Brian McKnight's Top 10 Best Songs

In honor of 16x Grammy-Nominated Legendary vocalist BRIAN MCKNIGHT birthday today, RnBJunkieOfficial has compiled his top 10 best songs in our latest edition of Top 10 Best Songs. In his illustrious career he has released 16 studio albums over the span of 30 years. As one of the most consistent artists in R&B/Soul music, there was plenty to choose from standout songs to honorable mention album cuts and singles.

10) THE ONLY ONE FOR ME

From the Album: Anytime

Released as the third single, this standout song earned McKnight a Grammy-nomination.

09) 6, 8, 12
From the Album: Back at One

McKnight once again pours his heart out on this Grammy nominated emotionally changed gem.

08) FIND MYSELF IN YOU

From the Album: Ten

After first appearing on Madea’s Family Reunion Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, this groovy song was subsequently released as the lead single.

07) YOU SHOULD BE MINE (DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME) FEAT. MASE

From the Album: Anytime

Chosen as the lead single, this song became a top 20 hit and displays McKnight's versatility as a vocalist. Powerhouse vocalist Kelly Price also assist in co-writing and background vocals.

06) LOVE IS FEAT. VANESSA WILLIAMS

From the Album: Beverly Hills 90210 Soundtrack

This dynamic duet with McKnight and Vanessa Williams peaked at No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100’s and earned the pair a Grammy-nomination.

05) CRAZY LOVE

From the Albums: Jason's Lyric Original Motion Picture Soundtrack & I Remember You

Originally recorded by Van Morrison, this brilliant remake became a top 10 R&B hit for McKnight.

04) LOVE OF MY LIFE

From the Album: Superhero

McKnight pours his heart out masterfully on this self-written and produced track and it went on to secure two Grammy nominations.

03) ANYTIME

From the Album: Anytime

Released as the second single, this song earned McKnight a Grammy nomination. While it wasn’t a major success on the charts, it remains one of his standout songs in his repertoire.

02) ONE LAST CRY

From the Album: Brian McKnight

This song was McKnight's original breakout hit peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100’s chart. Due to it’s impact and meaningful lyric the song has since been covered by many artists across the world.

01) BACK AT ONE

From the Album: Back at One

This Gold-selling single earned McKnight a Grammy nomination and further solidified his legendary career. Becoming the highest charting solo single of his career peaking at No. 2.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

“Never Felt This Way”

“Still In Love”

“What I’ve Been Waiting For”

“Everytime You Go Away”

"Grown Man Business"

"Nobody"



#IndieArtistSpotlight: Danielle Sinclair - Interview

 This week's #IndieArtistSpolight goes to Danielle Sinclair. Danielle Sinclair is a singer-songwriter from Buffalo, New York. This past Thursday, RnB Junkie Official had the pleasure of interviewing this talented artist. We discussed her introduction into songwriting, her influences, her recent EP 'Ms. Jackson,' and more. Check out our interview with our #IndieArtistSpotlight Danielle Sinclair below.

How would you describe your sound?

Danielle Sinclair: Umm. It’s kind of hard because I don’t think that I sound like what’s out now. I think I have a different sound from what’s mainstream right now, but I will say I’m kind of on the classic R&B side. I would say I'm more classic R&B than what’s out now. I don’t know. I haven’t really pinpointed exactly what I sound like right now. If that makes any sense [laughs]?

When did you realize that not only could you sing, but you were a gifted songwriter as well?

Danielle Sinclair: Umm. I would say I realize that I could sing at a young age. I would probably say I was about seven or eight, and I was actually singing a Toni Braxton song. I believe it was “‘Unbreak My Heart,” and I was like “Oh, I sound kind of good!” So from then on, I started singing in church and choirs through school and stuff. I started actually writing poetry first, and I did that when I was about fourteen. I started writing poetry at fourteen and began writing songs at about sixteen years old.

