As an esteemed friend (and foxy, raven-haired temptress) of mine rightly pointed out, now we know where Ashanti’s been hiding all this time - she’s been on Land Of The Giants, buried beneath a suitably gargantuan poppadum. Still, it could have been worse, I guess. It could have been lime pickle or a garlic naan. Any way, she’s picked a beauty to return with - this is the almost definitive R&B single, and a perfect piece of pop music.

The Sly Stone-esque backing (muted keyboards, the odd dash of guitar) is minimalist, uncomplicated, allowing Ashanti’s intoxicating voice to spiral and soar. Some of her harmony arrangements can raise goose-bumps, and the whole track is over without ever switching mood or gear. It’s lazy, relaxed, and very, very sexy.

Hear this spilling out of car windows, clubs and cafe bars in the early evening sunshine, and you’ll have a smile slapped across your face. Even the British summer can’t dampen this one. Everything pop music should be.
(4½/5)

Release date: 16 June 2003