(ThyBlackMan.com) When we talk about the golden era of R&B, especially that infectious New Jack Swing wave of the late ’80s and early ’90s, Christopher Williams often flies just a little under the radar—but he really shouldn’t. With a voice that blends raw passion and smooth delivery, and a catalog filled with emotionally rich slow jams and feel-good grooves, Williams was a key player in shaping the sound of that time.
His music hits that sweet spot where soul meets swagger. Whether you first heard him through New Jack City or discovered his deeper cuts later on, there’s something about his sound that sticks with you. Let’s take a closer look at eight standout tracks that showcase exactly why Christopher Williams deserves way more love than he gets.
1. “I’m Dreamin’”
Arguably the song that catapulted Christopher Williams into stardom, “I’m Dreamin’” is synonymous with the cultural impact of New Jack City. Featured prominently in the gritty 1991 crime drama, the track blends the pulsing energy of New Jack Swing with the melodic sophistication of ‘70s soul, creating something cinematic and memorable. The result is a soundtrack-defining moment that still holds its weight today.
What sets this song apart is how it combines urgency with polish. The rhythm is tightly constructed—built on rolling snares, rhythmic synth stabs, and layered backing vocals that thicken the emotional backdrop without overwhelming the lead. The production creates a wall of sound that feels both glossy and street-savvy, perfect for both urban radio and upscale R&B charts.
Williams’ vocal performance is key here. He balances bravado with vulnerability, bringing dynamic phrasing that grows more intense as the song progresses. He doesn’t just ride the beat—he propels it, pushing his voice through the instrumentation in a way that makes the emotion feel palpable, almost like the soundtrack to a private confession.
Three decades later, “I’m Dreamin’” remains his defining anthem—not just because it charted well, but because it captures a moment in Black film, fashion, and sound that shaped a generation. Whether played at nostalgic R&B sets or discovered by new listeners today, its appeal hasn’t faded.
2. “All I See”
“All I See” is a silky, groove-driven track that showcases Williams shifting from the cinematic flair of “I’m Dreamin’” to a more introspective, sultry lane. From the Changes album, this mid-tempo jam trades big hooks for vibe, blending clean production with jazz-informed inflections and a deep emotional undercurrent. It’s a standout track that rewards repeat listening.
The production leans into lush, atmospheric elements. Keyboard pads drift gently over snapping percussion and tasteful electric bass licks. There’s a subtle swing in the rhythm that gives the song its seductive pacing, while the sparing use of strings and ambient textures adds emotional weight without clutter. It’s a minimalist approach that allows space for the vocals to breathe and resonate.
Williams navigates the space with precision. His delivery is intimate, never pushing too hard, yet commanding full attention. He uses restraint strategically—eschewing power notes in favor of controlled tonal shifts that reveal emotional nuance. It’s a performance that values clarity and depth, making it ideal for quiet listening sessions or deep emotional reflection.
In the current landscape of lo-fi R&B and bedroom soul, “All I See” feels surprisingly contemporary. Its smooth production and emotionally centered performance would fit right into playlists featuring artists like Dvsn or Brent Faiyaz. That’s the mark of timeless work—it lives beyond its era.
3. “Talk to Myself”
Released as part of his debut Adventures in Paradise, “Talk to Myself” was Christopher Williams’ early statement of intent: confident, soulful, and right in the pocket of late ‘80s R&B. At a time when the New Jack Swing movement was still crystallizing, this track helped put him on the map with a bold sound and a voice to match.
Musically, the track is a pure slice of late-’80s energy. Drum machines snap with digital precision, synthesizers ripple across the beat in syncopated waves, and the bassline carries a bouncing funk groove that’s infectious without being overpowering. The arrangement leans heavily on call-and-response dynamics, giving it a layered, interactive texture that feels alive even decades later.
Williams’ vocal delivery stands out for its clarity and edge. He doesn’t just sing—he performs, giving the listener inflection, attitude, and a hint of streetwise charm. His phrasing brings personality to each line, moving from cool detachment to near-frustration as the song builds. That emotional arc gives the track staying power—it never settles into monotony.
