Simplicity and wordplay are the keys to this song being as good as it is. “Hopeless” is a neo-soul journey-person summit, of sorts. The song was written by Van Hunt, a musician who, despite possessing googobs of talent. was maybe a little too far left for the mainstream. It was performed by Dionne Farris, who… Read More “Hopeless” by Dionne Farris (1997)
You might get the idea that Musiq Soulchild (sometimes known as plain ol’ Musiq) is a bit pretentious, what with the stage name and the way his song titles combine words, but his gift as a singer/songwriter actually is the way that he can explain complicated emotional situations in a way that’s relatable to everyone.… Read More “Halfcrazy” by Musiq (2002)
“Got ‘til It’s Gone” has to be one of the least safe lead singles to be released as the first single from a highly anticipated pop project. Janet Jackson was coming off the twin triumphs of 1993’s janet and a 1995 greatest hits collection when she began to prepare what became The Velvet Rope. For… Read More “Got ‘Til It’s Gone” by Janet Jackson feat. Q-Tip & Joni Mitchell (1997)
Jill Scott might be a little self-absorbed, and that’s not (absolute) shade. She looks regal, her music sounds regal, and there’s a confidence that permeates through her that you don’t find in a lot of artists. I’ll take away points just because she (very sweetly) tried to son Chaka Khan for appearing as her opening… Read More “Golden” by Jill Scott (2004)
I finally learned how to make an accent mark! Fun! …which is the title of this juicy album track from TTT’s 1993 album Sons of Soul. The back-to-basics “Neo soul” movement of the ’90s really took flight with this and Me’shell NdegeOcello’s Plantation Lullabies, which was released that same summer. “Fun” is a deep cut,… Read More “Fun” by Tony! Toni! Toné! (1993)
“Fortunate” is as straightforward a pop song as Maxwell has ever done. Quite possibly, this is because “Fortunate” is one of the only Maxwell songs that doesn’t boast a writing credit from the artist. “Fortunate” comes from the pen of R. Kelly, was recorded for the soundtrack to the movie Life (co-starring Eddie Murphy and… Read More “Fortunate” by Maxwell (1999)
Despite only knowing my mother’s side, I come from a pretty big family. I’m one of four, my mother’s one of six, and I have more cousins than I can shake a stick at. Not only that, but my parents are immigrants. My mom came to this country with her parents in the early ’70s,… Read More “Family Reunion” by Jill Scott (2004)
Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’” was a massive, Grammy winning, Number One record. I remember “Fallin’” being ubiquitous during the summer of 2001 the same way that “Hold On” by En Vogue was omnipresent during the summer of 1990 or “I Wanna Sex You Up” ruled the airwaves and car sound systems in Brooklyn the following year.… Read More “Fallin'” by Alicia Keys (2001)
Oh, did you not know that Darius Rucker made an R&B record? He sure did. I don’t think Hootie was officially kaput yet, but I guess Darius wanted to spread his wings a little bit, so he signed a solo deal with Hidden Beach Records, best known as the home of Jill Scott. 2003’s Back… Read More “Exodus” by Darius Rucker (2002)
If nothing else, I have to give props to Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor” for adding the word “reciprocity” to my vocabulary. I’ve used it quite a bit in the last twenty years. I think part of the reason there aren’t that many bands and groups as there used to be is because it’s so hard to… Read More “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill (1998)
Five Star Jamz 