(August 21, 2020) Every Quiet Storm fan knows “That Secret Garden,” the quintessential late night sexy jam that was a highlight of Quincy Jones’s 1989 Grammy winning album, Back On The Block. The song has been covered in concert by scores of artists and was even re-recorded by Q on subsequent projects, but it has been awhile since it received the kind of all-star cover treatment that is given in today’s brand new release featuring Sisqo (Dru Hill), Shawn Stockman (Boyz II Men), Raheem DeVaughn, and Omar Wilson.
(August 21, 2020) Every Quiet Storm fan knows “That Secret Garden,” the quintessential late night sexy jam that was a highlight of Quincy Jones’s 1989 Grammy winning album, Back On The Block. The song has been covered in concert by scores of artists and was even re-recorded by Q on subsequent projects, but it has been awhile since it received the kind of all-star cover treatment that is given in today’s brand new release featuring Sisqo (Dru Hill), Shawn Stockman (Boyz II Men), Raheem DeVaughn, and Omar Wilson.
Taking on this kind of classic is a gutsy move. The original version did what it did so well, with four perfectly cast vocalists and, of course, Jones’ exquisite production. So, does the new version measure up? Sort of. It also features a quartet of fine singers, which helps. But it is so faithful to the original, you may come out asking why it is being released. Maybe it is to introduce a new generation to a great song, or maybe it just some friends having fun singing a song that they always loved.
In the end, this new “Secret Garden” doesn’t outshine the original in any respect, but it is a solid performance that should be enjoyed by those who either didn’t know the song or who pine to hear it with different voices.
Check out “Secret Garden” below and tell us what you think.
By Chris Rizik