All About Love
Song: Alright
Artist: Janet Jackson
Album: Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989)
Genre: Pop
We all know that Janet comes from a family where talent is in their genes. I think it’s safe to say that, there’s no question, for most people, at least half of Janet’s music we love. She’s done house, pop, romance, you name it! Janet has done just about every kind of music except country (that I’m aware of LOL). I’m so glad I hadn’t heard any country songs from her; because back in the day, once a known pop artist come out with a country album, usually it’s a bad sign that your career is dying. Not sure if that’s still true today but… Just sayin’… Out of all my many favorites, “Alright” has been on the top of my list. It may also be because of her music video, the whole “film noir” setting. One thing I’ve always loved about both Janet and Micheal, they always pay tribute (in someway) to classic film. “Alright (1989)” hit #4 on the Hot 100 charts! The entire Rhythm Nation album in my opinion is number one. I think both her Control & Rhythm Nation is her best work. Unfortunately, this single remix album is out of print. However, you can find it on Discogs.
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Song: Close To You
Artist: Maxi Priest
Album: Bonafide (1990)
Genre: Reggae
This is one reggae artist that should not be forgotten. Maxi Priest is so underrated in my opinion. He is a great singer and a phenomenal songwriter. His rise to fame came when he released his massive hit “Close To You” in 1990. The song hit #1 and stayed number one for a week. It’s important to remember reggae artists like him, because he’s one of the few reggae artists that hit number one (at least once) on the American charts. This means their music appeals to a wider audience. In the 90s, Americans played a LOT of Jamaican music, but I can count on one hand artists that registered anywhere on the American Billboard charts. I encourage you to seek out some of his older music. Another well known hit he produced was called “Wild World,” from his album “The Best Of Me (1991),” featuring John Gallon. This was actually a cover of Cat Steven’s Wild World released in 1970. Maxi did a wonderful job reinterpreting this song!
Song: True
Artist: Spandau Ballet
Album: True (1983)
Genre: Pop Ballads
Ok, ok. If you told me that you never heard this song before; I would have said you’re lying (unless you’re under the age of 25-30)! This song was such a massive hit in the 80’s. It was a love song of all love songs back then. No matter if you were young, old, Black, White, everyone was singing this tune. This English group named, Spandau Ballet, took this song to #1 not just in the United Kingdom, but #1 in America (Adult Contemporary), #1 in Ireland, and #1 in Canada! Other countries such as France & Germany, the song was in the Top 10 range. “True,” remains to be one of my most favorite romantic songs ever! The song practically immortalized this group forever. This was their only massive hit of their career. Of all their works after the “True” album, only one song, “Gold,” made its highest peak at #29 in 1984.
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Song: You Wear It Well
Artist: DeBarge
Album: Rhythm Of The Night (1985)
Genre: Pop Music
I’m taking you back to 1985, with one of my favorite groups, DeBarge!! These guys were sooooo talented. I’m really saddened that their lives took such a negative turn. They were one of the few groups, where I always looked forward to hearing their next albums. As far as I can tell, only El is still performing (still sounds wonderful by the way), and Chico is still performing as well (has two great solo albums of his own). Bobby DeBarge is deceased.
There were to huge hits from this album. The first song everyone in my age group instantly remembers from the movie sound track “The Last Dragon (1985),” the song is called “Rhythm Of The Night (1985).” I loved this song. It was one of those happy songs that almost made you dance out in the streets. The second catchy tune from this album was called “You Wear It Well.” I will bet almost any amount of money that half (if not most) people forgot this song! This was a really cute song in my opinion. I just love that distinct 80s sound, it never gets old for me!
Song: Perfect Match
Artist: Lauryn Hill
Album: A Perfect Match (2019)
Genre: Hip Hop
Wow guys!! Maybe I was totally oblivious, but I don’t think I’ve heard anything new (or major) from Lauryn, since her iconic 1998 album called “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill (1998)!” Ever since that scandal broke out, about her stealing music for “The Miseducation” album, if you haven’t heard about it, you can read it in this Rolling Stones article, despite albums released after that, it kind of felt she was missing in action. I was hoping her daughter wasn’t gonna follow her footsteps, but so far, so good (I guess). “A Perfect Match” is released as a single. She doesn’t come hard like she did on her first album, but the essence of what she represented back in the day, still there. It’s a sweet romantic love song, and I think it really works for her voice. All the tones, tempos, and inflections we heard on her first and only iconic album is undoubtedly present in this song. Only difference is that it’s more laid back.
