On this date back in 1993, Tevin Campbell released his second studio album entitled I’m Ready. The lead single, “Can We Talk”, was huge and is still considered a classic to this day. A testament to this is the fact that, just last year, North Carolina Central University’s(one of the best HBCUs in the land) band played it as a part of their homecoming halftime show. Everyone in the stands still knew every word too. In case you don’t know, having your song played by a HBCU band is a major stamp of approval.
I consider the album to be one of the best albums of the entire 90s decade, not just for R&B. This is thanks in large part to Tevin’s voice. My first time hearing Tevin was on “Tomorrow”, a song from Quincy Jones’ 1989 Back On The Block album. I was so confused the first time I heard the song because I just knew it was young Michael Jackson. Haha. His tone and ability to emote from such a young age were amazing and fairly comparable to Michael’s vocal abilities at that same age.
Tevin’s voice had matured nicely by the time his second album, I’m Ready, came out. So many wonderful examples of strong vocals are all over the album, but I’m especially partial to “Don’t Say Goodbye Girl”. I just love that song anyway. The album itself takes me back to a wonderful, carefree time in my life(ah, childhood), and also reminds me quite a bit of my sister Jamie(a lot of music does). I’ll always adore it for these reasons first. This is not to say that the album was cookie cutter by any means…Tevin’s version of the Prince-written “Shhh” is a song that my friends and I still jokingly say that Tevin was too young to be singing. Haha. Speaking of Prince, there is also the socially conscious “Uncle Sam”, as well as “The Halls of Desire”, both of which were produced by him. I always liked both songs a lot. Vocally, though, the Babyface-produced tracks are probably the best ones to listen to: “Always In My Heart”(ad libs!), and the title track, “I’m Ready”.
With all of this said, just listen to the album! The uptempos are just as appealing as the mid tempos and ballads. (Shoutout to my namesake song, the beautiful “Brown Eyed Girl”.) Happy 27th Anniversary to this wonderful gem of 90s R&B and raw talent.
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