The summer of 2024 is set to be a thrilling season for live music, with the highly anticipated start of ‘The Queens of R&B’ tour. This tour, featuring co-headliners Xscape and SWV and special guests Mya, Total, and 702, promises to be a musical extravaganza. In this exciting context, this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is a perfect opportunity to celebrate Xscape’s ballad ‘Do You Want To,’ the final track from their second album, ‘Off The Hook,’ released in 1995.

Before the release of ‘Do You Want To,’ Xscape had already made a significant mark in the music industry with their rendition of The Jones Girls’ ‘Who Can I Run To’ (with a special nod to Jermaine Dupri for his exceptional remix). ‘Do You Want To’ is a testament to their continued success, with the renowned Daryl Simmons, responsible for both writing and production, bringing together group members Tiny Cottle and LaTocha Scott to share lead vocals. ‘Do You Want To’ is a passionate ballad that delves deep into the emotions of longing and desire within a romantic relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of intense infatuation among the members of Xscape toward their partner and a burning desire to know if their feelings are mutual. Simmons masterfully crafts this emotional journey, making ‘Do You Want To’ a standout in Xscape’s discography.

In the initial stanza, Tiny doubts how much her man reciprocates her affection. She contemplates the significance of their initial kiss and the subsequent phone call, which ignited their romantic relationship. Despite their conscious effort to avoid developing romantic feelings, they find themselves overtaken by a profound sense of affection. In the second verse, LaTocha takes us to church as her voice contemplates giving up on the relationship but finds it unbearable to think of a life without her partner. These lyrics showcase their vulnerability and fear of losing the person they love.

“Do You Want To” portrays a passionate and emotionally charged relationship that anyone who has doubts or sought validation for their feelings and hopes for a deep connection with their partner can relate to?

Final Grade: B+

“Do You Want To” from “Off the Hook” is available on all streaming platforms.