Washington D.C.-based vocalist Tony Terry hit the music scene in 1987 with his debut album Forever Yours, which was accompanied by the charting singles “Forever Yours,” “Lovey Dovey,” and “She’s Fly.” Three years later, Terry would cement his place in R&B with the release of his self-titled second album and its hit single “With You.” While “With You” is Tony’s signature song and an accessible choice for Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to highlight another one of Tony’s slow cuts.
“Everlasting Love” is the closing track on Tony’s second album and final single. Similar to “With You,” the song charted at #6. Tony wrote the song with Bobby Reese, and the lyrics speak to the power of unconditional love. Over the course of the song, Tony can express his appreciation for having someone special in his life who brings joy and happiness.
It doesn’t matter what the circumstances are. Tony is thankful for the miracles that come with unconditional love, the wishes that come true, and the kindness and support that always lift him up. He sings of the eternal nature of fulfilling love, one that will never fade away. This message reminds you that you will find peace and joy if you seek it. A year later, Tony would link up with an up & coming R&B group named Jodeci for a fire remix.
While Tony Terry’s signature song is “With You,” “Everlasting Love” is equally elegant and beautiful.
Final Grade: B+
“Everlasting Love” from Tony Terry 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.