Fire & Earth

It's the last post of the year and I felt this blog should bow out of 2014 with an X-Clan bang. The song is Fire & Earth and with the way this year has gone, to me this song is appropriate. X-Clan was a pro Black hip hop group from the early 90's, back when hip hop said something. back when it had a positive message mixed in amongst the music about women, money, and jewelry. I was a zealous X-Clan fan and thought Brother J was one of the most underrated rappers in the history of the genre.

Fire & Earth is off of their 1992 second studio release entitled Xodus - The New Testament and the song contains subtle digs aimed at the white rap group 3rd Base and the teacher himself, KRS-One. I love this song for its message of course. I also loved the mid tempo beat which allowed Brother J to flow smoothly over as he dropped knowledge.

It was during this time when I identified heavily with the Black nationalist movement and supported the call for divestment in South Africa. X-Clan albums were my soundtracks back then and their music will always have a special place in my heart. And if you like this song then definitely check out their cut Heed The Word of the Brother. Enjoy and again Happy New Year.

Work Song

Work Song is an amazingly moving song about unconditional love that not even death can conquer. It's by Hozier and it's off his 2013 EP release From Eden. It can also be found on his 2014 release Hozier. Hozier is an Irish folk singer and this song, in my humble opinion will make him a household name. It's haunting, moving, mournful, and gripping.

It starts off with backing vocals that sounds like a choir, hand claps, and eventually some sparse percussion. Hozier comes in with lyrics about how much in love he is with his baby. When the second verse comes in you get the sense that these two people are broken beyond repair and can only survive with each other by their side. The chorus brings that sentiment home with When my time comes around / Lay me gently in the cold dark earth / No grave can hold my body down / I'll crawl home to her. 

While this song sounds like it could be a Ray LaMontagne jewel since it has all the ingredients, the one thing Hozier has over Ray is the darkness. The song is one of the darkest love songs I've heard and Hozier's vocals fit perfectly. If you like this then you might be interested in checking out Cherry Wine. Enjoy and Happy New Year!

Scorpious 1111

This amazing piece of music entitled Scorpious 1111 is by an artist named VonLichten (whole name Helmut Vonlichten) and it's a spectacle. Helmut was once part of a group I was (and still am) a huge fan of name E.S. Posthumus. He formed the group with his brother Franz. When Franz died in 2010 Helmut ended E. S. and in 2011 formed a new group named Les Friction. I found this piece on his 2014 album entitled mDust and once I heard the song I've had the hardest time stopping myself from playing it again and again. And just for the record, you need to hear this song on your BIG BOY speakers. Ear buds won't do this song justice and you'll miss out on all the little nuances that make this an awesome piece of music.

The song starts off with a poignant mournful piano melody which is the melody carried throughout the song. Then the voices come in with dramatic strings following. Suddenly the song takes flight and the strings add a sense of urgency. Scorpious 1111 slowly builds as the voices come back and the piece swells with percussion and horns to a powerful crescendo. All of which brings us full circle back to the lonely piano.

If you enjoy Scorpious 1111 then I highly recommend Liller 1 off the same album. It's an action packed piece that starts off running right from the start and never lets up until the end. It's a treat for me to have new music from Helmut. I just wish his brother Franz could have been a part of it. Enjoy!

Our Destiny

Thomas Bergersen may not be a name you're familiar with, and that's understandable. He does what's known as position music aka trailer music, and since it's not pop, played on the radio, have music videos for it, and only heard when you see a movie trailer his and other names that create this style of music won't ever be household. Thomas' should be though in my estimation because he is an amazingly talented artist. In fact Thomas and his friend and co-founder of the production team Two Steps From Hell, Nick Phoenix, should both be known names.

Thomas's latest album is entitled Sun and Our Destiny is a grand, epic, sweeping piece that pulls you in if you let it. It comes in with full on drama that leads into a lovely piano movement which then brings you into the bombast. The second you get caught up in that he changes the mood of the piece entirely and throws this amazing heroic theme at you. The strings are a real treat for your ears, and the second movement of the theme is built upon with vocals which adds a level of drama to a satisfying crescendo that ushers in the finale.

