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.
Growing up in the nineties, movies aimed at a melanin audience often featured soundtracks that had to be just as flavorful as the films themselves. This week, for Slow Jam Saturday, I want to take a trip back to 1993 and highlight one of the slow jams from the soundtrack of “Menace II Society”.
Last week marked two significant anniversaries for one of the greatest artists of all time, Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson. It’s only fitting that I show him some love for Second Listen Sunday. The first anniversary was on the 21st, commemorating nine years since his passing. The second anniversary was on the 22nd, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day.”
One of my most significant decisions late last year was to pledge to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. At the time of this writing, I am in Atlantic City for my fraternity’s Regional Conference, where I will represent my chapter, Beta Alpha Omega. In that regard, I believe the perfect song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is “The Best Man I Can Be.”