“Talk to Myself” continues to be a sleeper favorite for R&B purists. It’s got just enough swing to fit in a throwback DJ set and just enough heart to work as a solo headphone listen. For fans of the genre’s evolution from ‘80s synth-funk into ‘90s soul, this track offers a fascinating and enjoyable bridge.
4. “Every Little Thing U Do”
“Every Little Thing U Do” represents one of the more understated gems in Christopher Williams’ discography. Buried within the Changes album, it doesn’t boast the explosive hooks of his singles, but its strength lies in subtlety and intimacy. It’s the kind of track that grows stronger with each listen, quietly embedding itself into the listener’s emotional memory.
The arrangement here is stripped down and almost hypnotic. Sparse percussion taps alongside delicate piano chords and atmospheric background vocals that ebb and flow like a gentle tide. There’s a warmth in the sonic palette—nothing is overproduced. Instead, it creates a cozy musical space, perfect for intimate moments or late-night reflection.
Vocally, Williams opts for soft textures and gentle phrasing. This is not a performance driven by vocal acrobatics, but by tone and intention. His falsetto passages are feather-light, contrasting nicely with his richer mid-range delivery. The emotional realism in his performance gives the song a lived-in feel—like something recorded in the quiet after a meaningful conversation.
In today’s streaming era, where vibey and emotional R&B dominates chill playlists, this track holds its own. It could easily sit alongside modern-day ballads by artists like Eric Bellinger or H.E.R., proving once again that Christopher Williams was ahead of his time in understanding the value of emotional honesty over spectacle.
5. “Come Go with Me”
“Come Go with Me” is one of the more rhythmically engaging tracks on Adventures in Paradise, and it captures Christopher Williams in his New Jack Swing element—polished, charming, and musically agile. This track may not have had the chart success of “I’m Dreamin’,” but it carries that same confident energy that made Williams such a compelling figure during the late ‘80s R&B explosion. It’s a showcase of both his vocal charisma and his early ability to ride a groove with precision.
Right from the start, the beat commands attention. Crisp snares, layered synth textures, and a pulsing bassline make it the kind of track that invites movement. The drum programming, with its punchy syncopation and rubbery kick, leans into the dance floor tendencies of the era while retaining enough romantic subtlety to avoid sounding one-dimensional. It’s a track that understands how to groove without overwhelming the listener, a hallmark of the best New Jack Swing productions.
Vocally, Williams meets the moment with smooth control and rhythmic instinct. He doesn’t oversing—he flows with the track, letting his inflections do the heavy lifting. The way he plays with tone and pacing keeps the energy vibrant throughout, delivering a flirtatious performance that never slips into gimmickry. His delivery gives the song its momentum, making it as much about vocal feel as it is about melody.
What also makes “Come Go with Me” interesting is how it balances street sensibility with elegance. There’s a certain sophistication in the layering of the production—interlocking melodies, backing harmonies, and instrumental breaks that give the song room to breathe. It’s a song that works just as well in a dimly lit lounge as it does at a throwback dance party.
“Come Go with Me” still sounds fresh in 2025, especially as more listeners revisit the roots of contemporary R&B and rediscover the genre’s early influencers. With streaming platforms giving new life to deep album cuts, this track has the potential to reach a broader audience than it did in its original run. It’s a great reminder of the rhythmic versatility Williams brought to the New Jack Swing movement—bridging heart, heat, and harmony in one stylish package.
6. “Please, Please, Please”
This track from Not a Perfect Man is one of Christopher Williams’ most underrated and emotionally rich performances. Moving into the mid-’90s, R&B artists were transitioning from slick New Jack production into more mature, neo-soul-inflected sounds. “Please, Please, Please” reflects that transition with elegance. It’s the sound of an artist evolving—musically, emotionally, and vocally.
The production draws inspiration from ’70s soul ballads, echoing the warmth of artists like Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway. A soft piano leads the charge, accompanied by subdued guitar chords and gently swaying rhythm patterns. It’s a deceptively simple arrangement that makes space for the emotion to unfold. There’s a vintage feel in the mix, yet it avoids sounding dated due to its well-crafted dynamics and emotional immediacy.
Vocally, Williams is exceptional here. There’s a maturity in his voice that wasn’t as prominent on his earlier work. He leans into the imperfections, letting his breath and tone carry the emotion as much as the melody does. There’s a world-weariness to the performance—like someone who’s lived through the mistakes they’re singing about—and it connects on a deeper, more personal level.
In today’s R&B landscape, where authenticity is increasingly prized over vocal perfection, this song would feel right at home alongside modern crooners who aren’t afraid to be emotionally transparent. “Please, Please, Please” is the kind of soul music that ages gracefully—its themes universal, its delivery heartfelt, and its replay value unquestionable.
7. “Dance 4 Me”
“Dance 4 Me” shows Christopher Williams leaning into the lighter, funkier side of R&B. While many of his best-known songs are heartfelt ballads or emotional mid-tempos, this track proves he could hold his own when the tempo picks up and the flirtation begins. It’s one of his most accessible songs, designed to make you smile, move, and forget your worries for a few minutes.
From the start, the beat grabs attention. It’s constructed around a funky bassline, snappy drums, and synths that sparkle and pop with playful energy. The production is polished without being overproduced, allowing it to maintain its groove without becoming too busy. You can hear the influence of producers who understood the dancefloor as well as they understood the studio—think Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis or Teddy Riley’s more polished arrangements.
What makes this song work is Williams’ vocal approach. He loosens up here, bringing a wink and a grin to his delivery. His tone is lighter, more rhythmic, and even flirtatious, but never loses that soulful edge. It’s the kind of vocal that fits both a dancefloor and a cookout—accessible, charming, and made to be enjoyed in motion.
“Dance 4 Me” is a throwback that hasn’t lost its ability to energize a room. With retro-R&B parties and 90s playlists continuing to thrive in 2025, it fits comfortably alongside both nostalgia-driven sets and casual summer mixes. It’s a reminder that Williams could have fun without compromising vocal integrity.
8. “Not a Perfect Man”
The title track of Williams’ 1995 album stands as a striking personal statement—introspective, honest, and refreshingly unguarded. By the time this song came along, Williams had lived through the highs of radio success and the inevitable scrutiny that follows. “Not a Perfect Man” feels like a response to that journey—a moment of self-awareness channeled through melody and minimalism.
The instrumentation is beautifully restrained. A clean electric guitar carries the harmonic structure, accompanied by subtle percussion and touches of organ or keys. There’s an earthy quality to the sound—organic, even raw—especially compared to the tightly programmed beats of his earlier career. It’s the kind of arrangement that invites the listener into the room with the artist, stripping away the gloss for something more intimate.
Williams’ vocal performance is all about nuance. He doesn’t belt or showboat; instead, he speaks through melody, letting each line rest in the listener’s ears like a quiet conversation. There’s vulnerability in the tone, but it’s not weakness—it’s strength born from self-acceptance. He sings with the clarity of someone who knows they’ve made mistakes and isn’t afraid to name them.
In an age where emotional growth and accountability are increasingly explored in music, “Not a Perfect Man” still resonates. It’s the kind of R&B that values character development over bravado, self-reflection over ego. For longtime fans, it’s one of the most revealing portraits of Williams as both a man and an artist.
Looking back, it’s clear that Christopher Williams brought something special to the New Jack Swing era—something that still resonates even today. His music wasn’t just about catchy hooks or slick production (though there was plenty of that); it was about heart, honesty, and a voice that could shift from playful to pleading in a single breath.
These eight songs offer just a glimpse into the emotional depth and timeless style he brought to the table. Whether you’re revisiting them or hearing them for the first time, they’re a reminder of why this era of R&B is so unforgettable—and why Christopher Williams should always be part of that conversation.
Staff Writer; Jamar Jackson
