The #1 R&B song of 2004 according to Billboard magazine was Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You" and this tune goes down as one her best vocal performances. Another ballad that relays that nothing else matters, if she doesn't have that special someone in her life. The lyrics below depict the strength of this piano driven composition.
"Some people want it all, but I don't want nothing at all, if it ain't you baby, if I ain't got you baby, some people want diamond rings, some just want everything but everything means nothing if I ain't got you..."
Mario - What Your Name Is
Singer Mario has one of the strongest male voices to come out of the plethora of teen stars at the turn of the decade. With a top 10 hit, "Just A Friend," under his belt, he released his self-titled debut album in 2002. Notably, the album track "What Your Name Is" is a testament to his vocal prowess.
Although grammatically incorrect, the song is extremely pleasant and finds the young singer yearning to only the know the name of his lady friend. Because, learning one's name is the first step to building a relationship that could last a lifetime.
Although grammatically incorrect, the song is extremely pleasant and finds the young singer yearning to only the know the name of his lady friend. Because, learning one's name is the first step to building a relationship that could last a lifetime.
Brandy - WOW
2001 also saw the release of Brandy's long awaited third album "Full Moon." Produced primarily by Rodney Jerkins, the album remains one of the best of the past decade and a solid effort from beginning to end. One of the many standout cuts was "WOW."
"WOW" finds Brandy signing that she "never felt a love so good" and that "everyday she wears a smile" because her new man treats her amazingly. As so many relationships tend to end badly, its a refreshing track to hear where one can find a quality partner who "WOW's" you on a daily basis simply by the goodness of their character.
"WOW" finds Brandy signing that she "never felt a love so good" and that "everyday she wears a smile" because her new man treats her amazingly. As so many relationships tend to end badly, its a refreshing track to hear where one can find a quality partner who "WOW's" you on a daily basis simply by the goodness of their character.
B2K - Understanding
Although I'm sometimes ashamed to admit it, B2K's self-titled debut was the second album that I ever purchased for myself. My instant favorite from the album was "Understanding." Many R&B songs revolve around a man understanding their significant other; however, the gender roles are switched within this tune.
Avril Lavigne - I'm With You
Avril Lavinge burst on the pop/rock music scene in early 2002. However, it wasn't until 2003, when I first heard "I'm With You" that I realized that she was truly an amazing songwriter and had the potential to be a star. With the lyrics "Take me by the hand, take me somewhere new, I don't know who you are, but I, I'm with you..." Avril showed a vulnerability and an unspoken strength at the same time.
The aforementioned ballad finds the singer in a place where she is completely lost in life; however, it's alright because she is with that special person. Arguably sung acoustically, the song ballad was her 3rd consecutive #1 POP hit and solidified her place as an "artist" within the new decade.
The aforementioned ballad finds the singer in a place where she is completely lost in life; however, it's alright because she is with that special person. Arguably sung acoustically, the song ballad was her 3rd consecutive #1 POP hit and solidified her place as an "artist" within the new decade.
Ashanti - Voo Doo
It was in early 2002 that I began to purchase music and albums. The first CD that I ever bought for myself was Ashanti's self-titled debut album. Following the #1 smah "Foolish" the album was full of slow, melodic R&B songs. My favorite song of the album was 7 Aurelius produced "Voo Doo."
Within the song, Ashanti croons that her lover has put a small over her and "She (I) doesn't know what has come over her (me)." However, the true dilemma is notable because she already in a relationship with another individual. Sounds like some magic work to me.
Within the song, Ashanti croons that her lover has put a small over her and "She (I) doesn't know what has come over her (me)." However, the true dilemma is notable because she already in a relationship with another individual. Sounds like some magic work to me.
Amerie - Show Me
In 2002, I graduated from middle school and the only thing I wanted was Amerie's debut album "All I Have." After loving the first two singles "Why Don't We Fall In Love" & "Talkin' To Me" and feel in love with the Rich Harrison produced album. To this date it remains my favorite album from the singer and I wish that she would return to the music that made me a fan.
One album track "Show Me" was a sensual track where she sings "Feeling like letting you love me, feel like giving you my heart." I especially connected with this song because its definitely one of Amerie's strongest vocal performances and is a must listen for R&B fans.
One album track "Show Me" was a sensual track where she sings "Feeling like letting you love me, feel like giving you my heart." I especially connected with this song because its definitely one of Amerie's strongest vocal performances and is a must listen for R&B fans.
Aaliyah - Miss You
In late 2002, Blackground Records released a compilation of late singer, Aaliyah's unreleased tracks as well as a few of her notable hits. The first single was the ballad "Miss You." Written and produced by Brian Michael-Cox, the song is very special to me because I was devastated by the singer's passing and new music from her catalog was a much needed blessing.
The song proved to be a hit and reached #1 on the R&B charts. The music video was filled with cameos from numerous stars seeking to pay their respects to the singer. Sonically, the tune revolved around and individuals who misses a lost lover, which was eerily pertinent and subsequently highly emotive and effective.
The song proved to be a hit and reached #1 on the R&B charts. The music video was filled with cameos from numerous stars seeking to pay their respects to the singer. Sonically, the tune revolved around and individuals who misses a lost lover, which was eerily pertinent and subsequently highly emotive and effective.
Usher - U Got It Bad
After some minor delays, Usher released his third album "8701" on August 7, 2001 (8/7/01). The standout cut on the album was the second single "U Got It Bad." Within the song, produced by hit-maker Jermaine Dupri, Usher tells of the point when you know you're in love when everything in your life is consumed by that special person.
He notable sings "Tell her I'm your man, your my girl, I'm gon' tell it to the whole wide world." And tell it he did, with this being his 3rd U.S. Hot 100 #1 and subsequent worldwide smash.
He notable sings "Tell her I'm your man, your my girl, I'm gon' tell it to the whole wide world." And tell it he did, with this being his 3rd U.S. Hot 100 #1 and subsequent worldwide smash.
P!nk - Don't Let Me Get Me
In 2001, singer P!nk seemingly took control of her career and released the ground break "M!zzundastood" album. The second single off that album, "Don't Let Me Get Me" tells the story of how, as individuals, we often feel that we have to confirm to the norms of society in regard to following trends and calculated formulas.
However, the notion that has since shaped P!nk's career, is that you don't. You can be yourself and that's OK, too. The aforementioned track is a metaphor for this belief and deservedly was a #1 Pop single for the singer.
However, the notion that has since shaped P!nk's career, is that you don't. You can be yourself and that's OK, too. The aforementioned track is a metaphor for this belief and deservedly was a #1 Pop single for the singer.
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