(February 27, 2020) Eight years ago this month, the world lost a legend when "The Voice," Whitney Houston, passed away. The void left in her absence could never be filled, but if there were a torch to pass from one generation to the next, the handoff would fall squarely, and deservedly, into the hand of Deborah Cox.
Best known for her awe-inspiring, angst-filled hit 2000 ballad, "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here," The Canada native has had a steady career in and out of the music studio over the years, making multiple appearances on R&B and dance charts ("We Can't Be Friends," "If It Wasn't For Your Love," "Higher," "Let The World Be Ours Tonight") while performing in Broadway roles (Jekyll & Hyde, Josephine), 2016's The Bodyguard musical, and providing vocals for the Angela Bassett-directed biographical film based on Houston's life entitled Whitney.
(February 27, 2020) Eight years ago this month, the world lost a legend when "The Voice," Whitney Houston, passed away. The void left in her absence could never be filled, but if there were a torch to pass from one generation to the next, the handoff would fall squarely, and deservedly, into the hand of Deborah Cox.
Best known for her awe-inspiring, angst-filled hit 2000 ballad, "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here," The Canada native has had a steady career in and out of the music studio over the years, making multiple appearances on R&B and dance charts ("We Can't Be Friends," "If It Wasn't For Your Love," "Higher," "Let The World Be Ours Tonight") while performing in Broadway roles (Jekyll & Hyde, Josephine), 2016's The Bodyguard musical, and providing vocals for the Angela Bassett-directed biographical film based on Houston's life entitled Whitney.
Now on the verge of releasing her seventh studio album and starring in the new BET+ film, Influence, Cox's newest single, "Easy Way," reminds listeners of why Deborah remains a contender over 20 years since her debut.
Written and co-produced by Rico Love and DTown, the sinewy slow jam pontificates on how effortless it feels to fall in love and at the same time, how difficult it is to stay there. Voices raise, egos fall, and the urge to start over new claims any relationship, but according to Deborah, she's better off dedicated to who she loves instead of ruminating what she doesn't like: "Palms holding my face, can't look up and I can't stand/ (ain't no easy way to love) I know that you hurt me, but baby your wish, I said your wish is my command."
In 2017 interview, Cox shared her gratitude for connecting with Whitney personally and professionally (for 2000's "Same Script, Different Cast"), remembering that Houston said that it was important to balance both family and career. "Easy Way" is not only a powerful ode to long-time love, but proof that the Miami, FL-based wife and mother both listened and charted her own worthwhile path.
By Melody Charles
Deborah Cox - "Easy Way"