If you aren't aware of Thomas then I am happy to make the introduction and suggest you check out his piece Final Frontier on the same album. Along with Two Steps From Hell's pieces Nero and All Is Hell That Ends Well. No matter how many times I hear those pieces they still blow my mind and maybe they'll blow yours too. Then maybe you'll see why I think he should be a household name.

Norman

When I saw the movie Fury I wasn't impressed but the one thing I couldn't get out of my head was the score by Steven Price. That especially goes for this melody entitled Norman. It's a grand piece with stirring strings and packed with emotion. I thought the score was the one thing the producers got right with Fury and while it's a shame that such a great melody and piece was wasted on a bad movie, at least the music is out here for us to enjoy regardless what it's attached to.

Steven Price also did the score for the Oscar winning film Gravity, and while there are touches of that score within Norman, this piece stands on its own and it's hard to ignore. Let me know if you agree.

Infiltration (Creeper Mix)

This little instrumental ditty is brought to you by the group known as Trifonic. I've been a fan of theirs since I first came across a song they did called Parks On Fire (which I highly recommend taking a listen too. It's here on this blog actually). After hearing Parks I made it my mission to hear everything these two brothers Brian and Lawrence had ever done which led me here.

Infiltration is the name of this masterpiece and when played loudly on those big boy speakers of yours, it shakes walls. The high end frequencies won't annoy your ears but the low end will definitely annoy your neighbors, but they'll thank you in the end for the introduction. Infiltration (Creeper Remix) is off of the groups 2008 Remergence EP.

The groove in this cut is unmistakable as you might cut detect a little Funky Drummer in the beat. And if you like this song then check out Transgenic (Rust Mix). It's a tad more mellow but just as cool. Now if you need to put some pep in your step and some stride in your glide, cue this monster up and hold on. Enjoy...and you're welcome.

Let's Go Crazy

Are you as big a fan of Prince as I am? Are you a lover of his iconic Oscar and Grammy award winning album Purple Rain as I am? If so then you are in for a little delicious treat for your ears. Okay, who am I kidding, it's actually a GIGANTIC treat. Prince has recently announced that he will be dropping a solo album and an album with his group 3rd Eye Girl in September and has already released the finger popping first single Clouds. Following that up, Prince released a rock heavy version of Let's Go Crazy on the internet, and it's fucking sick.

The drums bring the song in and you are instantly assaulted by the heavy funky groove. Prince comes in not shortly afterwards singing the very familiar lyrics of Crazy and the guitars crank and crunch. He never gets to the second verse, he instead sets fire to the whole thing with a blistering solo which then drags the song into a monster version of the Edgar Winter Group's classic Frankenstein.

I doubt this sound will be on Prince's newest releases coming soon but this definitely reminds everyone just how proficient Prince is on guitar. This kind of playing has been missing from him lately and it's nice hearing him tear shit up again. Enjoy.

Iminluvwichoo

This is one of my favorite Eric Benet songs because it's both playful and funky. The song is called Iminluvwichoo and it's off his 2008 release entitled Love & Life. It's an uptempo groovy cut that is in my opinion the best cut off the album though Love & Life has a far more lighthearted feel than his previous album, 2005's Hurricane. That album was released after his very public break up with a certain Hollywood actress. Love & Life was Eric getting back to being Eric.  

The reason this particular song stuck out and struck me was because of the music track. Back in 1985 a duo named Renee & Angela released an incredible album called Street Called Desire and on that album they recorded a song entitled I'll Be Good. Iminluvwichoo is almost entirely built off the foundation of I'll Be Good and I have no problem with that at all because I LOVE I'll Be Good. So this song makes me smile every time I hear it.

Iminluvwichoo is a duet with Linda Kirally so I am firmly under the belief that Eric purposefully set out to make this song sound like Renee & Angela's classic as much as he possibly could and bravo to him. Not only does it make this song rock but it re-introduces people to (in my opinion) one of the most underrated R&B duos to ever record. If you like this track, check out Eric's The Hunger off the same album, and if you are so inclined, go listen to I'll Be Good, you won't be sorry. Enjoy...and you're welcome.

A Nation Rejects

When I first heard this track by The Art of Noise I immediately became infatuated with it. It's entitled A Nation Rejects and it's on the B side of the 12" single Paranoimia that was released in 1986. Meaning if you didn't pick up that single, you missed out. Since I was and still am to this day a major fan of The Art of Noise I pretty much bought everything they released and I was routinely rewarded with such gems as Nation.

Nation is a dark, mournful song with a sweet hypnotic melody that rides on top of the track. It's a track I kept playing over and over again which drove my mother crazy. It's also a song that inspires hope, as if audibly telling you that while it may be dark today, the sun will shine tomorrow. It's arranged perfectly and it solidified me as a fan of theirs.

I don't need to say anymore, check the song out for  yourself and let me know what you think. It's a blast from the past from me but it may become your new favorite tune, who knows? If you enjoy this then you might want to listen to Legacy the 8+ minute version. It's absolutely incredible the way they layer the sounds one on top of the next never losing the soul of the track. There are two groups I miss from my childhood, the original line up of Pink Floyd and The Art of Noise. Enjoy!

I Wanna Know

Second time The Foreign Exchange has graced my blog and this time I bring you the smooth track entitled I Wanna Know from their 2008 album Leave It All Behind. I love this groups music even though their sound is accessible aka pop. It's still witty and biting at times. The lyrics are provided by rapper/singer Phonte Coleman and the tracks are crafted by producer Nicolay and together these two men have done exceptional work.

I Wanna Know starts off with Phonte singing  Okay, you can blame it all on me tonight / Don't wanna walk away / Tonight I'll be the bigger man which immediately let's you know this is not your average love song. He has a great voice with range and Nicolay does his best to highlight it by not drowning it out with overproduction. The track is simple which helps you focus on the lyrics but it's arranged masterfully. There are points in the song where Phonte's vocals are layered which adds a wonderful dimension to the song.

Leave It All Behind is the second album from this duo and it spawned both a Grammy nomination and a Grammy win for the song Daykeeper, a song I highly recommend if you dig this one. Enjoy...and yes, you're welcome :)

Out For Blood

This piece hit me in the headphones today and it demanded my attention. Epic in scale, Out For Blood is off the 2014 Epic Score album entitled Strength To Believe and it is amazing. Every time I wonder how these guys can keep this going, if they can surpass their previous pieces of ridiculous melodies, magnificent arrangements, and soaring vocals, they hit me with a new track that clears the bar all the time.

Blood starts off dramatic, there is no slow intro here. It gets into full groove almost right away with the pounding percussion keeping the tempo alive. It's got a great melody and the arrangement keeps this piece from getting boring. The layering of the vocals on top of all that's going on is a masterstroke. I'm having a hard time not keeping this on repeat because it has definitely moved up in the queue.

If you're a fan of epic music or position music then you should check out Strength To Believe. It won't disappoint. And if you like this cut in particular then I highly recommend you check out Tower Fall off this same album. Enjoy and you're welcome.

Broken Man

Anthony Hamilton is one of my favorite singers and I love pretty much everything he's dropped. His fifth studio Back To Love was no exception. It was released back in 2011 and immediately snatched up the Grammy for best R&B album. It's a solid album through and through, and if you didn't buy the deluxe version of Back then you missed out on this gem of a song entitled Broken Man. 

It starts off with a really subtle into, organ, piano, finger snaps, and kick drum. The song itself though is hard hitting and biting. Singing lyrics like Now she told me he was just a friend / But friends don't send pictures like that / I aint even start an argument / Grabbed my Louis bags an packed...clues you into why the song is called Broken Man. I dig this cut but what I really love is the vocal layering on the chorus. It sounds fantastic and the breathy vocals are a nice contrast to Anthony's voice.

The music never really changes but that's just fine by me. The melody is sweet and the tempo is one that almost doesn't match what he's singing about. It sounds like it should belong to a song pledging unconditional love, not a break up song. If you like this cut then you might also enjoy his song Pray For Me written and produced by Babyface. Enjoy and you're welcome!

