Today marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic R&B group New Edition in the music industry. As a fan, I couldn’t resist giving a shout-out to my all-time favorite music group for Slow Jam Saturday. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to 1983 with their album “Candy Girl,” which kickstarted their career, and their debut slow jam, “Is This The End.”
“Is This the End” is a heart-wrenching ballad that delves into the themes of heartbreak and the possible termination of a romantic relationship. The lyrics portray young love agony and bewilderment as they ponder whether their love has hit a dead end. The song highlights the exceptional vocal talents of the group members, with lead singers Ralph Tresvant and Ricky Bell delivering soulful and sentimental performances.
The track’s opening features the soulful and emotive tenor voice of Ralph Tresvant, who poses a poignant and straightforward question, “Is This The End?” Tresvant’s lyrics speak to his deep pain and anguish in his romantic relationship, and his vocal performance exudes raw emotion and vulnerability. The talented Ricky Bell seamlessly takes over the song’s bridge, adding another layer of depth and complexity to this powerful and moving musical composition.
The release of “Is This the End” helped solidify New Edition’s status as a successful R&B group in the 1980s. The song reached number 85 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of their early hits. It also showcased the group’s ability to deliver soulful ballads in addition to their more upbeat, dance-oriented tracks.
Final Grade: A
“Is This The End” from Candy Girl is available on all streaming platforms.
Nineties R&B fans had an exciting moment last week when rumors began circulating that vocal powerhouses Brandy and Monica are reportedly embarking on “The Boy Is Mine Tour” this fall. While no official announcement has been made yet, with Monica’s debut album “Miss Thang” celebrating its 30th anniversary next month, I thought it would be the perfect pick for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
As Black Music Month 2025 continues, I wanted to give flowers to “The Queen of Funk,” Ms. Chaka Khan, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday. The song I decided to highlight is “Through the Fire.”
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!”