Let’s get the semi-embarrassing part of this out of the way: the first version of “Heroes” I became familiar with was the late ’90s remake by The Wallflowers that was on the soundtrack of the Matthew Broderick Godzilla movie. Did I know that “Heroes” was a Bowie song? Yes. Had I heard it a few… Read More “Heroes” by David Bowie (1977)
It makes sense to start a new year (and a new decade!) with a song that symbolizes new beginnings. There’s a reassuring feel to “Here Comes The Sun”, almost as if George Harrison was trying to talk himself out of a dark mood. Turns out, George was indeed trying to improve his mood. He was… Read More “Here Comes The Sun” (The Beatles, 1969)/”Here Comes The Sun” (Nina Simone, 1971)
Although I don’t call myself a believer, there are instances in which musical expressions of faith speak to my soul. One such instance (actually, several such instances) come courtesy of Stevie Wonder. “Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away” is a key track on Fulfillingness’ First Finale, Stevie’s follow up to the incredible Innervisions album.… Read More “Heaven Is 10 Zillion Light Years Away” by Stevie Wonder (1974)
In 1976, the Isleys took a short break from epic funk/rock workouts and baby-making slow jams to deliver this inspiring slice of folk/soul. “Harvest For The World” is a hopeful anthem in which Ronald Isley puts on his preacher’s hat and testifies for brotherhood and world peace. As one might sadly expect, those who were… Read More “Harvest For The World” by The Isley Brothers (1976)
Jimmy Cliff originally wrote and sang “The Harder They Come” as the theme song for the movie of the same name, in which he starred. The Harder They Come, the song, album and film, are widely credited with familiarizing non-Jamaican music fans with reggae. I’ve been familiar with the song my whole life; partially because… Read More “The Harder They Come” by The Joe Jackson Band (1980)
Two things you can do to get a five star rating from me, no further questions asked. Write a song about and dedicated to the memory of the civil rights movement’s most powerful and beloved leader, and make it part of your life’s work to get his birthday recognized as a national holiday (and succeed!)… Read More “Happy Birthday” by Stevie Wonder (1980)
Can you give a higher rating than 5 stars? If I could, one of the songs that I’d give it to would be “Good Times”, Chic’s groundbreaking (and excellent-the two can be mutually exclusive) #1 smash from summer 1979. Let’s talk historical significance. “Good Times”, serving as it did to back “Rappers Delight” by the… Read More “Good Times” by Chic (1979)
Jill Scott might be a little self-absorbed, and that’s not (absolute) shade. She looks regal, her music sounds regal, and there’s a confidence that permeates through her that you don’t find in a lot of artists. I’ll take away points just because she (very sweetly) tried to son Chaka Khan for appearing as her opening… Read More “Golden” by Jill Scott (2004)
I grew up somewhat religious. A belief in God was cultivated in me at a young age; my maternal grandparents (who I spent my early childhood with) were practicing Catholics. I said my prayers every night and occasionally went to church on Sundays. And if you know me and you’re thinking I went to Aretha… Read More “God” by John Lennon (1970)
“Ghetto Life” was a standout track on Rick James’ best-selling 1981 album Street Songs (an album that will boast four songs on this list when all is said and done). Rick described his lower-class Buffalo upbringing in a way that still feels very real to me, although you will definitely have to read his memoir… Read More “Ghetto Life” by Rick James (1981)
Five Star Jamz 