After Dreaming

This is Wasis Diop's second appearance on my blog, which means I am a considerable fan. This time the song I am introducing you to is entitled After Dreaming off of his 1998 release Toxu. Wasis hails from Senegal and unless you're fluent in Senegalese you won't catch the lyrics, but the song is something special nonetheless. It's a cool out, chill song with some great vocals supplied by an amazing yet sadly uncredited female singer.

The song starts off with Wasis seemingly walking along side a river and entering a structure, whispering and turning on some equipment. The ethereal music then slides in and the sweet vocals of the female singer clashes so sonically beautiful with Wasis' own gravely baritone that you think it can't get any better. Then the chorus comes in with what sounds like a choir and takes this piece to another level. I really do no mind that I am unable to know what the two are singing about. Beautiful music is beautiful music and this is beautiful music, period.

Toxu is an amazing album and if you like the sound of this then you will absolutely adore Everything (Is Never Quite Enough). His sound is smooth, relaxing, sensual, and inspiring. Don't believe me? That's great, take a listen for yourself and let your ears convince you. I am confident they will. Enjoy!

Lost In Las Vegas

I am a very big fan of the instrumental group Two Steps From Hell and there are a few pieces of their music littered throughout my blog. Today I wanted to introduce you to another piece by them that is unlike anything they've ever done before. First the length of the song is unusually long for them, it's a winding ten minute plus long musical journey which initially surprise me. Secondly what caught me off guard was the brightness of the sound. Two Steps does epic music, trailer music with overpowering orchestration and towering vocals, this song does NOT fall in that category.

It starts out innocently enough as the sounds start to layer, giving you no indication as to what's about to hit, the calm before the musical storm so to speak. The ethereal voices come in as the music starts to pick up steam and at the 3:53 mark this song spreads its wings and takes flight.

Off of their brand new release entitled Miracles, Lost in Las Vegas is a playful, groovy, infectious song that will make you bop your head and tap your toes. It may also put a smile on your face if you're not careful. This song has made me an even bigger fan of Two Steps and I didn't think that was even a possibility. Give this a listen and they may just make a fan out of you too. Enjoy!

You & I (Nobody in The World)

I have said it before and I will say it again, I am not the biggest John Legend fan. I think the main reason behind that is due to the fact that there not only sounds like there's no evolution in his music but that his music seems to actually be regressing. His songs are so chorus (hook) heavy and verse light that they come across as if they were written specifically for movies or TV commercials. However, every now and then he drops a song that makes me pause.

You & I (Nobody In The World) is a damn good song with an even better message and a far better video. The song starts off gently with that guitar sound reminiscent of Explosions In The Sky and he croons over it singing, You fix your makeup just so /Guess you don't know that you're beautiful / Try on every dress that you own / you were fine in my eye a half hour ago. Those lines immediately let you know this is a song that touches on some serious insecurities women deal with, but John delivers the message that out of all the girls in the world, the only one he sees is you. That while you might not think you're pretty or beautiful, or gorgeous...he does.

You & I (Nobody In The World) is off his 2013 release Love in the Future and it may be the best song off that album outside of All Of Me. Check out the powerful video and see if you agree with me.

Piece of Clay

On what I still consider the foulest and most cruel April fools day ever was when I heard that Marvin Gaye had been gunned down by his very own father. Marvin Gay Sr. slew his son on this day back in 1984 and it was the news that shocked and rocked the world. I think this song, Piece of Clay is so amazingly fitting since it was senior who wanted junior to be his own piece of clay. May you continue to rest in peace Marvin, and know you have not been forgotten and remain forever in our hearts.

Operate

This song is just flat out sexy, surprisingly that's the case for both the original and remixed versions. The song is Operate by ASTR and I can't get enough of it, particularly the drum remixed version of it. Operate is off ASTR's 2014 EP release entitled Varsity, which in itself is damn impressive collection of six songs, with Operate being the brilliant standout.

