Sounds Of Blackness - Optimistic | REACTION

[@cjames4478]

This song has gotten me thru some very dark days. 🙌🏽

[@Esoteric_Lee]

Doing it for me right now

[@cjames4478]

@@Esoteric_Lee 💜 hang in there Champ!

[@dakidfromknowhere765]

Me too brother

[@wilmora70]

Incredibly inspiring song still makes me feel so good

[@kyriesampson7781]

This is essentially a gospel song, the group is the size of a choir and Ann Nesby is the one singing on the hook. Her daughter sings the second verse I believe

[@saiyongdawn7756]

Back in the day I got their songs along with this one on CD. Great Choir.❣️

[@markmenez4097]

It’s 3 different women singing lead in music the song

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

@@markmenez4097 what was they saying in the intro

[@PrinceFiles]

@@NorthPhilly-zr7xc it’s really the song chains

[@SylenceJohnson]

❤

[@mfmondragon]

Another Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Hit!

[@Saysonow]

Yes, you are right and discovered by their biggest star, Janet Jackson.

[@shadb3445]

Definitely one of the best feel good songs of all time. Reminds of the scene in House Party 2 when Kid was trying to get back on his feet while he was in college

[@orlanzo2621]

Yep, that was the first time i heard this song as a kid back in the day. Stuck with me ever since.

[@Rosey1912]

@@orlanzo2621 me too, and at every family cookout

[@angelafoxe7088]

Ann Nesby is one of the leads. They’re a choir group. This song always picks up my mood when I hear it.

[@jaym8300]

This is some prime 90s goodness. I so miss my childhood.

[@jakegargiulo5101]

Exactly

[@uknowwhothehelliare7821]

Me too

[@Camille4Real]

Jack, Sounds of Blackness is a choir 🔥🔥🔥 Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis produced this song. They were Janet Jackson's go-to producers. Funny how you mentioned Michael Jackson towards the end 👍🏽

[@RTDavis0503]

My college gospel choir director left us to join this group. He later on became Mariah Carey's music director. Rest in Peace Jimmy Wright.

[@CarlyneDTQTonPod]

wow 😮 he was a musical genius rip 🕊

[@obibraxton2232]

This is my favourite gospel group ! And my one of my favourite songs from them. You gotta react to “I’m going all the way”, “hold on change is coming” and “Soul holidays” ! 👏🏾🔥 *SOUND OF BLACKNESS*

[@joshuawatts67]

Song we need today

[@grayni76]

I agree 💯

[@chitownbear7733]

Exactly

[@Ilovechicago100]

Yessss🙏🏽

[@uknowwhothehelliare7821]

Facts we also need singers auto tune has takin over the culture we don’t have many real vocalist left shit is depression if you really think about it what our music has become slap in the face to the greats who built the culture 60s 70s 80s and 90s

[@namaste_charlei]

There are 5 prominent voices we hear, not just one lead singer (I thought there were 3). Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis helped write and produce this. Glad you brought up church because this a contemporary gospel group.

[@oluapampa5075]

I first heard this song way back in 1991 in a fish and chips shop in London and instantly fell in love with it. Still one of my favourite songs. A timeless classic.

[@tamayahedwards4198]

Gotta check out Yolanda Adams “ Open My Heart “ a big crossover R&B hit like “ Optimistic “. And Sounds of Blackness “ Hold On” ft Roger Troutmen from Zapp. Also Bebe & CeCe “ Addictive Love”

[@fnkybunchmstr]

Yo, BeBe and CeCe for sure!!! Those vocals…😩🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@alexiskeys9985]

All amazing songs! 👍🏾

[@Msboochie2]

”Addictive Love” BeBe and CeCe Winans

[@shantellmanley5013]

These songs bring me to tears of joy everytime I hear them. These songs NEVER get old!

[@theemarchioness3647]

What about the Winans? They have a song with Teddy Riley, I believe the title is "It's TIme"

[@jovahngrandberry3808]

Hey Jack, what you hear in the background with all the singers, is a mass choir....Lol!

[@OLatreil]

When she says "You can win child" I think of Michael Jackson as the scare crow in The Wiz. But he wasn't optimistic... That movie was amazingly done. And it's funny that you did "Home" by Stephanie Mills today too, which is from that movie.

