Still (SWV album)
| Company type | Studio album |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | February 5, 2016 |
| Founder | SWV |
| Products | R&B music album |
Still marks the sixth studio album released by the American R&B ensemble SWV. It was made available on February 5, 2016, under the labels Mass Appeal Entertainment and eOne Music. The project was promoted through the singles "Ain't No Man", "MCE (Man Crush Everyday)", and "On Tonight".
Still entered the US Billboard 200 chart at position 80, climbed to number five on the US R&B Albums chart, and reached number 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, achieving first-week sales of 10,000 copies.
Background and composition
Following their 2012 release I Missed Us, Still comprises ten original songs primarily crafted and produced by Cainon Lamb and Derrick "Bigg D" Baker. Additional songwriting contributions came from Sean McMillion, Ralph Jeanty, Ayanna Howard, Samuel "Sam Hook" Jean, Patrice Rushen, among others.
The Target retail version features three extra live bonus tracks showcasing SWV's classic hits: "Right Here", "I'm So into You", and "Weak".
Singles
The album’s lead single, "Ain't No Man", was released on August 7, 2015. Its music video, directed by Derek Blanks, premiered on VEVO on October 3, 2015.
Following this, "MCE (Man Crush Everyday)" was issued as the second single on December 15, 2015, made available instantly with album pre-orders.
The third single, "On Tonight", arrived on January 22, 2016, incorporating a sample from Patrice Rushen's "Never Gonna Give You Up".
Critical reception
Still garnered mixed critiques upon release. AllMusic observed that much of the album lacked some favorable qualities present in previous works, noting that several songs did not match earlier standards. Standout tracks included the slow jam "MCE (Man Crush Everyday)" and ballads such as "When Love Didn't Hurt" and "Miss You." However, certain compositions were perceived as reminiscent of SWV’s earlier material or echoes of other artists. The review characterized Still as a somewhat regressive effort compared to their prior album.
Conversely, SoulTracks emphasized the rapid production timeline—completed within one week—and the expanded distribution of lead vocal duties. Taj’s distinctive voice was highlighted on songs like "Let's Make Music" and "On Tonight," while LeLee's more understated vocal presence was effective on the ballad "When Love Didn't Hurt."
Commercial performance
Upon its debut, Still secured the number 80 spot on the US Billboard 200 chart. It also attained number five on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart and number 11 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with initial sales tallying 10,000 copies.
Live performances
To support Still, SWV appeared live in various venues including a medley performance on the daytime talk show The View in December 2015. They also performed at The Classic Weekend Show in Birmingham, Alabama in October 2015 and delivered a rendition of "MCE (Man Crush Everyday)" at BB Kings in New York during January 2016.
Personnel
Information sourced from AllMusic.com
Performers and musicians
- Cheryl "Coko" Clemons – lead and background vocals
- Tamara "Taj" Johnson-George – lead and background vocals
- Leanne "Lelee" Lyons – lead and background vocals
Technical
- Derrick "Bigg D" Baker – executive producer
- Cainon Lamb – executive producer
- Clemons, Johnson-George, Lyons – executive producers
- Marcus Siskind "DL" – executive producer
- M. Clemons – vocal production and vocals
- S. "Q-Beatz" Kubie – engineering
- A&R representatives: Isabel Evans, Danielle Brimm
Derek Blanks – art direction, design, photography Marquis Bridges – additional production Kevin "KD" Davis – mixing engineer Chris Gehringer – mastering engineer Florian "Flo" Ongonga – engineering Clinton Sparks – additional production Julia Sutowski – coordinating producer Ariel Zucco – assistant engineer
Charts
Template:Album chartTemplate:Album chartTemplate:Album chart| Chart (2016) | Highest rank |
|---|