The first thing that catches you about the original version is the expansive sound and the barely there scratchy vocals. The drums are right out of the late eighties, and the song is very synth heavy, so much so that it lead me to believe this tune would have been amazing in a Miami Vice episode. That doesn't take away from the sexiness of it though, the melody and bass line rocks and the vocals float along over them nicely. The remix is another beast entirely. Immediately you hear the difference, the song is slowed down so much that the lead vocals sound like they are coming from a man, and the drums are stronger. It sounds like the Art of Noise got their hands on this song and flipped it, making it steamier.

If you like Operate then I suggest Blue Hawaii and We Fall Down, two tunes that are worthy of the time it takes to listen to them. I hope you enjoy this song in both it's incarnations as much as I do (I'm posting the original and remix cause I like ya). Oh, and if you didn't know by now, this is a big boy speaker song :) Enjoy!

We Might Be Dead by Tomorrow

I caught this poignant song in a video the other day and thought it was amazingly profound. It captures perfectly the live, love, and laugh credo so starkly. In her own way Soko is telling us that no one is promised tomorrow so live right now, today! Waiting to do it later is not written in stone and is in no way assured. I love this song.

From her 2012 debut album I Thought I Was An Alien, We Might Be Dead By Tomorrow is a lilting song, sung in a breathless way which makes it somewhat creepy, and in all ways brilliant. It's just Stephanie Sokolinski floating over instruments that are barely there themselves. The violin and guitar compliment her voice exquisitely and the drums are in and out which is a nice touch.

If you like this song then I highly recommend checking out For Marlon and First Love Never Die off the same album. You're welcome :) Enjoy!

I Put A Spell On You

Dearest Nina,

On what would have been your 81st birthday I wanted to acknowledge your prodigious talents and let you know that you are still sorely missed. I would have loved watching the so called artists of today try to keep up with you. You would have out shined the brightest of them, be they male or female.

The world of music dimmed forever on April 21, 2003 and it will never brighten again. You along with some other extremely talented women raised the bar to a level virtually impossible to reach. I wonder how many records you would have sold, or how many downloads you would have had. No matter the era, you would have ruled.

In commemoration of your birthday I am posting one of my favorite songs by you, I Put A Spell On You. Your vocals tear through this song and the violins backing you along with your piano playing are the perfect accompaniment. The saxophone blisters and it's the only instrument that can keep up with you, the amazing you. Happy Birthday Ms. Simone and may you continue to rest in peace. You are missed.


   

Love Is The Answer

I heard this song in a car commercial and found out it was an Aloe Blacc tune. The song is entitled Love Is The Answer off of Blacc's soon to be released second album, Lift Your Spirit. If you don't know Aloe Blacc then please enjoy this introduction. It's a groove heavy song that will have you snapping your fingers or bopping your head.

The song starts off with the bass line that rides dominantly throughout the song. The mid tempo pace is set with the hand claps that take the place of a snare drum. The splash of horns is a very cool ingredient to an already tasty tune. Aloe's voice rides smoothly over the track with ease and the female backing vocals is a nice counterbalance to his.

For a second, at the bridge Aloe brings to mind Stevie Wonder's iconic voice. Whether done on purpose or not, it was a nice nod to the master. The video tells one heartbreaking story between two brothers that speaks volumes about the plight of young Black men. If you enjoy this song by Aloe Blacc then you should check out the first single from Lift entitled The Man. Enjoy!  

Microphone Fiend

Today is the birthday of one of my all time favorite MC's, one of the best to ever flow over a beat, Rakim Allah aka the God MC. I grew up on his music and in my opinion Rakim was hands down the best ever. Ask any hip hop head and they may tell you the same or at least put him in their top three. I am posting one of my favorites by The God, Microphone Fiend off his 1988 album Follow The Leader in honor of his born day.

Happy birthday Rakim and many more. Keep flowing.

Giving You The Best That I Got

Today is the birthday of one of the most mesmerizing voices to ever lay vocals over music. Today is the birthday of the wonderfully talented Anita Baker. She turns 56 years old and I thought the best way to wish her a happy birthday was by posting my favorite song of hers. Giving You The Best That I Got is from her multiplatinum, multi Grammy award winning, and multi Soul Train award winning album of the same name.