[@jakegargiulo5101]

Yesss omg

[@ccrdcd38]

Quincy Jones mad that song so MJ would have a solo song in the movie

[@CharlesMosley129]

i grew up hearing this on the radio since i was 8 yrs old in 1991. this song has consistently been played on Black R&B radio since it was released in 1991. i don't remember a time it wasn't in regular rotation. it always takes me back to Phliadelphia in 1991 every time i hear it.

[@najwaflowers7014]

This song got major air play on secular music stations in Philly

[@charissemodeste6489]

"..As long as you keeep, your head to the sky!" You NEVER lose!!

[@JayWalk23]

ANN NESBY with the killer vocals

[@ezelldaniels6064]

Classic early 90s song. This played on so many movies back then.

[@vabeachtiff]

Jack, please consider now Bebe & Cece Winans "Heaven" since you reviewed this gem. It gives the same feel with some R&B flare to their gospel music. That production is crazy!!!

[@kellykade]

That’s my song 🎧

[@markmenez4097]

This song takes me back to 1990 as a kid , it’s 3 women on lead but most people only know Ann Nesby .this song was all over the radio back in 1990 and used in so many movies and shows.

[@MaineManDezzo]

The best producers ever Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis

[@tasedather]

Song 1 on album is called “Chains” which is an intro to song 2, “Optimistic”. Such an uplifting song for a wakeup alarm. 💝💝💝

[@wubranch1]

I first heard this in House Party 2, classic inspirational.

[@telliesmith9825]

You mentioned Anita Baker you need to do you bring me joy

[@ssimmons1124]

Yes and No One in the World!

[@fnkybunchmstr]

This song stays in my rotation!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@kevaunmitchell1316]

This is my favorite song by a gospel group you must react to their 1994 hit I believe which became the first gospel song to enter the billboard hot 100 charts

[@theemarchioness3647]

Was it? I thought the Clark Sisters or The Winans (the group or BeBe & CeCe) were the first gospel artists to chart on Billboard.....

[@norenore9944]

Whenever I’m feeling down ... this song brings me ⬆️ lyrically and it’s a jam!

[@zanohoriamazo1]

Group is size of a choir. You not misinterpreting the thought at all, but how it came out was slight difference: The hook says, ‘As long as you keep your head to the sky’, & choir chants ‘be optimistic’. You said, ‘keep your head in the sky..’, which often is understood as a person being conceited, haughty, or stuck up, inclined to look down on other people. To say a person has their head in the sky could also mean like, in the clouds, like spaced out in another world. Anyway, it was clear what you meant, about being hopeful & positive. The same words were used in a hook from the great Earth, Wind & Fire in the ‘70’s on their song, Keep Your Head to the Sky, which is also amazing with a different kind of groove. The a cappella part at the end is mind blow, no doubt!

[@adriancolon8435]

I start my day off listening to this song every morning 🙏

[@damionjwilliams]

Oh wow u took it back!! This jam is phenomenal and it aged really well!! As a teen in the early 90s I used to BLAST this in my walkman..it helped me especially as a young Black Man then One of The ladies on the lead vocals is Martha Wash

[@QueendomCome621]

Its Anne Nesby. They do have a similar quality to their voices though.

[@mimiandy1683]

As an 80s baby, this song brings back memories of being picked up from school by my dad and going to my mom's job (and wait for her shift to end) while drinking bottles of Mystic "Wild Cherry" water.

[@california862]

React to HipHop group "Arrested Development" song: Track 1: Tennessee Track 2: People Everyday Track 3: Mr. Wendal

[@sereneamani1713]

YES!!

[@teresadubose1537]

Love Arrested Development

[@kellykade]

All of them!!

[@ginal1861]

So glad you chose this. This was my jam!

[@fayt.1797]

This song is beyond beautiful and the beat is fire!

[@sonikku956]

I'm not religious anymore, but I deeply appreciate gospel vocals as well as the uplifting message, so hearing this mixed with my favorite genre new jack swing made my day.

