Still cover

Released 10 years ago

Still

SWV · 2016

48 min · 13 tracks · rhythm and blues

A smooth blend of contemporary R&B and nostalgic harmonies that showcase enduring vocal chemistry.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Still — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its heartfelt lyrics about enduring love and features lush vocal harmonies that define SWV's style.
  • →
    MCE (Man Crush Everyday) — This upbeat track combines catchy hooks with playful lyrics, representing a modern take on romance while maintaining the group's classic R&B roots.
  • →
    When Love Didn’t Hurt — This song reflects on past relationships with poignant storytelling, showcasing SWV's ability to convey deep emotions through their harmonies and lyrical depth.
  • →
    Weak — 'Weak' is a revisited classic that demonstrates the group's timeless appeal and serves as a reminder of their influential sound from the 90s era.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends modern R&B with nostalgic elements, showcasing strong vocals but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered harmonies and a slow tempo, setting a reflective mood for the record.
  • Several tracks incorporate contemporary production elements like electronic beats and synths, contrasting with classic R&B instrumentation.
  • The vocal arrangements often feature call-and-response sections, allowing each member to showcase their individual strengths while maintaining group cohesion.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady melodic journey throughout
  • nostalgic vibes with modern flair
  • for romantic evenings
  • engaging sing-alongs with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced listening
  • seek experimental soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a significant return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued relevance.
Career context
Released in 2016, 'Still' marked SWV's first studio album in over a decade, following their 2007 compilation 'The Best of SWV'. The group returned to the music scene after a period of lineup changes and shifts in the R&B landscape, aiming to reestablish their signature sound while appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners.
Stylistic neighbors
TLC· En Vogue· Xscape

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Still 3:30
  • 2 MCE (Man Crush Everyday) 3:56
  • 3 On Tonight 3:05
  • 4 Let’s Make Music 3:41
  • 5 Ain’t No Man 3:34
  • 6 Love Song 3:50
  • 7 When Love Didn’t Hurt 4:39
  • 8 Miss You 3:24
  • 9 Leaving You Alone 3:30
  • 10 What We Gon’ Do 3:50
  • 11 Right Here 1:47
  • 12 I’m So Into You 2:10
  • 13 Weak 7:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata