Looking back to December 1993, I remember two comedy sequels, Wayne’s World 2 and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, hitting theaters. The latter film would perform well at the box office and introduce us to young talents that would succeed in the future. The list of artists includes Lauryn Hill, gospel singer Erica Campbell of the duo Mary Mary, and R&B singer Ryan Toby. Toby later found success as a writer in his own right after leaving the R&B trio City High.
However, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to give flowers to another cast member from the film, Tanya Blount. Blount and Hill’s performance of “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” is still an audience favorite, so it was only natural that Blount would release an album.
Arriving in stores on March 8th, 1994, Blount’s debut album Natural Thang was led by the song “I’m Gonna Make You Mine,” made for the clubs. However, the album’s second single, “Through The Rain,” caught my attention. Brian Williams, Erik White, and Kevin Jackson penned the song, with White and Jackson also producing.
“Through The Rain” is a beautiful ballad emphasizing the power of enduring love and companionship in adversity. It reminds us that genuine connection is far more valuable than any material possession and that real commitment means standing by each other through the toughest challenges.
Throughout the track, we hear the phrase “through the rain and storms together.” The lyric is a powerful symbol of conquering life’s difficulties with togetherness and unwavering resolve. The lyrics beautifully express a love that endures even in challenging circumstances.
Part of any strong relationship is the acknowledgment from your mate that hard times may come and go. Still, your heart and eyes can reassure them that you are committed to being a source of support and stability throughout the stormy nights. There is a message of resilience and encouragement, assuring the listener that everything will be alright despite the stormy nights.
Blount passionately sings “Through The Rain,” celebrating the power of love, perseverance, and unwavering support through thick and thin. The song beautifully conveys that love can conquer all obstacles when two individuals stand by each other, understand each other, and remain devoted to each other.
Final Grade: B+
“Through The Rain” from Natural Thang is available on all streaming platforms.
From his early days in the family group Wings of Faith, Mr. Gill was born to make music. However, as R&B fans know, Johnny Gill’s initial release with Atlantic Records failed to make a significant impact when it first came out. The 1983 self-titled debut showed a strong voice struggling to adapt to a studio that couldn’t properly utilize its power.
My introduction to Myron was with the song “Sistas” on the “Eddie” soundtrack in the summer of 1996. Before setting up his solo album, Myron would write classics for Mya and Dru Hill. “Destiny” was written by Myron and Tyrice Jones, and the latter was also producing. Set to a sample of Herbie Hancock’s “Come Running to Me”, the song explores how fate governs the formation of connections between people meant to exist from the beginning.
Music producers transitioning to a solo album is common in the music industry. For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to revisit Sean Garrett’s solo debut, “Turbo 919,” released in 2008.