Reading Time: 3 min read

Angie Stone, โ€œNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ€: Throwback Vibez ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ๐ŸŽถ No. 2 [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro,  The Musical Hype, Sony]On the 2nd edition of Throwback Vibez ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ๐ŸŽถ, we recollect and reflect on the song โ€œNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ€ by Angie Stone. 

T

he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ๐ŸŽถ! Throwback Vibez ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ๐ŸŽถ is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ๐ŸŽถ are older, but that doesnโ€™t necessarily mean that theyโ€™re ancient โ€“ no fossils ๐Ÿฆด! All genres of music are welcome โ€“ we donโ€™t discriminate โ€˜round here! On the 2nd edition of Throwback Vibez ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ๐ŸŽถ, we explore the recollect and reflect on ๐ŸŽต โ€œNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ€, performed by ๐ŸŽ™ Angie Stone

โ€œMy sunshine has come, and Iโ€™m all cried out / And thereโ€™s no more rain in this cloudโ€ฆโ€ When the ๐Ÿ† Grammy-nominated R&B artist ๐ŸŽ™ Angie Stone released her solo debut album, ๐Ÿ’ฟ 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. ๐ŸŽต โ€œNo More Rain (In This Cloud),โ€ hence, was the key song from this notable neo-soul album, leading the charge.

https://media.giphy.com/media/KBc13DIttOhWF0hdNt/giphy.gif

What makes โ€œNo 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 โ€œNo More Rain,โ€ supported by soulful backing vocals.  Beyond the vocals, the production captures the soul of old, liberally sampling the soul legend sheโ€™s oft compared to, ๐ŸŽ™ Gladys Knight (๐ŸŽต โ€œNeither One of Us (Wantโ€™s to be the First to Say Goodbye)โ€).  Given musical similarities, the sampled backdrop is perfect fuel for Stoneโ€™s fire. Beyond the vocals and the production, the theme and lyrics provide further evidence why โ€œNo 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; sheโ€™s reclaiming her happiness and moving forward.  Thatโ€™s where that marvelous chorus, comes into play, in all its nostalgic, memorable, and throwback glory.

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o6nUOsKljxAe2lhHq/giphy.gif


Final Thoughts ๐Ÿ’ญ

Bitmoji Imageโ€œNo 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 sheโ€™s among the most notable figures in my beloved neo-soul movement. โ€œNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ€ = total vibe. 

https://media.giphy.com/media/3pZdgzdxIi2Vd17JSb/giphy.gif


๐ŸŽ™ Angie Stone โ€ข ๐Ÿ’ฟ Black Diamond โ€ข ๐Ÿท Sony Legacy โ€ข ๐Ÿ—“ 1999
Angie Stone, โ€œNo More Rain (In This Cloud)โ€: Throwback Vibez ๐Ÿ•ถ๏ธ๐ŸŽถ No. 2 [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro, The Musical Hype]

 


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.