Vesta Williams, Special | Throwback Vibez

In the 22^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Special” by Vesta Williams.   

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 that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 22^nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Special”, performed by Vesta Williams. 

According to the late, great Vesta Williams (1957 – 2011), “Never thought I’d find a lover / Who could love me like no other, sugar / Now I’m spellbound in your hands.” Dang! Clearly, this man is truly – wait for it – “Special”! “Special,” which hails from her 1991 album, Special, is one of the singles she is renowned for, peaking at no. 2 on the R&B charts. Unfortunately, the record, like many of her other singles, didn’t earn pop success – oh, the plight of the underrated!

Regardless of the pop slights, “Special” is quite special as Williams has found THE ONE – the G.O.A.T.! “The way you hold me feels so right / The way you make me feel is oh so special,” go the lyrics from the chorus.  Meanwhile, in the second verse, Vesta sparks an ultra-romantic setting – “Nights of passion filled with moonlight.”   “Special” is a prime example of early 1990s R&B at its best, embracing adult contemporary and New Jack Swing sensibilities. Vesta Williams sounds utterly sublime – she was a special, special talent.

Vesta Williams • Special • A&M • 1991

Vesta Williams, “Special” : Throwback Vibez No. 22 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; A&M; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via Pixabay]