On the 2nd edition of Throwback Vibez 
, we recollect and reflect on the song โNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ by Angie Stone.
T
he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback VibezโMy sunshine has come, and Iโm all cried out / And thereโs no more rain in this cloudโฆโ When the Grammy-nominated R&B artist
Angie Stone released her solo debut album,
Black Diamond in 1999, she was already much older than many of her neo-soul contemporaries at 38. Worth noting, she was already in the music biz with Black Diamond marked her breakthrough.
โNo More Rain (In This Cloud),โ hence, was the key song from this notable neo-soul album, leading the charge.
What makes โNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ so great? First and foremost, the rich, soulful alto of Angie Stone, of course! She delivers an emotional, expressive performance without forcing things. She poised but potent on โNo More Rain,โ supported by soulful backing vocals. Beyond the vocals, the production captures the soul of old, liberally sampling the soul legend sheโs oft compared to, Gladys Knight (
โNeither One of Us (Wantโs to be the First to Say Goodbye)โ). Given musical similarities, the sampled backdrop is perfect fuel for Stoneโs fire. Beyond the vocals and the production, the theme and lyrics provide further evidence why โNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ is great. After experiencing the plight of love โ broken heart and broken spirit โ Stone is no longer letting the hurt keep her down; sheโs reclaiming her happiness and moving forward. Thatโs where that marvelous chorus, comes into play, in all its nostalgic, memorable, and throwback glory.
Final Thoughts 
โNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ is a contemporary R&B classic that has plenty of character north of two decades after its arrival. It marks the genesis of Angie Stone as a solo artist. Stone has been painfully underrated, but sheโs among the most notable figures in my beloved neo-soul movement. โNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ = total vibe.
Angie Stone โข
Black Diamond โข
Sony Legacy โข
1999
Angie Stone, โNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ: Throwback Vibez 
No. 2 [
: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro, The Musical Hype]