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Song: Between The Sheets
Artist: The Isley Brothers
Album: Between The Sheets (1983)
Genre: R&B
Oh shit!! Could those pants have been any tighter?! ? The material that was used for many “stylish” clothes for men back in the day, was so uncomfortable and non-flexible. Just trying to sit down was a problem for me. Honestly, I don’t know how I made it through the 70s ? Anyway, I was gonna pick a dance song, until I came across these legends. Surely a forgotten group, as far as I can tell. They’ve had more hits than I can think of. “Between The Sheets” hit #3 on the R&B charts, and has gained the status of “baby makin’ music” in the Black community. If I’m not mistaken, “It’s Your Thing (1969)” was their biggest hit of their career, landing at #2 on the Top 100 Chart. Although, if someone said to me “off the top of your head, think of an Isley song,” I’d probably think of “Between The Sheets” first.
Song: Hope Your Satisfied
Artist: Ken Parker
Album: Hope Your Satisfied (c. 1965)
Genre: Reggae
I have got to say that, Jamaican reggae singer Ken Parker, has got to be one of my most favorite old-time reggae legends, forgotten reggae legends! In my opinion, he made some of the most beautiful romantic reggae music. Ken grew up in the church, and started his career singing religious reggae music. I mostly gravitated more towards his love songs, such as “Hope Your Satisfied.” I also absolutely loved his cover of Sam Cooke’s “Change Gonna Come.” Damn!! That’s a sweet reggae gem right there! It appears that a lot of his oldies have been digitally re-released, so I am unsure or the original publishing dates for these songs. Oooh, oooh, you’ve got to checkout another favorite classic of mine. He did a cover of a song called “Chokin’ Kind,” I believe it was originally performed by American singer Joe Simon. I love both versions of this song.
Song: We Got Our Own Thang
Artist: Heavy D. & The Boyz
Album: Big Tyme (1989)
Genre: Hip Hop
Yes.. I think even the biggest classic music fans has forgotten about Heavy D. & The Boyz. And I definitely have not heard their music on classic radio stations! Sad part is, they were one of the very few hip hop artists that produced music that appealed to a wider audience. A lot of people loved and admired this groups. In addition to my favorite “We Got Our Own Thang,” you should also check out my other favorites. ” Now That We’ve Found Love (1991),” and “Somebody For Me (1989).” Such a shame we lost Heavy D. so early in his career. Not only was he talented lyrically, he also could dance his ass off. Not many “overweight lovers” could dance the way he did.
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Song: Margaritaville
Artist: Jimmy Buffett
Album: Changes In Latitude, Changes In Altitude (1977)
Genre: Country
Most definitely, this artist’s music is truly obscure. Despite a lot of country fans loved his music, I wasn’t really in to him. “Margaritaville” was the only popular song I really liked from him. I guess largely because it was a very catchy tune. It’s the first “tropical” like country song I’ve ever heard! ? The song reached #8 on the Top 100 Chart. As far as I can tell, Margaritaville remained the biggest hit of his career. At age 72, not only is he still performing, he’s also get a few restaurants in Florida. You’ll never guess what it’s called? Well, Margaritaville Cafe” of course! ?
Song: Love Overboard
Artist: Gladys Knight & The Pips
Album: All Our Love (1987)
Genre: Pop Music
I think the last generation took for granted just how many hits Gladys Knight & The Pips actually had (beyond their “Imagination (1973)” album) back in the day. Fans immediately zero in on their iconic songs like “Midnight Train To Georgia,” and “If I Were Your Woman.” However, “Love Overboard” was the sh*t too back in the day. The song peaked at #13 on the Top 100 charts. This was the perfect dance love song. At the time, this song was huge, because it was their first top 40 hit in quite a few years.
