The year was 1995, and the pop boy band takeover was still a few years away. Nevertheless, R&B vocal groups were holding it down. MCA had already found success with Immature, the nineties answer to New Edition, and their subsidiary Uptown had an answer to The Jacksons with the Dalyyrrimple brothers, a.k.a. Soul for Real.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to show some love to that group and their cover of the Patti Labelle classic, “If Only You Knew,” from their debut album “Candy Rain.” Looking back, it wasn’t surprising that their label kept things up-tempo for the album’s three singles. However, I’ve always felt that “If Only You Knew” would’ve made a solid single for their demographic.
The cover version was produced by Heavy D and Poke of the Trackmasters. Fourteen at the time, the group’s lead singer, Jase, was the perfect choice to croon about first love, longing, and unspoken feelings. While some guys naturally had the gift of gab, Soul for Real’s version gives the song a youthful appeal, and I’m sure it was a mixtape song for many folks who couldn’t express how they felt to a potential crush or someone they’ve known forever.
The production by Heavy D and Poke boasts an almost ethereal quality, imbuing the music with a sense of innocence and youthful charm. While Soul for the Real is best known for their signature track, “Candy Rain,” their heartfelt cover of “If Only You Knew” masterfully conveys the bittersweet essence of teenage romance. The song poignantly illustrates the emotional turbulence of first love, capturing the confusion and heartache that often arise when feelings are unreciprocated or misunderstood.
Final Grade: B+
“If Only You Knew” from “Candy Rain” is available on all streaming platforms.
Seth Rogen continues his successful relationship with Apple TV in his latest comedic series, “The Studio.” Rogen and his longtime collaborator, Evan Goldberg, direct all ten episodes and write three. Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, and Frida Perez write the remaining episodes.
Director Geremy Jasper attempts to modernize the rock opera genre in his sophomore film, “O’Dessa,” available on Hulu. Jasper also pens the film’s screenplay. Rising actress Sadie Sink portrays the titular character, a farm girl searching to recover a cherished family heirloom. She travels to a strange and dangerous city, where she meets her one true love, Euri Dervish (Kelvin Harrison Jr.). To save his soul, she must put the power of destiny to the ultimate test.
Academy Award nominee Peter Craig collaborates with fellow nominee Ridley Scott to adapt Dennis Tafoya’s novel Dope Thief for television. Airing on Apple TV, this eight-episode series stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry in the lead role and also features Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew, Nesta Cooper, Amir Arison, and Ving Rhames.