In 1995, unlike the present, there was an abundance of female groups. Radio, video shows and music stores were already embracing Jade, TLC, SWV and En Vogue, but a saucy, sangin’ Cali trio by the name of Brownstone exploded out of nowhere with their stellar debut album From the Bottom Up.
Signed to Epic as artists for Michael Jackson’s then-new imprint label (MJJ Music), Mimi, Nicci and Maxee had already demonstrated enviable pipes and artistic potential with their first jam, “If You Love Me,” but the ballads blended their vocals intriguingly as well, one of the hits being a plaintive, yet passionate cover of The Eagles’ “I Can’t Tell You Why,” a Top Ten hit on both the Hot 100 and Adult Contemporary charts in 1980.
Opening with Mimi’s delicate spoken intro (“I know we have problems, but I still can’t walk away. And all I want you to do, is tell me why…..tell me why”), “I Can’t Tell You Why” has a foundation of lilting three-part harmonies and features the late Charmayne Maxena (“Maxee”) on lead, a subtle performance that builds into a powerful plead for clarity as Troy Taylor’s ad lib enters at the final bridge. Her heartbroken plea of “Won’t you help me, won’t you help me?” as he declares, “Maxee, I know that I can tell you why, just give me a chance Baby….” sounds even more bittersweet with the knowledge that both she and Glenn Frey, one of the men who penned the classic, have now transitioned and likely possess the clarity this yearning number once sought.
