She's Still Standing

Because I've been busy, I haven't been keeping up on my new album releases as I should. For example, who knew Alice In Chains reformed and put out a great album. Then I saw a blog by Skye Edwards on her Myspace page that she released a second album. She failed to mention that this album is absolutely incredible. Then I see a guitar magazine on a rack with one of my favorite guitarists of all time, Slash on the cover. Apparently he has an album out. He does what he does, rocks out hard with attitude, it's pretty good too.

But the biggest surprise goes to Monica. In my opinion, from her era, she is by far the best, with second not even being close. She has always been in my top three favorite R&B singers of all time. People may want to debate me on that, but statistically, she is the cream of the crop of singers from her era. That cannot even entertain a slight disagreement. A few things about that while I reminisce.

I was in the fifth row at her concert supporting The Boy is Mine. Monica is one of the most naturally beautiful women I have ever seen sing. God blessed her richly in that department. Also, Michelle Williams (pre-Destiny's Child) was her backup singer at this show. That should tell you how good Monica is. Monica just performed with a four piece band, three background vocals, and dancers. Everyone got a feature as well. The dance off between her dancers (accompanied live by the band) was incredible. I actually wrote the bass lick down and can still play it to this day. That whole show was sick.

Back to the program. I will stop, however, at saying this album is her best yet. The Boy is Mine was pretty damn good so for most R&B albums by anyone, let alone Monica, to be considered better than The Boy is Mine, is a tall order.

Not many artists have had Monica's longevity. In this industry that is a real testament. I don't know her personally but from my experience, you have to be a real special individual to last long in any musical genre, especially R&B. By special I mean you are somewhat humble, and considerate of others.

It was a nice surprise to hear Monica's voice again. To her I offer my congratulations for sticking with it for approximately 15 years and still going.

Now for the next surprise, Lauryn Hill?