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
This week’s Second Listen Sunday pick takes us back to 2006 to revisit “So Amazin’,” the third album from Christina Milian. Arriving in stores on April 19 of that year, the project was produced largely by Cool & Dre, sans one song, and saw the singer earn writing credits on nine of the album’s songs.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I want to showcase love for Rahsaan Patterson and his album track “Can We Wait a Minute” from his self-titled debut album, released in 1997.
For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I wanted to take a trip back to 2000 and show some love to the R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo and their third album, “X,” which was released in stores on December 5, just in time for a holiday stocking stuffer. Arguably, the group suffered from the sophomore slump with their second album, as only two singles were successful.