[@jewelofaries]

I wore this song out when it came out !!! I was need of God and He is ever present in this song !!! Thank you for this one Jack. There were over 50 members in this group. One of the most important creations of Jam and Lewis. SUPERB post !!!!

[@najeew2352]

Full Force - Aint My Type Of Hype

[@Camille4Real]

So I'm not the only one who thinks of Kid N Play when I hear this song lol 🤣

[@najeew2352]

@@Camille4Real I’m Right With You

[@ivybrumfield]

I love that song

[@destineeparker6763]

🗣SWITCH

[@kristal9619]

He not ready! Once he actually listens and breaks down the lyrics😂 it’s one of the songs you love to hate, at least for me as a woman

[@ebonyevans25]

This about to be lit!

[@vecarter569]

Another Sounds of Blackness song that made it both on the gospel & R&B charts: The Pressure Pt. 1 (The Pressure PT. 2 is an excellent more bluesy version of this song...with a BEAUTIFUL INTRO, Jack!). Lots of Ann Nesby Ad libs!!! So, listen to both versions! 😍

[@jofoto612]

As a resident of the 612..this is definitely a gospel song. It’s a staple here. Ann and Jamecia are singing leads

[@briandrumgold642]

Shout out.to Flyte Time Productions with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis 😊👍

[@tamarantsoele6100]

That's my jaaammm🔥🔥❤️✨

[@Ilovechicago100]

I listen to this often when I feel down. I’m 25 and wasn’t even born when this came out yet. I live for the 90s

[@NC-tt4gc]

One of my fave songs ever. It's my weekday alarm, awesome way to start the day, especially with what's happening in the world.

[@Mscarter952]

this song still gives me chills and makes me feel over whelmed with emotions. beautiful song.

[@gigibrown3064]

Jack this song makes me think of better days to come for us all . Thank You I needed that !!

[@stretchgilbert]

One of the sickest bass lines ever. ANOTHER Jam & Lewis joint.

[@irenereeves1282]

This is my jam FOREVER!!! ✊🏽✊🏽♥️

[@helgar791]

You can also always tell a Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam production. From Janet Jackson to the Human League to The SOS band. Always well done.

[@paulbescoby5855]

My favourite song of all time I play it on my way to work every morning for inspiration

[@angelafaison]

Lead Singer of Sounds of Blackness is Ann Nesby

[@marskeins]

Love this song! Sounds of blackness was a underrated group back in the 90s.

[@elizabethholley-davis9120]

Jack, listen to “”Hold On Change is coming “, Rodger Troutman uses the Talk Box, trust and believe, YOU WILL LOVE IT!! By Sounds Of Blackness.

[@6ixboss608]

Brandy & Common also did an amazing cover of this. U can check it out on ur own time, or react to it if u wish :)

[@BrothaJ365]

Really now?! Lemme go see how Brandy handled it, hope she brought it. Brandy be holding back too much sometimes

[@zayamiah]

That's a young Timbaland saying never say die on the track...also this was on the house party 2 soundtrack..u should try and react to house party 1-3💪🏾

[@MaineManDezzo]

Not to debunk your statement but can you provide some proof. I’ve never heard of Tim being apart of this. This came out in 91 and I believe Tim got to the industry like 93-94…

[@charlesnyckd]

@@MaineManDezzo Timbaland was down with devante at his “basement” in Minnesota (where Sounds of Blackness are from and based) during that time (along with Missy & Ginuwine), so it’s possible.

[@MaineManDezzo]

@@charlesnyckd That’s a stretch of a possibility but okay lol. I just never heard that story come out that he was apart of this, like EVER

[@charlesnyckd]

@@MaineManDezzo a huge stretch, granted. It’s the first time I’ve heard about Timbo allegedly being on this record, as well. Being that Jodeci didn’t break through until late 91/spring of 92, that also puts a little doubt in Timbo being on this track. It had to have been recorded months before it hit the radio in 91. I remember the track because I was 7 when it came out that spring (my mother played it on my 8th birthday two months later lol). Different circumstances, but the late Tony Thompson from Hi-Five sung the chorus for Guy’s classic track “Let’s chill” before his groups success. And Pharrell was on “rumpshaker” (he re-wrote Teddy’s verse) and SWV’s “right here” (human nature remix) years before he hit it big. So anything is possible. Like you, I doubt that’s Timbo, but I’m not exactly ruling it out.

