(October 6, 2022) Although Brownstone’s time at the top of the charts was brief, the impact of the trio’s musical output from the mid-1990s has been long-lasting. Sporting a distinctive sound which melded gospel influences with sassy soul-diva fire, original members Nicci Gilbert, Charmayne Maxwell, and Mimi Doby appealed to R&B and pop listeners alike with tunes released on Michael Jackson’s MJJ label ranging from the passionate “If You Love Me” to a sultry rendition of The Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why.”
It’s been over two decades since the group has released new music, although Gilbert and Doby reunited in 2019 for a performance to celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary, along with Teisha Brown—who joined them in 2008. Maxwell, who had left the group several years prior to pursue a solo career, died in 2015 from a tragic home accident.
(October 6, 2022) Although Brownstone’s time at the top of the charts was brief, the impact of the trio’s musical output from the mid-1990s has been long-lasting. Sporting a distinctive sound which melded gospel influences with sassy soul-diva fire, original members Nicci Gilbert, Charmayne Maxwell, and Mimi Doby appealed to R&B and pop listeners alike with tunes released on Michael Jackson’s MJJ label ranging from the passionate “If You Love Me” to a sultry rendition of The Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why.”
It’s been over two decades since the group has released new music, although Gilbert and Doby reunited in 2019 for a performance to celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary, along with Teisha Brown—who joined them in 2008. Maxwell, who had left the group several years prior to pursue a solo career, died in 2015 from a tragic home accident.
Gilbert and Brown have recruited new member Arin Jackson for the Marcus Devine-produced uptempo joint “All I Want,” the first preview of their upcoming third album, Back Again. Though the track has little to do with the sound that brought them fame back in the day, it’s a pleasant listen that weathers the difficult task of smoothly meshing nineties influences with a modern edge. The focus is on solid vocals, and the temptation to resort to musical gimmicks is thankfully resisted. While the single is unlikely to be nearly as influential as earlier material that garnered the group Grammy and Billboard nominations, it’s a plausible comeback effort which will ideally garner the ladies some renewed buzz and set the stage for their second coming.
Brownstone - "All I Want"