If the 1980's has taught us something is that bad taste dreadfully ruled during that entire 10-year span, in both music and fashion. Nonetheless, there were some rare exceptions where the marriage between sound and style (or the lack there of) worked to perfection and gave us timeless beats. The following decade surely made up for what was missing in the previous one: the 90s brought back the simplicity and chic-ness of old times, shaped for the MTV generation, and coupled with authentic talent that relied on soulful vocals rather than weird extravaganza.
Enter En Vogue. Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, Dawn Robinson and Terry Ellis, four gorgeous black ladies whose cool funky R&B dominated US charts during most of the decade. What was so special about En Vogue besides the facts that we've already discussed? They looked like the girl group next door, that is if you we're next door to Versace and Dior headquarters. Their lyrics easily empowered women (and men who felt like women) into being self-assured beings. They could sing their butts off rivaling the Mariahs and Whitneys of their day. They were so accesible (on music and on pressence) that you could buy them for the dozen if they were actually on sale.
The times have changed and their string on the charts might be over but En Vogue is back and are performing constantly on American and European shores, in a setlist that features most, if not ALL, of their biggest hits. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll put on my wig and my babydoll-shaped dress and sashay around the house looking for a man to teach him what it's worth. Halleloo! (I'm sorry, too much "Drag Race" lately)
MP3: En Vogue - My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)