[@OLatreil]

I was going to suggest this too. I have this on my Motivation and Getting Dressed playlist. Great way to start the day.

[@dawb86]

Me too lol

[@jarrylfo]

Fantastic production by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Im telling you & everybody, LA & Babyface are the technical bigger names, but Jam & Lewis got some of everybody & everything...& I mean EVERYTHING. Janet, Michael, Sounds Of Blackness, Prince, TLC, Mary J. Blige, New Edition, Mariah, Yolanda Adams, George Michael, Kelly Price, Joe, Babyface, Boyz II Men, Karyn White, Chante Moore, Usher, Chaka Khan, Barry White, Faith Evans, Patti Labelle, Earth Wind & Fire, etc. Don't sleep on Jimmy & Terry, Babyface will tell you they are still who he always wanted to be like, I feel like they & Babyface from the list of artists & styles & genres are on the same shelf of pure genius, but Babyface is the bigger name because along with the extensive writing & production credits also is a hitmaking solo artist too, vs. Jimmy & Terry are members of The TIme, which as a group/band doesn't have the success of Babyface the solo artist (bigger than The Deale, but not Babyface by himself).

[@theemarchioness3647]

The Time didn't have commercial success like Babyface, but they were the S**t!!!! Loved everything about their style and demeanor.....Morris & Jerome (Terry Lewis brother)!!!

[@Dabklyn27]

I play this song whenever things get a little rough.❤️

[@pcfool13]

Been hearing this song since a good never heard that intro ever

[@swipeleft3996]

it is a choir- there is 30 plus members , not just one lead woman singing. Saw them live with my mother, it is only concert I have ever been to with my mother

[@JMC77]

I liked it before even watching lol

[@cwin721]

We sang "I believe" by Sounds of Blackness for my high school graduation.

[@roadcalm3303]

I saw them perform in concert. They opened for Sinbad & Luther Vandross. Great performance. Sinbad joked that they had so many people in the group that some of them didn’t make it to the stage.😂

[@dynamitebaby05]

There are multiple women singing lead on this (you’ll see the different singers if you decide to react to the video) but the one you’re likely hearing/reacting to the most is the legend Ann Nesby on those ad libs 😊

[@eboneebrown1364]

React to the Jackson's-Can you feel it

[@40EastTrill]

This was written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

[@jakegargiulo5101]

Oh my God I love this song so much. Imagine discovering this song in 2021

[@vecarter569]

Ann Nesby (the voice you loved here) has some solo hits: Put It On Paper (ft. Al Green) I'm Still Wearing Your Name This Weekend This Could Be Love (beautiful mid-tempo ballad they played on Minneapolis radio)

[@prettysouthernwomenonajour6718]

This put in me in vibe every time I hear it . First time hearing it was on house party 2 and it fit so well with what Kid was trying to push through

[@suzycarmichael933]

Thank you so much!!!! This song got me through some painful moments as a child !!!

[@tiffanydeveaux9777]

Ann did a play called what my husband doesn't know with Michelle williams from Destiny's child, Clifton davis and brian j white

[@PluralClarity]

Your reaction to the intro/transition are PRICELESS. This is all classic stuff!

[@helloalexa5035]

I miss this era!!! OMG. This song uplifts me so much.

[@orlanzo2621]

I remember hearing this in House Party 2, classic song man. Really takes me back to being a carefree kid in the early 90's, man where does time go? Sigh.

[@SuperSpace2009]

Sir! This is a Gospel group. Ann Nesby is the Artist singing. They sing about the power of God. And straight positive songs to let you God is the answer. Keep you head up to the sky. Be Optimistic! They are telling you to be hopeful, be positive! Don't let nothing stop your blessings! BE OPTIMISTIC! LOOK TO HIM!

[@adavis8605]

Your reactions are great! Gospel singers are the greatest singers on the planet. If you do reactions on Sundays, maybe you can incorporate a gospel artist like, Kierra Sheard, The Clark Sisters, Jonathan McReynolds, and Mali Music, to name a few.

