I loved 702. I mean, LOVED THEM.

Their duet with Subway on “This Lil Game We Play” was fun but it was the debut of “Steelo” in 1996 that put me in the figure-four and wouldn’t let go. It was perfect track for that era in my life – mature enough to make us THINK we were grown (when we really weren’t), silly enough to not to taken too seriously and bursting with attitude. And the girls themselves were great too. Meelah’s vocals were so distinct that she seemed destined to be a solo star. Misha was that cool homegirl that you’d love to hang with. And her sister Irish? Lawd, that was BAE in 1996.

In an era were R&B girl groups were plentiful – and powerful – 702 were underdogs, yet still carved out a solid career for themselves. The years that followed weren’t kind with breakups, lineup changes and sudden deaths adding way too much tragedy to their story. RIP Irish and her sister Orish.

But as Women’s History Month continues, let’s look back at happier days. 702’s run was short but I’ll always appreciate what they gave us.

3. Star (2003)

Soul in Stereo rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Um, what in the world happened here!? I was very, very disappointed with 702’s third and final offering in 2003 and hoped that 23 years later I would have softened on it. NOPE, still hate it. The elements for greatness are all here – Mike City, Faith Evans, Mario Winans, The Neptunes, She’kspere are all proven hitmakers and provided assistance. But the (non-Neptunes) production is so flat, the writing is a big step backward from their previous set, the performances are so low energy and the overall package is way too bloated. I hate that this is the girls’ farewell project.

Forgotten favorites: “Feelings,” “I Still Love You” and “Star” are the only things worth hearing

2. No Doubt (1996)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: When 702 dropped “Steelo” on our heads in 1996 I was excited but also cautious. The mid-90s was the era of one-hit wonders and I pondered if they had enough in the tank to sustain a career. After we got this debut, there was … ahem … no doubt. 702’s debut is diverse mix of bouncy teenybopper R&B, hip-hop tinged midtempo joints and surprisingly strong ballads. And best of all, it’s just FUN. It was an album crafted specifically for us 90s teens, which is my nostalgia is so strong for it. No Doubt my personal favorite 702 project, but, objectively, one project is sliiiiiightly better…

Forgotten favorites: “Get Down Like Dat,” “Word Iz Bond,” “Show You My Love”

1. 702 (1999)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: One word defines 702’s sophomore effort: growth. Their self titled project updated their sound for the approaching millennium – the songs are more mature, the production more daring but the attitude remains. Sure, “Where My Girls At” rightfully gets top billing for being a ladies anthem, but it’s the somber march of “You’ll Just Never Know” or the bouncy gospel of “What More Can He Do” that give this project so many layers. No Doubt has my heart but the upgraded writing and production give the sophomore set the winning edge.

Are you a No Doubt or second album stan? Was I too mean to Star? Let me know your thoughts below.