Search
Search
Troop, Santa Can You Help Me
Picture of Derrick Dunn

Derrick Dunn

Slow Jam Saturday: Troop, Santa Can You Help Me

While R&B quintet Troop had yet to release an album since the late nineties, the group stayed active with touring and solo offerings from some members. In 2014, the group surprised fans by releasing a new song, “Santa Can You Help Me.”

Lead singer Steven Russell had already validated his legacy by writing numerous R&B hits for nearly two decades. With this song, though, he gets help from group mate Jon Jon. R&B fans will notice the music has a sample of the group’s cover of The Jacksons’ “All I Do Is Think of You.”

Featuring the classic Troop sound and harmonies, “Santa Can You Help Me” could’ve easily set the stage for Troop’s first R&B Christmas album. While Allen McNeil sadly wasn’t a part of the record, remaining members Steven Russell Harts, Jon Harreld, Rodney Benford, and the late Reggie Warren sounded great on the song. It doesn’t try to appeal to a modern demographic. 

“Santa Can You Help Me” brings R&B soul to Christmas this holiday season with an expression of love. The song is about affection, accepting responsibility, and the sincerity many of us long for, especially at this time of year. While the song is eight years old, it still sounds better than some Christmas R&B tracks that have hit the streaming market this year.

Final Grade: B +

“Santa Can You Help Me?” is available on all streaming platforms.

Movie Clappers

More reviews to explorer

Second Listen Sunday: Tamia, Tamia

July 21, 2024

There’s no denying the exceptional talent of Canadian singer Tamia, whose voice stands out as one of the most distinctive in R&B. Her introduction to the music scene was marked by her captivating performances in two songs, the soulful ballad “You Put A Move on my Heart” and the Babyface duet “Slow Jams,” both featured on the 1995 Quincy Jones album Q’s Jook Joint. Tamia’s collaborations with Brandy, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan and her contribution to the legendary ballad “Missing You” further solidified her reputation as a powerhouse in the industry.

Slow Jam Saturday: IV Xample, I’d Rather Be Alone

July 20, 2024

In the 1990s, R&B music was dominated by vocal groups known for their captivating lead singers and smooth harmonies. This week, I wanted to highlight IV Xample and their single “I’d Rather Be Alone” for Slow Jam Saturday.

Second Listen Sunday: Babyface, Lovers

July 14, 2024

As an independent entertainment critic, one of my primary concerns stems from observing established figures within the music industry making factual errors during interviews or reviews. Of particular note are instances where Bobby Brown’s “Don’t Be Cruel” and Usher’s “My Way,” released in 1988 and 1997, are erroneously cited as the artists’ debut albums. It is evident to genuine music enthusiasts that such claims are inaccurate.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn