11 Jun Marcus Sanders revisits Hi-Five’s debut album #ReturnToTheClassics
At the end of the 1980s, Jive Records asserted itself as the new home for popular hip-hop recording acts. As a result, they turned their attention to signing fresh R&B talent to their ever growing roster. During this juncture, there was a transition happening with younger R&B groups where various group members were exploring a solo terrain. This left a void in the contemporary R&B marketplace for a youthful singing group. The opportunity to capitalize on this void was made available and Jive Records seized the opportunity by signing Hi-Five - who released their self-titled debut album, Hi-Five, in 1990.18 May Jazzie B revisits Soul II Soul’s debut album ‘Club Classics Vol. One/Keep On Movin’ #ReturnToTheClassics
By the latter half of the 1980s, Soul II Soul had built a monstrous following as a sound system collective in the UK. Starting in 1982, Trevor “Jazzie B” Beresford Romeo, the sound system’s maestro began to develop and implement a plan of success for his musical outfit. After a series of single releases called dub plates in 1988, Club Classics Vol. One/Keep On Movin was released on April 10, 1989 by Virgin Records. Upon its release, the fervor surrounding the album increased exponentially due to the popularity of the lead single, “Fairplay.” The years spent in formulating an eclectic sound finally paid dividends for the sound system. As a result, music audiences began to gravitate to their groundbreaking sounds en masse. Soul II Soul encompassed a vast array of sounds and voices. Their formula for unparallel success was due to the fact of their constant change within the sound system. During this juncture, there were a plethora of outstanding musical groups dominating the musical landscape, but Soul II Soul was that rare brand of artists that comes along once every generation.08 Apr Teddy Riley revisits crafting Guy’s debut album #ReturnToTheClassics
By the late 1980s, R&B music was at a crossroads with its aging audience and sound. The genre itself was looking to go into a more youthful direction. Fortunately, help was on the way in the form of a teenage prodigy from Harlem, New York. Building off of the successes from Johnny Kemp and Keith Sweat in 1987, the newfound New Jack Swing genre was leaving its mark on pop culture audiences. In the same year, the mastermind behind this incredible blending of Hip-Hop and R&B would become part of a group named Guy that would ultimately define themselves as the trailblazing unit that would propel the dominance of New Jack Swing with their debut offering. Their self titled album, Guy would be released on June 13, 1988 by Uptown Records.24 Mar Parliament’s 1975 LP Mothership Connection revisited with Bernard Worrell #ReturnToTheClassics
By the mid 1970s, Parliament had become a full fledged funk/R&B ensemble that was taking the world by storm. Starting in 1974, the group began experiencing a series of mainstream successes. After the releases of Up for the Down Stroke in 1974 and Chocolate City in early 1975, Mothership Connection was released on December 15, 1975 by Casablanca Records. Upon its release, the album was quickly embraced due to the popularity of the lead single, “P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up).” The aforementioned albums provided Parliament the opportunity to expand on its musicianship - and as a result, music audiences began to gravitate to their groundbreaking sounds en masse.02 Mar We truly had magic: Karyn White reflects on her debut album
As the late 1980s arrived, Warner Brothers Records was expanding its roster of urban talent. Benny Medina was dispatched to helm the grooming and production of new talent. Among his many signees to the new division at the label was the promising voice of a beautiful songstress named Karyn White. She made her introduction known to the masses when her self-titled debut album was released on September 6, 1988. Coming off a standout career as a session writer and background singer for various artists, White found herself in the position to capitalize on her gifts by signing a record deal with Warner Brothers. Her breathtaking beauty along with powerhouse vocals proved to be a devastating combination that captured music audiences upon her arrival as a dynamic solo artist.06 Feb En Vogue’s Funky Divas album revisited with producers Foster & McElroy
After selling over one million copies of their debut album, Born to Sing, En Vogue decided to experiment with their sound for their sophomore effort. Released on March 24, 1992 by Eastwest Records, with Funky Divas they delivered an album for the ages. Upon releasing their follow up, expectations were elevated due to the instant commercial impact they made with their debut. En Vogue returned to the studio determined to broaden their listening audience and produce another high quality album not only for them, but for popular culture. As a result, their careers landed them in esteemed company. This album would see En Vogue asserting their dominance over their contemporaries in the Pop and R&B genres respectively.02 Jan Producer Chucky Thompson recalls crafting Faith Evans’ debut album, Faith
Coming off a successful string of debut releases from Hip Hop artists Craig Mack and the Notorious BIG, Bad Boy Records released Faith on August 29, 1995. Upon the release of Faith Evans' debut album, she was quickly dubbed as the heir apparent to the throne of the brand new genre Hip Hop/Soul. During this juncture, there were a plethora of women looking to make their mark on the industry as solo acts and breakthrough. She capitalized on the momentum laid down by her Bad Boy brethren and seized the moment. The young, upstart label was ushering in fresh talent to cultivate in its own image. Evans became the first lady of Bad Boy after being signed by Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs in early 1994. He clearly saw something in the young songstress and his gamble paid off decisively. Her debut offering delivered an unprecedented amount of success to the artist and label alike.10 Dec Phil Collins’ No Jacket Required album revisited with co-writer Daryl Stuermer | Return To The Classics
After a lackluster performance on the recording charts with this second solo effort, Hello, I Must Be Going! Phil Collins went back to the drawing board and created his greatest musical work. No Jacket Required was released on January 25, 1985 by Atlantic Records. Unbeknownst to Collins, he strived to construct a quality album and didn’t intend for the album to become such a worldwide phenomenon.
It would redefine pop music standards for a recording artist and ultimately his legacy. During the spring of 1984, Collins returned to the studio highly inspired and determined to leave his mark in a crowd of ostentatious talent on the pop music charts. Four years into his stint as a solo recording act, Collins achieved the height of superstardom with the triple entendre of real life lyricism, improvisation and exquisite musicianship.
13 Nov Craig David’s debut LP Born To Do It revisited with producer/writer Mark Hill
On August 14 2000, the UK music industry laid witness to an album which would not only find major success at the time, but would also help to shape the future sound of Black British Music as well as Contemporary Pop Music. Craig Ashley David, at the age of 19, released his debut album Born To Do It; a 12 track LP which fully captured the sounds of the then new and thriving Garage scene, as well as providing some mature R&B and soul which created an unforgettable project which many still reference today.