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
As the King of Pop’s biopic continues to perform well at the box office, I wanted to revisit one of Michael Jackson’s overlooked solo albums, “Forever, Michael”, released in 1975, for my first Second Listen Sunday of 2026.
As Joe prepares for his upcoming Tiny Desk performance, it’s a fitting time to revisit “U Should Know Me,” one of the hidden gems in his catalog. This song, which he wrote and produced himself, first appeared in 1998 on the soundtrack for “Caught Up”, a hood drama starring Bokeem Woodbine and Cynda Williams.
As fans look forward to his upcoming co-headlining “Nights Like This” tour with Akon, Ne-Yo is smoothly transitioning into country music while still maintaining his R&B roots with his latest single, “Ms. Tundra.” This infectious track is the third release from his forthcoming tenth studio album, “Highway 79,” set for release on July 10 via Compound Entertainment.