Mint Condition – The Definition of a Band

Image courtesy of the Centric.
I was beyond pleased to see Mint Condition featured in an episode of TVOne’s latest season of “Unsung.”  Dubbed “the last great Black band,” Mint Condition has carried on a musical tradition that burgeoned in the 1970s and 1980s with groups like Earth, Wind, & Fire, The Ohio Players, and Slave.  For over 20 years, they have captivated audiences with high-energy performances and “Gumbo,” a term they use to describe their music (which is a seamless blend of R&B, Funk, Rock, Jazz, Latin and Caribbean music).

I’ve been a fan of Mint Condition since the age of 9.  The first tune I remember hearing was their No. 1 signature hit, “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes).”  In the early 90s, there was nothing on the radio that sounded as organic and soulful as that tune or the follow-up Top Ten R&B hit “Forever In Your Eyes.”  Though competition in the 1990s with groups (like Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Silk, and Shai) was quite fierce, Mint Condition remained true to themselves and made music that spoke to their souls.  Their music is affirming, heart-warming, and emotionally acute.  To this day, songs like “If You Love Me,” “What Kind Of Man Would I Be,” “Someone To Love,” “U Send Me Swingin’,” “Single To Mingle” “This Day, This Minute, Right Now,” and “You Don’t Have To Hurt No More” give me the chills.  That’s the effect of music when it’s real, heartfelt, and timeless.

Many musical trends have come and gone, but Mint Condition’s music is as vital and relevant as ever.  Like many groups/bands, Mint Condition has experienced its share of trials and tribulations.  Yet, they’ve remained committed to themselves and the music.  After 8 albums and several hit singles, it’s easy to say the best is yet to come!

Mint Condition Releases:
Meant to be Mint (1991)
From the Mint Factory (1993)
Definition of a Band (1996)
Life’s Aquarium (1999)
Livin’ the Luxury Brown (2005)
Live from the 9:30 Club (2006)
E-Life (2008)
7… (2011)
Music @ the Speed of Life (2012)

Compilations:
The Collection: 1991-1998 (1998)
20th Century Masters: The Best of Mint Condition (2006)

Related Post:
Day 55: Black Music Month – Mint Condition

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