During my Air Force enlistment in the United Kingdom, I enjoyed discovering new artists in my leisure time. Lyfe Jennings, this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, was one such artist. Mr. Jennings first came to my attention with his platinum-selling debut Lyfe 268‒192. I recall being so impressed with the album that I called my mom back in the States and told her she needed to run out and purchase a copy.
Two years later, his sophomore album, The Phoenix, featured the hit singles “S.E.X.” and “Let’s Stay Together.” Additionally, Jennings dabbled a bit in the gospel and rock genres. While popular opinion would have me highlight “Let’s Stay Together,” I chose to go with the album’s closing track, “I’ll Always Love You. “ At the time of the song’s release, I was known as the Slow Jam King on my duty station, so the minute I heard the track, I put it on my mix CDs for fellow Airmen to share with their potential love interest.
Lyfe wisely avoids covering the Taylor Dayne song of the same name, and Jennings gets sentimental on the track. Lyfe has always had a grit in his singing voice that gives his lyrics an extra layer. “I’ll Always Love You” is a heartfelt ballad that expresses enduring love and commitment. The song lyrics convey a message of unwavering affection and the promise always to hold someone dear, regardless of the circumstances.
In the song, Lyfe sings about a steadfast and unchanging love. He assures his partner that his love for them will endure no matter what challenges they face or how much time passes. It’s a powerful declaration of eternal love, emphasizing the depth and permanence of his feelings.
“I’ll Always Love You” encapsulates the essence of a profound, unconditional love that transcends the ups and downs of life. It highlights the significance of loyalty, devotion, and the enduring connection between two individuals, even in the face of adversity. While the song was never a single, it’s still one of the top ballads in the singer’s catalog.
Final Grade : A
“I’ll Always Love You” from The Phoenix is available on all streaming. platforms
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.