Song: Boogie Oogie Oogie
Artist: Taste Of Honey
Album: A Taste Of Honey (1978)
Genre: Disco
I’m pretty sure most people under the age of 40 barely remember (if any at all) the group Taste Of Honey. Let me tell you, these women were some badass bitches (in a good way)! To watch them perform, be it live or on TV, was a sight to see. There are very, very few female musicians who could pick a guitar like these women. The only other Black female (long before this group) I can remember off hand that could beat the hell out of a guitar like that was Rosetta Tharpe. Unfortunately, as talented as this group was, they only produced two major hits (although iconic). The first was “Boogie Oogie Oogie,” which hit number #1 on the Top 100, and “Sukiyaki (1981),” which hit #3. Also check out “Rescue Me (1980).” Does the beat sound familiar to you? I’ll give you a hint “I Got A Man (1992)!”
Song: We Must Be In Love
Artist: The Impressions
Album: Check Out Your Mind (1970)
Genre: R&B
You know how sometimes we discover a classic on the radio we had not heard for ages, and then you’re moved to find your copy of that album hidden somewhere, and all of a sudden you realize you can’t stop playing the record? That was me with this classic Impressions song! I could be wrong, but.. Sometimes I think that Curtis Mayfield’s music was and still is really under rated. He’s written and performed some phenomenal music! He was one of the very few artists where I loved his music both before and after he gone solo. However, it just seems to me that most people don’t remember his music beyond his iconic “Superfly (1972)” soundtrack. “Superfly” might be dated, but it’s still a great album to listen to, even today!
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Song: Don’t Let Me Down
Artist: Marcia Griffiths
Album: Play Me Nice & Sweet (1974)
Genre: Reggae
Wow! Talk about sweet reggae music? This is a great one right here!! I know I probably say this all the time, but, I think this is one of my most favorite reggae songs by a female. “Don’t Let Me Down” is both danceable and very romantic. I highly recommend this song for weddings/reception. Marcia has taken this 1969 Beatles song to a whole different level. Now, to be honest, I’m almost certain that most Americans don’t know anything about Marcia Griffiths. However, Americans may remember her for her smash hit “Electric Boogie (1990).” The crazy thing about this song is that, growing up, this song was almost a requirement to any Black party. I mean, before an end to every barbecue, someone will demand that song to be played. Almost every church function I’ve been to as a child played this song before the function was over. The dance to this song looked very much like “The Bus Stop.” Yet, the Top 100 Charts has this song positioned at #51! WTF??????????
Song: Dancin’ In The Key Of Life
Artist: Steve Arrington
Album: Dancin’ In The Key Of Life (1985)
Genre: Pop Music
Wow!!! Talk about nostalgia!! Talk about “Black in the day!” Do you guys remember Steve Arrington? Stop lying! No you don’t!! ? ? ? “Dancin’ In The Key Of Life,” was my sh*t back in the day! This was my all purpose song! You can dance to it, exercise to it, clean the house to it, anything you needed to do, this song was a great song to play to start your day. Another beautiful thing about this song was, everyone of all ages were grooving to amazing composition. Shockingly, the song only made it up to #68 on the Top 100 Charts ?. However, in the dance category it reached #2. As popular as I remembered this song was, I’m stunned that it was at such a low position on the main chart. Another great dance hit you should check out is “Feel So Real,” which happens to be on the same “Dancin’ In The Key Of Life” album. This song reached #5 on the Billboard Dance Charts. To my understanding, Steve started his career being a former drummer for the group called Slave.
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Song: An Awesome Playlist!
Artist: Various
Album: Most Popular Hits Of 1970! (1970)
Genre: Assorted
Hey guys, it’s been a while since I’ve made a playlist. As always, I think I have a really good hand picked playlist for ya. Today’s playlist consist of 20 of the most popular songs of 1970! From soul, to original R&B, to Rock. A little bit of everything to fit most people’s taste. The first song in my playlist is from the legendary Freeda Payne, called “Band Of Gold (1970).” I remember every family member, and friends of family playing this song. I loved the beat and melody song so much, I was upset that the song was so short. Another favorite that was somewhat popular in the Black community was a song from The who called “American Woman.” Those of my listeners who are old enough to remember Tom Jones at his prime, I have “Without Love” on this playlist. I always used to say that Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck had very similar voices & vocal textures. However, “Without Love” is the one song that separates Tom from Engelbert. Tom really projected his voice and sang his ass off! Tom could have easily been a Broadway performer. The song was another favorite that my grandpops and I loved to listen to. I also have “Turn Back The Hands Of Time by Tyrone Davis!” This was a huge hit back in the day. Check out more songs on my new 70s playlist.