Being that you’re a singer-songwriter, how important is it to bring your authentic life experiences into your artistry?

Danielle Sinclair: It’s very important, and that’s mostly what I do. If something happened in my life, I pull from that to write songs. It definitely makes people relate to you more because they'll realize that you’re going through similar things that they’re going through. So, it’s really important to pull from what I am going through and put it into my song and put it into my music.

Who are some of your top musical influences?

Danielle Sinclair: I would definitely say, Brandy. I like a lot of old school music like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Toni, and Janet Jackson, a lot of females. I like a lot of male R&B too. You know, Brian McKnight and Tyrese, people like that.  

Since today is ‘#ThrowbackThursday’, what are three albums you feel every artist, songwriter, or producer need to study?

Danielle Sinclair: Definitely ‘Full Moon’ by Brandy, for the 'Throwback Thursday.’ Umm. What’s another one I can listen to straight through? I’m sorry. I’m just thinking [laughs]. Aaliyah self-titled album that’s something I listen to straight through. I’m stumped on the third one, can we come back to that one [laughs]? 

You released an EP this year titled 'Ms. Jackson'. Can you tell us a little about the concept of the EP?

Danielle Sinclair: Yeah, really what I tried to do on my EP is try to pull from different parts of my personality, so each song kind of a different side of me. Like ‘Janet’s Them’ was the sensual, sexy, seductive side. The second song is called ‘Secrets,’ that’s kind of like I’m going through it. I’m heartbroken and finding out some information that I didn’t know about prior. ‘Sex Back’ is kind of like a liberation song. I’m trying to take back the power from someone who hurt me. ‘Paris’ is a turn-up song, you know a little ratchet [laughs], or a lot of ratchet but it still has an R&B vibe to it.

On your song ‘Sex Back,’ you showed that you could dabble in rap as well?

Danielle Sinclair: Yes, that kind of happened overnight. I think it was a couple of years ago when Monica did the #SoGoneChallenge. Everybody was like rapping; even the people who didn't usually rap. I’m just like "Oh, I should try this,” and I ended up doing the #SoGoneChallenge. I got such a huge response from it, like a positive response and then I started incorporating rap, (well I wouldn’t call it rapping I’m more like a lyricist), into my music. That’s how ‘Sex Back’ came about.

I truly enjoyed listening to your ‘Ms. Jackson’ EP. I admire your skillful usage of words and wordplay. It was refreshing, as well as showed your versatility. Which song from your EP do you feel like you connected with the most?

Danielle Sinclair: The one that pulls on my heartstrings is probably ‘Secrets,’ that’s the second one on the EP. Yeah, definitely ’Secrets.’ I vibe out the most to ‘Janet’s Theme,’ but ’Secrets’ is definitely like the most personal one to me.  

Will you be creating visuals to go along with the songs from your EP?

Danielle Sinclair: Yes, I am working on the visual for ‘Janet’s Theme’ now. That’s in the works, so I am excited about that. 

What’s next for Danielle Sinclair?

Danielle Sinclair: Next, I will be doing a show at the end of next month. Actually, I have a couple of shows coming up. I’ll be doing a show through a local radio station in my hometown, and then I’ll be doing my own show like an EP release of sorts. I’ll be doing that in October, so I am excited about that. I will be releasing a full album probably towards the end of next year.

Where can our followers find your music, as well as reach you on social media?

Danielle Sinclair: They can find my music it’s on all streaming platforms iTunes, Google Play, Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon. It is literally everywhere. On social media, Instagram you can find me at @DanielleSinclairSing, on Facebook Danielle Sinclair, and on Twitter @DaniSingclair (that’s @-d-a-n-i-s-i-n-g-c-l-a-i-r).

Thank you for such a great interview!

Danielle Sinclair: Oh, no problem. Thank you for taking the time to do this because I mean as an independent artist it’s hard for us sometimes to get the exposure we need. I really appreciate it.