For this edition of our Top 10 Best Songs series, we take a look at the discography of legendary R&B group Next. We’ve long said that the group doesn’t nearly get the credit they deserve when the top 90’s groups are mentioned. The catalog of music they’ve given us certainly proves that to be true.
The R&B group Next, consisting of Robert “R.L.” Huggar, Terry “T-Low” Brown, and Raphael “Tweet” Brown, rose to fame in the late 1990s. The group was discovered by Naughty by Nature’s KayGee. Their music is known for blending smooth vocals with a hip-hop edge, and they sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
Next’s debut album, *Rated Next*, was released in 1997. It was a commercial success, selling over two million copies and featuring the hit singles “Butta Love” and “I Still Love You”. The album’s biggest hit, “Too Close,” was a crossover success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Their second album, *Welcome II Nextasy*, was released in 2000 and featured the hit single “Wifey”. The album received positive reviews and was a commercial success. Their third and final album, *The Next Episode*, was released in 2002.
Following the release of *The Next Episode*, the group went on an indefinite hiatus. During this time, R.L. pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album, *RL: Ements*, in 2002. He also wrote and produced for other artists, including Usher, Luther Vandross, and Deborah Cox.
In 2018, the original members of Next reunited and began touring. They released the single “Want It” later that year. The group has been praised for their contributions to R&B and for creating a unique sound that influenced many artists.
Click Here for our article on The Current Status of Every 90’s Male R&B Group.
Without further ado, here is our list of the Top 10 Best Songs by Next in chronological order. (Click any song title to listen to that song)
Too Close (from the “Rated Next” album)
An undeniable hit that will still get a party started as soon as the DJ puts it on.
Butta Love (from the “Rated Next” album)
A sensual and smoothed out ballad that was also a big hit from Next’s debut album.
Cozy (from the “Rated Next” album)
This slick jam is our favorite album cut from the “Rated Next” album. Easily could have been another big hit.
I Still Love You (Remix featuring Big Pun) (from the “I Still Love You” single)
The original version of this song is great, but the remix with the late Big Punisher really took it to another level.
Wifey (from the “Welcome II Nextasy” album)
A timeless wedding anthem where Next was able to replicate the success of their biggest hit “Too Close”.
Beauty Queen (from the “Welcome II Nextasy” album)
This wasn’t one of the biggest singles by Next, but the unique lyrics and production make it a winner.
My Everything (from the “Welcome II Nextasy” album)
This standout album cut is a beautiful love song that is one of our favorites from the sophomore album.
Imagine That (from “The Next Episode” album)
The lead single from Next’s final album and one that really deserves more attention than it got at the time.
Just Like That (from “The Next Episode” album)
This song was written by RL originally for fellow group Ideal, but Next made a good choice to keep it as their own.
Your Love Is (from “The Next Episode” album)
Another standout from the “The Next Episode” album which as a whole really didn’t get the love it should have.
Honorable Mention:
-I Still Love You (from the “Rated Next” album)
-Represent Me (from the “Rated Next” album)
-Rock On (from the “Rated Next” album)
-Penetration (featuring Naughty by Nature) (from the “Money Talks” soundtrack)
-Nobody (featuring Mysonne) (from the “Violator The Album: Vol. 1” compilation)
-What U Want (featuring Beanie Sigel) (from the “Welcome II Nextasy” album)
-Brand New (from “The Next Episode” album)
-Feels Good (from “The Next Episode” album)
-That’s My Word (from “The Next Episode” album)
-Want It (non-album single)