Released in 2009, Giving You The Best That I Got yielded Anita Baker's highest chart topping song in the U.S. Best That I Got reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song will always be my favorite by her because not only is it a well written song but because she shows off the many ranges of her velvet voice.

Happy Birthday Ms. Baker and may you see many, many more.

Cinema (Skrillex Remix)

This song always puts the hitch in my giddy up whenever I need a kick in the pants to get moving. It's a serious banger and strictly for the BIG BOY SPEAKERS! The song is Cinema by Benny Benassi remixed by Skrillex. Now, if you are not a fan of dubstep then I suggest you not hit play on the attached video below, and if you are...you're welcome :)

There's really nothing left to say but enjoy!

Forging a New Light

The second this song hits my ears my energy levels rise. This piece by Danny Cocke entitled Forging a New Light always seems to put some serious pep in my step. This song is off Danny's 2012 release Verge of Total Chaos and I never get tired of hearing it. I am a big fan of what's known as "trailer music" or "epic music" and Danny Cocke has put some amazing stuff together in the genre, especially this song.

Forging starts off nice and light with some foreboding darkness with the strings and the voices, then suddenly the piece picks up steam and a rhythm. The percussion soon joins in along with the voices and it seems to be headed toward a crescendo only to fall away at the 1:18 mark. The respite is over quickly though as the song comes back stronger and more alive with horns adding to the body of the piece. The horns along with the voices and the strings bring this song to a crashing finale, punctuated by the nice fade to silence.

I haven't heard this piece attached to any trailer as of yet, which is surprising. However should I get the chance to be a part of a movie in any way, say for instance I write a book that gets made into a movie, I am suggesting this track for the trailer. It's THAT good. And if you like this then definitely check out Sinister Intent (which was the trailer music for Elysium) and The Guardians by him. Enjoy!

Kiss of Life

Today is the birthday of one of the most celebrated and loved singers to ever grace a stage, Helen Folasade Adu aka Sade turned 55 today. She has fans far and wide all over this world and her music has never ceased to entertain as well as provoke thought and one of my favorite songs by her is the beautiful Kiss of Life off of her 1992 release love deluxe album.

Thank you for Sade for blessing us with your beautiful voice. Happy Birthday, enjoy your day and may many, many more come your way.

After Hours

Yo Ronny, I swear when I heard you passed I didn't believe it. I actually had to look it up and read it for myself. I can't believe you're gone. Who is going to chill me out now? No one did that like you did it. As a tribute to you, I am posting your first hit After Hours off your 1992 debut album The Antidote.

Thank you for blessing us with your talent. You will forever be missed man. May you rest in eternal peace. Just 51, you left us too soon Ronny, too soon man.

Man of Steel (Dub step remix)

I think the intro to this song is just pure bad ass. The best way to hear it though is loudly so you know what that means, it's big boy speaker time. The song is crafted by Troels Folmann and it's a remix of the Hans Zimmer composed Man of Steel score. This is a dub step remix and while I love it, the actual Man of Steel melody has been sped up to sound like something almost completely different. That really doesn't matter though because as I said the intro is truly bad ass, the rest isn't so bad either.

The song rides along to a serious backbeat and yes there are elements of dub step in the song. For the most part though the song sounds more like an epic piece than a dub step remix. It's arranged nicely with a serious breakdown at the 1:26 mark where the vocals are unleashed. On the other side of that vocal break the song takes on a darker more menacing tone for some seconds.

In my opinion nothing touches Zimmer's MoS score, but this was an interesting interpretation of the main theme. I always enjoy it when it comes up on the ipod, if for nothing else than that bad ass intro. Enjoy!  

The Whole Town's Laughing At Me

On this day four years ago the world lost one of the greatest singers to have ever lived. Theodore DeReese Pendergrass aka Teddy Pedergrass passed away on January 13, 2010 from respiratory failure after recovering from successful surgery for colon cancer.

Much like Marvin Gaye, every time I heard Teddy's voice I felt like no matter what he had grown up to do, he would have eventually been a singer. Some people are destined for some things and Teddy was destined to sing, his voice would have seen to that. One of my all time favorites of Teddy's is The Whole Town's Laughing At Me because it's such a smooth song about lost love. I love the chorus when the backing voices sing Silly fool/How'd you lose/Such a good thing. 

