(ThyBlackMan.com) When you talk about vocalists who truly understood the heart of R&B, Glenn Jones deserves a seat at the table. His voice—clear, expressive, and soul-drenched—has long been one of the genre’s hidden treasures. While he may not have reached the commercial heights of some of his contemporaries, what Glenn delivered was something arguably more enduring: emotional authenticity and vocal excellence that never go out of style.
Listening to his records is like flipping through a photo album of Black love—there’s vulnerability, joy, heartbreak, and healing, all wrapped in buttery vocal runs and perfectly polished production. From tender ballads to mid-tempo grooves, Glenn Jones always knew how to ride a melody and make you feel every single lyric. These seven songs don’t just showcase his range—they highlight why his music still matters in 2025, especially for lovers of real R&B.
1. “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)”
This is arguably Glenn Jones’ signature hit—and with good reason. “We’ve Only Just Begun (The Romance Is Not Over)” captures the optimism and devotion of a long-term relationship entering a new phase. From the very first chord, the production sets a warm, inviting tone, and then Glenn’s vocals sweep in like a reassuring embrace.
What makes this song special is its sincerity. Jones doesn’t just sing the lyrics—he delivers them with the conviction of someone who has lived them. His falsetto glides over the melody, filled with yearning and assurance at once. The chorus, with its promise of enduring love, becomes an anthem for couples seeking to renew their connection. In a world where love songs often lean toward either heartbreak or lust, this track offers something refreshingly wholesome and grounded.
The instrumentation, with its gentle keys and subtle horn flourishes, complements the vocals perfectly. It doesn’t try to overpower; it enhances. There’s a timeless quality to the arrangement that makes the song equally powerful on a vinyl record, a Spotify playlist, or a romantic evening drive. You can hear traces of gospel in the background harmonies, which adds spiritual depth to the romantic theme.
Lyrically, it’s about commitment—a rare subject in modern R&B. It assures the listener that love isn’t just about the beginning spark, but about maintaining and growing that bond. That’s what makes the track so relatable, especially for couples navigating the seasons of long-term love. Jones transforms what could’ve been just another love song into a testament of endurance and grace.
In 2025, “We’ve Only Just Begun” still hits the soul. It speaks to listeners across generations—those who are in love, those who’ve fallen out of it, and those who are hoping to find it again. Glenn Jones crafted more than a hit—he gave us a lifelong companion. And in a world that often celebrates fleeting feelings, this song remains a gentle reminder that romance can—and should—continue.
2. “Here I Go Again”
“Here I Go Again” is a masterclass in vocal control and emotional storytelling. Released in the early ‘90s, when New Jack Swing and hip-hop soul were dominating the charts, Glenn Jones doubled down on the classic R&B ballad and won. This track is about vulnerability—stepping back into love even after heartbreak.
The lyrics are relatable: a man cautious yet compelled to fall in love again. Glenn’s delivery is so sincere that it feels like a personal conversation. He draws you in, not with flashy runs or vocal gymnastics, but with a steady, heartfelt performance that builds with the story. This kind of emotional layering is what separates good vocalists from great ones. It’s in the subtle catch of breath between lines, the tremble that betrays doubt, and the slow but firm resolve in the chorus.
Sonically, the song leans into a warm bed of synth pads and drum machines, consistent with its era, but never feels overproduced. The chord progressions are soft and fluid, designed to carry emotion more than rhythm. Jones uses this foundation to build a performance that gradually opens up, much like someone slowly learning to trust again. There’s beauty in the patience of the song—it never rushes, it waits, just like the heart sometimes must.
What also makes this track powerful is its masculinity presented through emotional honesty. Jones doesn’t hide behind bravado. He owns his emotional risk, something sorely lacking in modern R&B where vulnerability is often filtered through detachment or swagger. This song offers a different image of Black male love—one that is expressive, open, and unafraid of being hurt again.
What’s most remarkable is how this song fits into today’s playlists. At a time when many R&B songs flirt with toxic love or emotional detachment, “Here I Go Again” is a reminder of the power of emotional courage. It’s for anyone who has been afraid to love again—and did it anyway. It feels just as fresh and necessary now as it did over 30 years ago.
3. “I’ve Been Searchin’ (Nobody Like You)”
“I’ve Been Searchin’ (Nobody Like You)” is the sound of pure, unfiltered desire wrapped in elegance. This late-’80s track perfectly walks the line between uptempo groove and slow jam energy. It’s the kind of song that makes you sway, whether you’re cleaning the house or slow dancing with your partner. It’s undeniably catchy, but underneath that slick production is a deep emotional undercurrent.
