When it comes to unsung female groups, Changing Faces and Kut Klose are two of the many that come to mind. Both had the looks, the vocals, and hits that definitely added value to the ’90s R&B era. Let’s talk about them for a minute.
Changing Faces stepped onto the scene first. In 1994, Cassandra Lucas and Charisse Rose subdued us with the erotic track, “Stroke You Up.” Written and produced by R.Kelly, the song reached number 3 on Billboard Hot 100.
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“Foolin’ Around,” the New York Natives’ second single, made a mark on the charts as well, peaking at 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. The two aforementioned singles helped their self-title debut reach Gold status (over 500, 000 copies sold).
The following year, Kut Klose would release a seductive debut of their own titled, Surrender. Like Changing Faces, the trio would reap the benefits of an R&B mastermind in Keith Sweat writing and producing some of the album.
“I Like,” the first single from their 1995 release, peaked at 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Lovely Thang” and the album’s title track, was well received by the R&B fan base, however, it didn’t make a major impact on the charts. Despite that, the album reach 66 on the Billboard 200.
In 1997, Changing Faces were back on the scene with the ladies’ anthem, “G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T.” Written and produced by Kelly also, the single hit number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard R&B chart.
“G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T.” was from their sophomore, All Day, All Night. The album also features the track, “All of My Days” featuring Jay-Z & R.Kelly, which is accredited for being the first collaboration between the two.
All Day, All Night reached Gold status (over 500,000 million copies sold).
By the turn of the century, Changing Faces weren’t able to exceed or match the success of their first two releases due to label absorption.
Kut Klose was in similar situation. After the release of Surrender, Athena Cage, Lavonn Battle, and Tabitha Duncan, sing on some of Keith Sweat hits such as “Twisted” and “Nobody,” however, they wouldn’t release a full album for rest of the ’90s.
In hindsight, Changing Faces and Kut Klose should be mentioned alongside groups such as TLC, Destiny’s Child and SWV, among others. They definitely meet the qualifications. Some groups are fortunate to get the tools to maximize their potential, while others fall victim to circumstance–definitely not because of lack of talent.
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Which group should’ve been bigger; Kut Klose or Changing Faces?
[Polls Are Closed!]
Kut Klose – 73%
Changing Faces – 27%