Advertisement

Album reviews Music

SWV – I Missed Us

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

Advertisement

Exclusive content and events straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Recently Posted