Alone” effectively conveys the complex emotions one experiences at the end of a relationship, underscoring the importance of self-respect and the courage required to let go for one’s own sake.
While only diehard R&B fans may remember this song, it’s easily a testament to the staying power of Nineties R&B.
Final Grade: B
If there were ever a question on Jeopardy with a category about R&B bands and the question centered on Cameo, I’m sure it would be on one of their signature songs, “Candy” or “Word Up!”
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to venture to the Wolverine State and show some love to “Whose Is It,” the lead single from Melvin Riley Jr.’s solo album “Ghetto Stories.”
From his early days in the family group Wings of Faith, Mr. Gill was born to make music. However, as R&B fans know, Johnny Gill’s initial release with Atlantic Records failed to make a significant impact when it first came out. The 1983 self-titled debut showed a strong voice struggling to adapt to a studio that couldn’t properly utilize its power.