Tevin Campbell, Can We Talk | Throwback Vibez

In the 133^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 133^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Can We Talk” performed by Tevin Campbell.

“Now, I build up my confidence / Girl, next, next time you come my way / I’ll know just what to say.” Word.  “Can We Talk” is the opening track from I’m Ready, the sophomore album by Grammy-nominated R&B singer, Tevin Campbell. Campbell was a mere teen when he released this contemporary R&B gem. Babyface and Daryl Simmons wrote and produced it. A rousing success on the pop charts, “Can We Talk” peaked at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was certified gold by the RIAA and nominated for a Grammy.

Matters of the heart fuel “Can We Talk.” The chorus, the centerpiece, speaks volumes:

“Can we talk for a minute?

Girl, I want to know your name

Can we talk for a minute?

Girl, I want to know your name.”

The verses find the young Campbell enticed by this nameless girl. “Last night, I, I saw you standing / And I started, started pretending / That I knew you, and you knew me,” he sings in the first verse.  In the second, he wants to do something cleverer than writing letters: “I wanted to get down and sweet talk you.” The pre-choruses bridge the verses to the chorus, with the ultimate goal being to talk to her. In the bridge, he asks for “One more chance with you again.” It’s all about love, baby! The youngster sings beautifully beyond his years.  His tone is excellent, while the riffs and runs are scintillating. The instrumental accompaniment is characteristic of the rhythmic but smooth New Jack Swing prominent in the ‘90s.  To this day, “Can We Talk” is a memorable and impressive R&B performance.  Notably, after his music career, Campbell came out as gay.

Tevin Campbell // I’m Ready // Warner // 1993

Tevin Campbell, Can We Talk: Throwback Vibez No. 133 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Warner; OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]