SWV play the Fresh Music Festival at the Air Canada Centre on June 9. See listing. Rating: NNNN
It was 1997 when pivotal R&B girl group SWV last released a record, and although the genre’s being ascribed resurgent status – if the critical pants-shitting over the R&Bish Weeknd and Frank Ocean is any barometer – not much has changed.
Beyond the hype, chameleons (Usher) and underrated newbies (Miguel) is a healthy nostalgia circuit where 90s staples like Ginuwine, Tank and Blackstreet regularly tour. In this context, SWV’s fourth album is perfectly timed: aimed at devotees but appropriate for both dilettantes and disciples.
Despite the contemporary slang (see cringingly titled Co-Sign), modern mix and necessary absence of their definitive New Jack Swing influence, I Missed Us is a natural next step in the canon. It’s matured, quintessential SWV: swooping, complex melodies, earnest ballads and sensual harmonies.
And there’s none of the directionless, radio-vying gimmickry that too often plagues comeback records.
Top track: The Best Years