Song: The Gigolo
Artist: O’Bryan
Album: The Best Of O’Bryan (1996)
Genre: Funk/R&B
I know I shouldn’t judge, but…. I’m almost positive that hardly anyone remembers this dude!! He looks so different now. But, he also looks more handsome now with age. As far as I can tell, he never had any chart toppers in the “Top 100” category, but he had a few under R&B. I wasn’t really in to his music. However, some straight females acted as tho he was a Luther Vandross or something. I liked “The Gigolo (1982),” because the sound was very “Prince (ish).” It reached #57 on the Top 100, and it was the highest ranking on Top 100. But, the good news was that it peaked at #5 on R&B. Some of you may remember O’Bryan for his #1 R&B song called “Lovelite (1984).” Another “Prince (ish)” sound, that was very popular in the Black community back in the day. Through all the ups and downs, at age 57, he’s still performing and rocking the house!
Song: Tempted
Artist: Erykah Badu
Album: Tempted (2019)
Genre: R&B
When it comes to Erykah’s outward appearance, man, this is one weird lady!!! I swear, sometimes I think Erykah is like a Black version of Björk. Erykah is definitely eccentric. However, she threw down jams back in the day that later on became iconic. Along with James Poyser, Erykah has recently released a cover of a song called “Tempted.” It was originally written and performed by a group called “Squeeze” in 1981. This was was my only favorite song from the group. It’s interesting that Erykah chose to do this song song, since the group never had any top 100 hits. But then again, it’s safe to say that this would be expected of Erykah, because she doesn’t copycat and do what everybody else does. I like the way she did this song, it caught me off guard. ?
Song: Dust In The Wind
Artist: Kansas
Album: Point Of Know Return (1977)
Genre: Soft Rock
I can’t remember if I’ve already written about this on my old blog. I don’t think so. Have you guys read of a band called Kansas? These rock (boarder line country) bands used to crack me up back in the day, because it was so common for them to name themselves after cities. Kansas, Chicago, Baton Rouge, Houston, the list goes on. Maybe it was a pride thing? Wanting everyone to know where they’re from (perhaps). Come to think of it, a lot of their album art had a familiar look as well. Although “Dust In The Wind” was their only #1 hit (also my personal favorite) of their career, they’re quite talented in my opinion. You should also check out their song called “Carry On Wayward Son (1976),” from their “Leftoverture” album. It almost hit made the Top 10 List, but it’s still a great song tho.
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Song: Uptight [Everything’s Alright]
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Album: Uptight (1965)
Genre: R&B
Today’s recommendation comes from my 45 collection. You know, Stevie Wonder has got to have been one of Motown’s most successful popular artist. I remember watching an interview that talked about how Stevie demanded a significant higher pay (upon first contract). Everybody thought he was out of his mind. But, Motown eventually gave in. I’m sure Motown never expected that Stevie would not only be so successful, but well loved by millions. Stevie’s song “Uptight” not only hit #1 on the Top 100 Charts, it stayed #1 for 5 weeks! Some of the most talented artists never got that!
You know, I am absolutely ashamed to find out that there exist people who don’t believe that there is a such thing as a female reggae legend. It’s kind of aggravating to know that (with the exception of female hip hop today (it appears)), there still exist sexist attitudes concerning women in music. As someone who consumes a lot of music since childhood, I emphatically disagree with this sort of mindset. Especially in the area of reggae love songs. Throughout history, no matter where you come from, it’s always been an unsaid standard that romantic songs came from men. But, I’ve heard some of the most beautiful reggae love songs from women. The late Cynthia Schloss was one of them, and she earned the right to be called a reggae legend in my opinion.