[@Infelsinave]

Ann Nesbit said “Put It on Paper”.... very underrated old school song

[@grandmastercazzy5840]

I heard this Song the First Time when i watched House Party 2. It touched me and motivated me in a time when i needed it. Its a classic

[@laceybko]

Sounds of Blackness always comes with the message. Such uplifting and powerful music. ❤💯

[@dotunn]

Gospel tracks from the 90s

[@TARLEASE02]

I literally just listened to this the other day and cried. No matter my mood this song Always makes cry. Classic! So empowering😊😊😊❤❤

[@alexiskeys9985]

Nice reaction! Thanks to whoever requested this! Definitely a classic. Mary Mary and Yolanda Adams would be dope too.

[@HeirSulli]

This is 90's gold! Everytime I hear it I instantly can see the montage in the movie House Party 2! Maaaaaan this takes me back to a kid.

[@sabinasabina2010]

Saw them in concert with my mom and friend.😊 Only concert I have every been with my mom.

[@brettclouse5905]

Congrads you just found another great group from MN. This was another production by the legendary producers/Song writers Jimmy Jam & Terry Louis of the group The Time/Original 7. Sound of Blackness had many hits in the 90's Grammy winners also. Other big songs by them is Hold on, Everything going to be alright, I'm going all the way, I believe, Black butterfly. We played these songs at Glam Slam & other clubs in in MN.The power house of Sounds of Blackness woman were Ann Nesby & Kimberly Brown. Another woman power house in MN. music was from Prince group N.P.G. Rosie Gains. You have a big job to find out other great groups that also came out of MN. MN. artists had a power hold on the music charts in the 80's & 90's along with what Jam & Lewis did in music. Enjoy the hunt.

[@zingalom]

The woman doing most of the ad lib vocals is Ann Nesby. She was the main front vocalist for the group for a number of years. She also has her on solo music. I recommend checking out her song "I Found A Place"

[@uniqueenterprises8736]

All you need to know about this is that it's another Jam & Lewis BANGER!!!! Sounds of Blackness is actually a whole choir.

[@fawaka5006]

BEST Tune EVER! I 'll glady debate any1 on this. From the opening, the vocals (all 4 leading ladies Carrie Harrington, Core Cotton, Pat Lacy Ann's daughter Jameicia Bennett, the build up to Ann Nesby's incredible part, the choir), lyrics, the MUSIC (the musicians), melody, the vamp, the groove, the production, JAM & LEWIS!!!!!!!. I could go on and on. Lol! Kidding of course! I LOVE this song!

[@tifosibrotha]

You’re absolutely right. There is no debate!

[@coygary]

I've heard this song a million times, never heard that intro tho lol.

[@uknowwhothehelliare6594]

Proud of you Jack one love

[@pursedelighted9020]

Lead singer is Ann nesby

[@leviticusH]

👀👀👀 this is to scary... I was playing this at the house for my family reminiscing on all the good 90s music... Then this pops up in my notifications 👀👀👀 you don't know how much this song means to the Culture!!!! Thanks Jack!

[@leviticusH]

Jadakiss sampled this song on one of his album sidenote

[@justkaz1985]

ONE OF THE GREATEST UPLIFTING SONGS EVER- THANKS JACK FOR REACTING!

[@BrenJen86]

Yesss! Yes! Yes! I love The Sounds of Blackness. I Believe is another great song by them.

[@afafnithmaathatap306]

Sounds of blackness are a musical ensemble from Minnesota. You should react to ‘ Soul holiday’.

[@Cagon415]

Shout out to my people who grew up watching the house party movies 😎

[@jwinters3190]

Fun fact: Ann Nesby played the role of Aunt Sally at the beginning of the movie THE FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS, which stared Cuba Gooding Jr, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Mike Epps, Steve Harvey, Faith Evans, etc.

[@brandyaugustine8555]

features vocals from Ann Bennett-Nesby, Carrie Harrington, Coré Cotton, Patricia Lacy, and Jamecia Bennett. It sounds like one person is on lead vocals but it's not. 2nd verse is Ann Nesby ( she was in the movie The Fighting Temptations-the grandmother of Cuba Gooding Jr- for you youngsters)