The opening synths are unmistakably ‘80s, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s a relic. The production, though polished with era-appropriate sheen, is carefully balanced with soul. Glenn’s voice—rich and fluid—carries the weight of every lyric, particularly in the chorus where he repeats, “There’s nobody like you.” It’s a simple line, but he makes it sound like a revelation. This is Jones at his most passionate—sincere, focused, and vocally athletic.
The groove itself is one of the most irresistible in his catalog. The bassline pops with just enough funk, and the crisp snares drive the track forward without being too aggressive. Background vocals are layered with precision, giving the chorus a choir-like fullness. There’s a nostalgic warmth to the song that makes it ideal for vinyl lovers and soul revivalists alike.
Beyond its technical excellence, this song speaks to a universal human experience—the desire to find someone irreplaceable. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just someone who’s been lucky enough to meet that one-in-a-million partner, this track hits home. And in today’s algorithm-driven dating culture, the idea of someone being truly “unlike any other” is both comforting and radical.
Even now, this track can find a home on contemporary soul playlists. There’s a resurgence of interest in retro R&B grooves, and this song deserves its flowers. It’s soulful without being syrupy, upbeat without being frenetic. A perfect balance. It reminds us that music can be both rhythmically infectious and emotionally resonant—a rare feat, but one Jones pulled off effortlessly.
4. “Stay”
“Stay” is one of those songs where less is more. It strips back the bells and whistles and lets emotion take the front seat. The production is spacious, allowing every piano chord and vocal inflection to sink in. It’s a plea, pure and simple—Jones asking a lover not to walk away. The sparseness of the arrangement creates a kind of musical intimacy rarely heard in modern R&B.
The vocal performance here is particularly nuanced. There’s no screaming or wailing; instead, Jones delivers each line with a quiet urgency. You can feel the tension in his voice, especially in the chorus. “Stay… don’t leave me now,” he sings, and it feels like time stops. This restraint makes the emotion more powerful because it mirrors the real-life feeling of heartbreak—silent suffering rather than theatrical breakdowns. It’s an example of how tone and delivery can create drama without melodrama.
The emotional depth of “Stay” is also enhanced by the honesty of the lyrics. There’s no blame, no bitterness—just a simple, heartfelt appeal for love not to end. That rare purity in expression, the desire to hold on without manipulation or guilt, sets the song apart. In Jones’ hands, this song becomes a meditation on love’s fragility and the strength it takes to ask someone to stay.
Instrumentally, the track leans heavily on piano and soft percussion, a choice that pays off. It allows the voice and lyrics to shine. There’s also an understated bridge that adds depth without changing the song’s flow, a testament to great songwriting and arrangement. The bridge doesn’t just offer a change of pace—it offers a glimpse of hope before returning to the longing chorus.
“Stay” remains one of Glenn Jones’ most intimate tracks. In today’s age of overproduced heartbreak anthems, this song’s raw simplicity feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s the kind of track that makes you close your eyes, breathe deep, and remember your own moments of love slipping away. It’s both a love letter and a love lament—poignant, powerful, and everlasting.
5. “Round and Round”
“Round and Round” is a silky-smooth groove that showcases Jones’ midtempo mastery. While not as slow-burning as his ballads, this song still maintains a sensual vibe, making it ideal for those who like their R&B with a bit of swing. It’s less about begging for love and more about living in the loop of a complicated relationship. Jones plays the role of an emotionally weary but emotionally present partner—aware that the pattern isn’t healthy, but not quite ready to break it.
Lyrically, the song explores the cyclical nature of love—breaking up, making up, and going through the same motions. What keeps it from sounding defeatist is Glenn’s tone. There’s acceptance in his voice, maybe even a touch of bemused resignation. He’s not singing out of desperation but out of recognition: this is how love sometimes works. It’s not always linear. It’s not always neat. Sometimes, you just keep going in circles—trying, failing, trying again.
The arrangement uses layered synths, gentle guitar licks, and a steady beat that mirrors the “round and round” theme. It’s hypnotic without being repetitive, catchy without being commercialized. Jones’ vocal agility shines here—he jumps between registers and dynamics effortlessly, keeping the listener engaged throughout. There’s a groove that lures you in, but also a vulnerability in the delivery that makes you stay.
What’s especially impressive is how the song sounds more relevant than ever today. In a digital age defined by “on-again, off-again” text threads and undefined relationships, “Round and Round” feels like the emotional soundtrack to situationships and modern love confusion. The lyrics don’t judge; they empathize. Jones speaks for those who want stability but keep circling the same emotional block, hoping something changes.
Even though the song dates back to 1987, it still plays effortlessly on modern R&B playlists. It has the warmth of classic ‘80s production but the emotional complexity of today’s storytelling. “Round and Round” isn’t just a groove—it’s a mirror for anyone caught in love’s most frustrating loop.