The Late Cynthia Schloss Is A Forgotten Legend Of Love Songs!
The late Cynthia Schloss was very beautiful, and had a smooth delicate singing voice. The first song I think I can recall hearing from her, was a song called “Send Me The Pillow (c. 1982).” The song was actually written by a guy named Johnny Tillotson sometime in the very late 50s. “Send me the pillow that you dream on. Maybe time will let our dreams come true.” Rarely have I heard lyrics like these, that are so sweet and genuine. There’s another song I think you should hear called “Looks Like Love (1983).” Both my late grandparents played this song A LOT!! Many of Cynthia’s music is probably far too mellow for today’s young listeners. However, they’re notable music that is part of both Jamaican and American unknown music history.
Song: Strangers On The Street
Artist: Mamas Gun
Album: Golden Days (2019)
Genre: Blue-Eyed Soul
If you love the sound of classic Blue-Eyed Soul music, then I highly recommend that you take a listen to this entire album. This sh*t is GOOD! “Mamas Gun,” is a five member band from London. They’ve formed about 10 years ago, and has performed all around the world. If I am not mistaken, this is their 4th album so far, and I am really loving it. There seems to be two release dates, 2018 & 2019. I think it’s safe to assume 2019 is the digital release. Andy Platts, the lead singer of the band, has an amazing voice. It was almost like listening to a younger version of Paul McCartney. In fact, when I listened to the band’s first album, “Routes To Riches (20019),” There is a song on there called “Finger On It,” which almost felt like I was listening to a funk/rock version of a new Beetles of sorts.
Believe it or not kids (and some grown ups), Mrs. Olivia Newton-John is most definitely a legend in every sense of the word! She is perhaps one of the few artists I’ve put in to my ultimate favorites category of the seventies and eighties. I think she’s just one of those artists that we don’t realize just how much she has contributed to the entertainment industry until we really look back and reflect. My goodness! Let’s see, she’s an actress, songwriter, business woman, and oh yeah, did you know she was also a model in her younger years?
Olivia Is Most Remembered For The Movie, Grease!
I am confident in saying that of all the phenomenal things that Olivia has done throughout her career, she is instantly remembered for her work in the 1978 movie Grease! She co-starred John Travolta, and they both did an incredible job! Olivia not only acted in the movie, she was also a huge part of the soundtrack as well. Both the movie and the soundtrack were successful hits. “Grease,” performed by Frankie Valli, & “You’re The One That I Want,” performed by Travolta and Olivia were #1 on the charts. “Summer Nights” also performed by Travolta and Olivia hit #5, and Olivia’s “Hopelessly Devoted To You,” reached #3 on the charts! In Australia, the album hit 14x Platinum, and in America 8x Platinum. Back then, those figures were eye popping.
I could be wrong, but I think the project Grease really made a difference in her career! Music was going through a major shift (and that included the world of country music), and I just don’t think she would have been as successful if she didn’t participate in the movie. Listening to Olivia’s music was kind of like listening to an Australian country version of Karen Carpenter. ? Don’t beat me up for that, I loved Karen’s music too.
Beyond The Grease Soundtrack!
Ok, I need to make my readers aware of just how badass Olivia was back in the day! Out of 38 songs that actually registered on the Billboard Charts, she has managed to get 5 number ones, and 15 top tens. That’s an incredible achievement, not only as a woman, but as a mostly country artist. Also keep in mind, she accomplished this just when disco was on its why out, and both rock and pop was slowly dominating the 80s.
Some of my favorites dear to my heart are “Physical (1981),” “I Honestly Love You (1974),” “Have You Ever Been Mellow (1975),” and another badass song “Magic (1980).” I soooo love the beat to “Magic.” And you know, “Suddenly (1981),” was a nice song too, but unfortunately it only reached #20 on the Top 100 Charts (which is not bad technically). If I’m not mistaken “Suddenly” was on the original Xanadu (1980) soundtrack. Olivia didn’t have all that much of a vocal range (in my opinion), but she managed to crank out some huge memorable hits in my lifetime.
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