Thank you Teddy for blessing us with your talent and leaving us a massive collection of some of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. You will never be forgotten, and may you continue to rest in eternal peace.

Be Without You

Today is the birthday of Mary J. Blige aka the "Queen of hip hop soul". When she first hit the music scene I was a big fan of her first album, What's The 411? and since then I've kept an eye on her career and an ear open on where she was musically. While I haven't always been the biggest fan of hers, Be Without You off her 2005 album The Breakthrough has always been a favorite of mine.

Happy Birthday Mary. Enjoy your day and may you see many, many more come your way.

Decision

I don't usually post hip hop on my blog, mainly because most hip hop today contains a word so vile that it rankles me. Yet every now and then there comes a song that catches me off guard and just flat out floors me, like this one. It's called Decision by Busta Rhymes and it's off his 2009 LP Back On My B.S. Now as the title states, you can just imagine what's being bantered about on about 98% of the album, but the other 2% is just downright beautiful.

Decision stars Jamie Foxx, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, and Common. In fact Jamie is the first voice you hear as he sings the chorus. Busta follows him and flows strongly over the beautiful melody. Then Mary comes in with the chorus and harmonizes behind Busta as he raps his second verse. Then John Legend sings the chorus and he's followed by Common. The thing that catches me is how this is a song about real friendship, unconditional friendship which we all could use.

I am not a big Busta Rhymes fan but I am of Decision and I can't seem to get it out of my head. Hopefully you'll enjoy this song as much as I do, and if it doesn't make you a fan of Busta's, maybe it'll make you a fan of the song at the very least. Enjoy.

I Wish

To celebrate the birthday of R. Kelly I am posting my favorite song of his, I Wish. I remember how the first time I heard it, I had recently lost someone close to me so this song brought me to tears. I was never a true Kelly fan, his music never connected with me until I Wish. It slammed into me like an out of control truck and at times it still does.

Happy Birthday R. May you see many, many, more and thank you.

I Wanna Get Next To You

It was recently brought to my attention that there are some people that have never heard this classic. Therefore I felt it was high time I included this masterpiece on my blog, so those that have never heard it before can treat their ears to a beautiful song and for those that know it well can get to know it all over again. The song is I Wanna Get Next To You from Rose Royce. It's off the 1976 soundtrack to the smash hit movie Car Wash.

The song starts off with the irresistible groove and you instantly know this song is just going to wash over you. The piano, guitar, and the percussion play off each other nicely after the riff. The falsetto of Kenny Copeland comes in and drops the heartbreaking lyrics about a man hoping to spend some time with a young lady who is apparently not interested. It was the perfect song for the unrequited love in the film between The Fly and the waitress.

This song will always be a classic. It's the unofficial song of the Car Wash movie but Rose Royce also dropped the original I'm Going Down that Mary J. Blige covered on that same soundtrack. Written and produced by Norman Whitfield, I feel he captured lightning in a bottle with this song because I can't help but smile whenever I hear it. Enjoy!

Cool

If you're anywhere near as old as I am then you know this song and its infectious groove. The song is Cool by the groovy (and hilarious) collection of men that make up The Time. Cool was the second single that was released off of their debut album The Time and while Cool didn't rate that high on the charts, it quickly became a staple for the band in concert and defined their attitude.

Right off the bat you get a sense of the groove with the drums and synth hooking up, then the additional percussion and a splash of guitar comes in. You immediately want to move something, it's that catchy but when Morris Day comes in with I got a penthouse in Manhattan / Two more in Monaco / I bought an 87 Cadillac Seville / Got a Maserati too / I wear diamonds on my fingers / I gotta couple on my toes / I wear the finest perfume money can by / Keeps me smelling like a rose...you know this song is all about making you smile and dance your ass off.

Originally written and preformed by Prince (written under his alias Jamie Starr), he thought it was the perfect foil for the group after he jettisoned Alexander O'Neal from the lineup. He thought this song fit his cousins vocals better than it did O'Neal's. Take a listen and see if you agree with him. Enjoy!