Angie Stone, No More Rain (In This Cloud) | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

On the 2^nd edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶, we recollect and reflect on the song “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” by Angie Stone. 

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he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! On the 2^nd edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶, we explore the recollect and reflect on 🎵 “No More Rain (In This Cloud)”, performed by 🎙 Angie Stone. 

“My sunshine has come, and I’m all cried out / And there’s no more rain in this cloud…” 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. 🎵 “No More Rain (In This Cloud),” hence, was the key song from this notable neo-soul album, leading the charge.

What makes “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” 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 “No More Rain,” supported by soulful backing vocals.  Beyond the vocals, the production captures the soul of old, liberally sampling the soul legend she’s oft compared to, 🎙 Gladys Knight (🎵 “Neither One of Us (Want’s to be the First to Say Goodbye)”).  Given musical similarities, the sampled backdrop is perfect fuel for Stone’s fire. Beyond the vocals and the production, the theme and lyrics provide further evidence why “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” is great.  After experiencing the plight of love – broken heart and broken spirit – Stone is no longer letting the hurt keep her down; she’s reclaiming her happiness and moving forward.  That’s where that marvelous chorus, comes into play, in all its nostalgic, memorable, and throwback glory.

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Final Thoughts 💭

“No More Rain (In This Cloud)” 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 she’s among the most notable figures in my beloved neo-soul movement. “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” = total vibe. 

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🎙 Angie Stone • 💿 Black Diamond • 🏷 Sony Legacy • 🗓 1999
Angie Stone, “No More Rain (In This Cloud)”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 2 [📷: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro, The Musical Hype]

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