SWV, short for Sisters With Voices, is an R&B group that rose to fame in the 1990s. With hits like “Weak” and “Right Here,” the group became a staple in R&B music. Their imprint on the genre is unmatched all these years later. The ladies are currently making headlines for their reality series (and tension) with Xscape, but they’re more than just pop culture drama. Coko, Taj, and LeeLee crooned their way into our hearts and playlists decades ago, so let’s look at those songs that have become the soundtrack to our lives.
“Weak” (1992)
“Weak” is perhaps SWV’s most well-known song. Released in 1992 as the lead single from their debut album, It’s About Time, the song became an instant hit. Produced by Brian Alexander Morgan, the track features a sample from The O’Jays’ “Cry Together.” It showcases the group’s harmonies and lead vocalist Coko’s standout vocals. As a result, “Weak” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains a classic R&B track.
“Right Here/Human Nature” (1992)
“Right Here/Human Nature” is a song that features a sample from Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” The hit track was released in 1992 as the second single from their debut album. It easily became another hit for the group. Again produced by Brian Alexander Morgan, the track reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Rain” (1998)
“Rain” is a slow jam released in 1998 as the lead single from SWV’s third album, Release Some Tension. Produced by the group’s longtime collaborator, Allen “Allstar” Gordon, the track features the group’s signature harmonies and showcases their ability to create a sensual, romantic atmosphere with their music. “Rain” peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Use Your Heart”
“Use Your Heart” is a ballad released in 1996 as the second single from SWV’s second album, New Beginning. Produced by Teddy Riley, the track features the group’s signature harmonies and showcases their ability to deliver emotional performances. The song’s message about the importance of using one’s heart in relationships resonated with fans and helped make it a hit. “Use Your Heart” reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“You’re Always On My Mind” (1992)
“You’re Always On My Mind” is a romantic ballad released in 1993 as the third single from SWV’s debut album. The song’s message about the power of love and how it can consume one’s thoughts resonated with fans and helped make it a hit. “You’re Always On My Mind” reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Anything” (1992)
Brian Alexander Morgan produced “Anything,” track SWV released in 1994 as the third single from their debut album. The track features a sample from Johnnie Taylor’s song “Who’s Making Love” and showcases the group’s ability to blend classic R&B sounds with contemporary elements. The song was about being willing to do anything for love, which helped make it a hit. As a result, “Anything” reached the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“I’m So Into You” (1992)
Brian Alexander Morgan produced “I’m So Into You,” one of the most upbeat SWV songs released in 1993 as the second single from their debut album. This one is a jam that remains on radio stations and DJ playlists worldwide. Fans were particularly drawn to the song’s message about being completely enamored with someone, which helped make it a hit. “I’m So Into You” reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Downtown” (1992)
Brian Alexander Morgan also produced “Downtown,” an R&B track that SWV released in 1993 as the fourth single from their debut album. The track features a sample from the song “Impeach the President” by The Honey Drippers and showcases the group’s ability to blend classic R&B sounds with contemporary elements. The song’s message about enjoying a night out on the town resonated with fans and helped make it a hit. As a result, “Downtown” reached the top forty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Can We” (1997)
Allen ‘Allstar’ Gordon produced “Can We,” a slow jam that features SWV’s unique sound. They released it in 1997 as the second single from their third album. It showcases their music’s ability to create a sensual, romantic atmosphere. The song’s message is about wanting to take a relationship to the next level. “Can We” reached the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Lose My Cool” (1997)
They released “Lose My Cool” featuring Redman in 1997. The song was included on their Release Some Tension album. Although SWV partnered with New Jersey’s Finest for this track, they kept in their slow-groove lane. This isn’t their most popular song on the list, and it struggled to get on the charts, but the collaboration is still a favorite among the R&B fanbase. Which SWV song is the best, in your opinion?