For years now, I've mourned the loss of R&B as I knew it during the '70s, '80s and '90s. Oh, how I loved '90s R&B! Substance was the norm, not the exception back then. I had just begun accepting the idea that "mainstream" R&B had permanently changed when this steady stream of '90's R&B and Hot 100 chart toppers announced reconciliations and comeback albums. SWV is among those preparing to return in a major way with the impending release of I Missed Us on April 17th. These Sisters With Voices can sang, and that is why they can come back after all this time and STILL rock our socks. SWV could've pandered to the "new R&B" audience and left the rest of us shaking our collective head, feeling nostalgic, longing for the music of years past. Instead, they took a chance and gave us more of what endeared them to us in the first place. Today's SWV is modern but mature and keenly aware of the era that launched their careers. Like "Co-Sign," their first single from the new album, "All About You" mixes the old with the new, using samples to complement their new sound. I don't know about you, but when I first heard it I had the sudden urge to drop my top, eat a bomb pop, and roller-skate -- all at the same time. It's a simple, feel good song about pure love, and includes a nod to Hi-Five à la "I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)." Still need convincing? Take a listen, then be sure to pick up I Missed Us next week. If it takes a 15-year break for our favorite '90's R&B artists to come back this strong, by all means, take your time. We'll be here when you get back. That includes you too, En Vogue.
Center
- Advertisement -
