There’s no question that Canadian singer Tamia is unsung. While she has six Grammys nominations and numerous other awards, mainstream success has yet to be in the cards. I was a month into my first overseas assignment in England when she released her third album, More.
Tamia was enjoying success from the Hip Hop crowd thanks to her vocals on the Fabolous bop “Into You which was bad on her 1998 “So Into You.” That song set the stage for the first two singles from More, “Officially Missing You” and “Questions.” Both songs received moderate airplay on Urban AC radio stations.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I decided to give some flowers to the third single, “Still.” The song was written by Johntá Austin, Bryan Michael Cox, and Jermaine Dupri, with the production of Dupri and Cox. a sweet, romantic track about the enduring and unbreakable love she shares with her partner. I’ve always felt that Tamia gave the creatives some insight into her relationship with her husband, Grant Hill, which is why the song comes across so organic.
The song celebrates the fact that their love for each other has only grown stronger over time, despite the challenges that any long-term relationship may face. In the first verse, Tamia speaks about how their love has only improved with time and how they still get excited whenever they are alone.
The chorus reiterates how their love still feels like the first time they met and how they continue to act like teenagers despite being married with children. They talk for hours on the phone while apart, and her partner still writes letters and sends flowers regularly.
Tamia acknowledges that, like all couples, they confront difficulties but never permit those to devastate their relationship. She elaborates on how they manage disagreements and emphasizes how it fortifies their bond. Tamia contemplates that her significant other is still the man she adores and loves.
“Still” is a song that truly showcases the unbreakable strength of genuine love. Tamia and her partner have faced numerous challenges, but their love has only grown stronger as time has passed. The key to their lasting relationship is their unwavering commitment to always showing each other love and respect.
While Tamia hasn’t released a project since 2018, “Still” is a timeless ballad and one of my favorites in her catalog.
Final Grade: A
“Still” from More is available on all streaming platforms.
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.