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.