Released by Rendezvous Music, So Strong is Jonathan Butler’s 15th solo album and a vibrant testament to his enduring artistry. Across 14 tracks, Butler delivers a mix of vocal ballads, instrumental grooves, and soulful covers, including a reflective take on Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now.” The title track bursts with optimism, while “Feels So Good” and “Make Room For Me” showcase his signature guitar style alongside guest artists like Rick Braun and Dave Koz.
The album also features:
- “Be Here With You” – a standout duet with Angie Stone
- “I Pay Respect” – a smooth instrumental with quiet storm vibes
- “Color Green” – a Stevie Wonder-esque groove
- “So Strong (Steppers Mix)” and “Urban AC Mix” – alternate versions for dance and radio play
Butler’s daughters, Jodie and Randy, contribute backing vocals, adding a personal touch to this emotionally rich project.
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So Strong captures Jonathan Butler at a pivotal moment in his career—a young South African artist blending jazz, soul, pop, and R&B into a sound that would earn him international acclaim. Released in 1987, the album helped establish Butler in the U.S. and Europe, thanks in part to the breakout hit “Lies”, which reached the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts.
Musical Style & Highlights
Butler’s signature blend of smooth jazz guitar, heartfelt vocals, and pop-influenced songwriting is on full display here. His South African roots shine subtly through in rhythm and phrasing, adding global warmth to polished studio production.
“So Strong” (title track) is a motivational anthem with uplifting lyrics and rich harmonic layering.
“Lies” delivers soulful heartbreak with a catchy hook and silky guitar soloing—still one of his most iconic tracks.
Other standouts include “Love Songs, Candlelight and You” and “One More Dance”, which highlight his tender vocal phrasing and romantic style.
Themes & Emotion
The album blends themes of resilience, love, and emotional honesty, with Butler’s smooth vocals bringing sincerity to every line. Whether singing of devotion or disappointment, he does so with a vulnerability that resonates.
Legacy
So Strong was part of a wave that brought smoother, radio-friendly jazz to wider audiences in the late ’80s. It helped solidify Butler’s status as a genre-bridging artist—appealing to fans of jazz, adult contemporary, and gospel alike.
Final Verdict
So Strong is a heartfelt, hook-filled album that shows Jonathan Butler’s gifts as both a guitarist and a vocalist.
Its emotional sincerity and crossover appeal make it a standout in the smooth jazz and adult R&B canon of the 1980s.