One of the great things about being a critic is sometimes you listen to an album but don’t fully grasp how dope the project is until months later. Case in point while driving home from my regular 9 to 5 this past Tuesday and got stuck in traffic. After checking Waze, I came to the realization that I had about a forty-minute delay.
I took the opportunity to listen to an album for this week’s Second Listen Sunday and just put my iPod on random. The album that popped up was Another Love Story from The Colleagues. I initially heard the album when it hit streaming platforms on August 1st, 2019, but I haven’t revisited the project since. My first experience with the group was when they worked with Raheem DeVaughn on the singer’s What a Time to Be Alive project.
However, the group has been making noise in the industry for some time producing for the likes of Hip Hop artists such as Piles, 2 Chainz, and the late great Nipsey Hussle. In addition to working with DeVaughn, they did records with Tiffany Evans and even dabbled in K-POP. Another Love Story’s intent is to provide a soundtrack for couples. Soul singers Devon Culture, The HamilTones, Devvon Terrell, Vedo, and Mr. Raheem DeVaughn assist the group in their goal.
After a smooth intro for the opening track, Devon Culture provides a solid vocal on the sensual slow jam “No Conversation.” This song is strictly about skipping the foreplay and getting down to business when you know your significant other’s body and have time invested in the relationship.
Next is “Belong 2 You,” which features Raheem DeVaughn and Rob Hill Sr. With this song, The Colleagues go straight into the Jodeci’s playbook, and it works.
Devvon Terrell leads “C4,” which has an up-tempo vibe. Kudos to the song’s writer, as I never thought comparing an explosive to a relationship would work. The HamilTones bring their southern soul and grit to the smooth “Northing on You” as they efficiently sing and croon about their love for their other half.
Before an outro ends, the project Vedo gets a chance to shine. Initially, I wasn’t big on Vedo, but his appearance on Usher’s tiny desk performance this past summer won me over. He provides a solid album track with “Slow Motion” and shows that this younger generation can provide decent music given the right producer.
Another Love Story is a solid album overall and with only seven songs. It’s better than projects from artists who released double albums over the past few years.
Final Grade: B+
Another Love Story is available on all streaming platforms.
This past Friday marked the 40th anniversary of “The Voice,” a.k.a. Whiney Houston’s self-titled debut album hitting stores. So, in that regard, it was only right to give Nippy her flowers for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
For this weekend’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to take a trip to Motor City and show some love to soul singer Dwele. It was 2005, and I was living in the UK as part of my Air Force enlistment. Dwele had just released his second album, “Some Kinda,” enjoying some chart success with the lead single “I Think I Love U,” by Mike City.
The remainder of the album maintains a classic R&B vibe, showcasing the group’s signature sound. One of the standout tracks is “Maybe Tomorrow,” featuring the iconic Phyllis Hyman. It transforms difficult circumstances into positive outcomes—essentially making lemonade from lemons.