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.
There are some albums you revisit because of nostalgia, and then there are albums you return to because they remind you just how high the standard used to be. Anita Baker’s Rapture falls into that second category. Released in 1986, the album did more than make Baker a star. It helped define what sophisticated, grown R&B could sound like without losing any soul, sensuality, or personality.
Gwen Stefani had already established herself as a significant force with No Doubt when she released her debut solo album, *Love. Angel. Music. Baby* in 2004. This week, while my iPod was on shuffle, one of my favorite songs from that project, “The Real Thing,” came on. Although the original version has an upbeat new-wave feel, the Slow Jam Mix takes it to another level and is the perfect choice for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
Unless you’re a music purist, mentioning Randy Jackson from the famous family is likely to elicit a joke. However, any serious Jackson fan knows that Randy had musical achievements long before the punchlines. Before he was old enough to buy a drink, he had already co-written “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Lovely One” with Michael Jackson.