The group is well known for its highly diverse musical style (able to play anything from traditional jazz stylings to mainstream R&B and rock-based music to funk grooves and even Latin and Jamaican-based rhythms) and also its captivating live performances.
Discovered and originally signed to Perspective Records by music producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in 1989 (after being heard at a performance at a club in downtown Minneapolis called First Avenue), their debut album was entitled Meant To Be Mint (released in 1991).
Despite their musical versatility the band attempted to attract New Jack Swing listeners with their dance cut "Are You Free", but it wasn't successful (the song hit #55 on the R&B charts). However, they did enjoy major success with the stunning ballad "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)".
The song stayed on the charts for 34 weeks, hitting the R&B top 5 (#3), and the Pop Top 10 (#6). Forever In Your Eyes was also successful (#7 R&B). Two years later they released their 2nd platinum album, From The Mint Factory (1993). They enjoyed success with the #2 hit "U Send Me Swingin'", while "Someone To Love" and "So Fine" hit the R&B Top 30. 1996 saw the release of "Definition of a Band". The album hit the R&B Top 20. Some successful singles on this album are: "What Kind Of Man Would I Be" (#2 R&B), and "You Don't Have To Hurt No More" (#10 R&B). Two years later, The Collection: 1991-1998, a greatest hits compilation, was issued.
After Perspective Records/A&M folded, the group signed with Elektra Records in 1999, releasing their fourth full-length album, Life's Aquarium (#7 R&B). It's main single, If You Love Me, hit the R&B Top 5.
As the 21st Century came around, Mint Condition was the only R&B/Funk band signed to a Major Record Label.
After a six year hiatus, the group resurfaced as a quintet due to former member and keyboard player Keri Lewis leaving the group to produce for other artists, such as his one-time wife, singer Toni Braxton .
During the same year, they released Living The Luxury Brown on their independent label Caged Bird Records. The album hit #1 on the Independent Album Charts. Live From The 9:30 Club, a performance of a concert at the 9:30 club in Washington DC, was issued in 2006.
Call Me
Mint Condition Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Problems with your man's infidelity
The same thing happened to me and my lady
So I left you with my card anonymously
[Chorus:]
Call me, if you will, call me
'Cause I know how you feel, call me
Eight, two, five, four, two, sixty-three, just call me
So you made up your mind to make this visit
Checkin' up on people is my business
You needed confirmation for suspicion
That left you crying over a thousand minutes
Now suddenly I feel the plot thickening
I find myself having to atone
This situation has my mind just spinning
'Cause now I really want you for my own, my own
[Repeat Chorus x 2]
(Go head Stokley!)
[Repeat Chorus]
In this song, Mint Condition sings about a man who overhears his friend and her girlfriend talking about the girlfriend's boyfriend's infidelity. The man empathizes with her, as he can relate to similar issues in his past relationship, and hands her his card anonymously, encouraging her to call him for support. The chorus repeats the sentiment of the man being available for her to reach out to him, whether it be through calls or faxes.
As the girlfriend takes the man up on his offer, visiting him in person to get confirmation on her suspicions, the plot thickens as the man realizes he has developed feelings for her. The situation leaves him conflicted, as he wants to be there for her but also wants her for his own.
The lyrics showcase the theme of empathy and shared experiences in relationships. The man offers a listening ear and support to a friend going through a tough time, using his own past experiences to connect with her. However, the situation becomes complicated as their friendship is put to the test when romantic feelings arise.
Line by Line Meaning
I overheard you and your girlfriend talking
I happened to hear your conversation with your girlfriend
Problems with your man's infidelity
I could sense that you were discussing about your man's cheating habits
The same thing happened to me and my lady
I have also been through a similar difficult situation with my partner
So I left you with my card anonymously
I felt for you and hence left my contact details secretly, so that you can reach me for help
[Chorus:] Call me, if you will, call me
Don't hesitate to contact me anytime for support
'Cause I know how you feel, call me
Since I've been through a similar situation, I can understand your emotional predicament
Fax me, baby here's my number
Here's my contact details, including my fax number
Eight, two, five, four, two, sixty-three, just call me
This is my phone number, feel free to call me anytime
So you made up your mind to make this visit
You've finally decided to meet me in person
Checkin' up on people is my business
It's my job to help people investigate if they have suspicions on infidelity in their relationships
You needed confirmation for suspicion
You were looking for confirmation of your doubts
That left you crying over a thousand minutes
The confirmation of your doubts left you deeply upset and emotional for a long time
Now suddenly I feel the plot thickening
I sense that there's more to this situation than what meets the eye
I find myself having to atone
I realize that I need to make up for my mistakes
This situation has my mind just spinning
This situation is causing me to be extremely confused and anxious
'Cause now I really want you for my own, my own
I've developed feelings for you and would like to have a romantic relationship with you
[Repeat Chorus x 2]
The chorus repeats twice during the song with the same meaning as above.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JEFFREY STEPHEN ALLEN, RICKY KINCHEN, KEIRSTON LEWIS, KERI JAMAL LEWIS, LAWRENCE EL GRECCO WADDELL, STOKLEY MANDELLA WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind