SWV | Weak

“… the ’90s slow jam against which all ‘90s slow jams would be judged … (peaked) at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1993 (Pitchfork) … ‘Weak’ clearly didn’t leap out to its singer as the era-defining ballad it would become, but then, nor did SWV immediately scan as the pop stars they would turn into months after the release of their 1992 debut, It’s About Time … a certain scrappiness was key to their appeal. They were three self-described around-the-way girls from New York … They blended classic girl-group harmonies and church singing … They embodied the ’90s ideal of not trying too hard …

As if guided by destiny, SWV found themselves in a sweet spot, conversant with R&B radio’s contemporary trends and a greater soul tradition, while offering flair distinct enough to make them really pop … Much of the group’s uniqueness can be chalked up to (lead vocalist) Coko’s candied voice: so guilelessly chirpy as to be surreal … A perpetual source of melisma, she renders short words multisyllabic as a matter of course … the union of hip-hop and soul, the allegiance to the remix, the street style, and conscious elegance all contribute to their status as a quintessential ‘90s R&B group, but more than anything, it was their ability to make it all look easy … “

The original version of this classic tune is worth another listen. But the group’s recent appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts shows the extra depth that live performance offers, as well as a more dynamic arrangement than the original. After a start in F major, 17:32 brings a bridge (enhanced with plenty of audience participation on this version!) which leads to a key change to G major at 17:49.