Slow Jam Saturday : Jodeci, "Cherish"

Nineties R&B fans received exciting news earlier this week: the R&B quartet Jodeci will embark on a 35th Anniversary tour this fall to celebrate their debut album, “Forever My Lady.” While the hits from that album are sure to be performed during this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to highlight “Cherish,” a bonus track that originally appeared on the soundtrack for “Friday Green Tomatoes” and later became part of the second pressings of the debut album in a remixed hip-hop version.

The song “Cherish,” originally written by Terry Kirkman and performed by The Association, was produced by Arthur Baker for Jodeci’s cover version. The song begins with the group’s harmonies, simply riffing “Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo (Hey, hey, hey)/Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo (Ooh, ooh, ooh)//Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh/Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-doo,” setting the stage for K-Ci to take us to a place of emotional depth.

At its core, the song explores the feelings of loving someone who does not return that love. Once K-Ci steps forward to sing, the track transforms from a cover into a heartfelt confession. He is not merely telling a woman she matters; instead, he is questioning whether she can ever value him with the same intensity, urgency, and tenderness that he offers her. This difference is significant. “Cherish” reflects the experience of loving from an uneven emotional space, where devotion is strong but reciprocity is uncertain.

The Association delivered a tender rendition of the song, while Jodeci infused it with a sense of longing. K-Ci bends phrases, roughens beautiful notes, and allows desperation to coexist with romance. He sounds like a man who has already relinquished his emotional leverage and understands the vulnerability that comes with it.

That was Jodeci’s unique gift—they made vulnerability feel masculine without glossing over its complexities. More than three decades later, “Cherish” still resonates with anyone who has loved more deeply, waited longer, and hoped harder than their partner. That truth is timeless, just like classic Jodeci.

While I doubt the song will be included in the tour setlist, the cover of “Cherish” stands as a testament to the group’s ability to perform any song and make it sound amazing.

Final Grade: B+

“Cherish” is available on all streaming platforms. Check Ticketmaster.com to see if Jodeci is performing in your city!