Throwback Thursday: Ralph Tresvant – “Sensitivity”
Ralph Tresvant turns 51 today, which also happens to be Janet Jackson’s birthday. If this blog wasn’t already overrun with Janet posts, she’d be this week’s TBT pick, but I think this is a great opportunity to talk about the very first baby-making jam I ever loved.
“Sensitivity” is the debut single from Ralph Tresvant’s self-titled debut solo album. It was released in 1990, and at the time, all of the members of New Edition had gone on to pursue separate projects. Bobby Brown was a few years into a wildly successful solo career (after being kicked out of the group); Johnny Gill, who replaced Bobby, was back to making music solo; and Bel Biv Devoe, featuring the remaining three members of the group, was riding high on the success of “Poison.”
Ralph was the last to show what he was working, but when he finally did, it was magical. “Sensitivity” is a silky mid-tempo with a melody that no warm-blooded mammal can deny. It is cupcakin’ music at its very best and exemplifies so much of what is missing in R&B today. It is also an amazing reminder that Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (who wrote and produced the song) are actual geniuses that don’t get nearly enough recognition.
“Sensitivity” peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Ralph Tresvant’s biggest hit as a solo act. Click play.
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