Luke James, known for his role in Showtime’s “The Chi” and recent chilling performance in Season 2 of “Them,” has been making waves in the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. He started his career singing background for Tyrese and later formed a duo with his childhood friend Quentin called Luke & Q. The duo was signed to J Records. Still, their debut album was never officially released. After the group split, James went on to write songs for artists like Chris Brown, Britney Spears, and Justin Bieber and built a successful solo discography.
This week’s Slow Jam Saturday will feature Luke’s 2012 breakthrough solo single, “I Want You,” a passionate ballad written by Britney Jackson, Kadis, Nasri, Danja, Sean Marshall, and James with production from Kadis & Sean Marshall song “I Want You” by James articulates a profound longing and intense desire for an individual of great significance. Within the lyrics, James conveys a sense of powerlessness in the face of his heart’s autonomous decision-making, independent of rationale.
Before encountering this woman, Luke’s existence was characterized by a cycle of insubstantial interactions, depicted metaphorically as a series of transient affairs. This woman, however, brought about a transformative shift, infusing Luke’s life with joy, love, and purpose akin to a harmonious melody. Consequently, the song expresses a poignant sentiment of incompleteness in the absence of this person, underscoring their unparalleled and indispensable role in the speaker’s life.
Furthermore, the bridge of the song hints at a protracted period of anticipation, suggesting a necessity to find a means of either equaling or surpassing the profound connection discovered. This sentiment of longing and yearning is reinforced through the repetitive chorus and outro, where the speaker iterates their desire for this person, emphasizing the irreplaceability of their presence.
“I Want You” encapsulates the fervent yearning and impassioned depth one can experience upon finding an irreplaceable and profoundly significant connection with another individual.
Final Grade: A
‘I Want You’ is available on all streaming platforms.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.