You’re not going to get many statements of purpose more fervent than Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”. It’s a song of faith that stands tall even amongst Stevie’s many excellent declarations of faith. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not an especially religious person. Not an unbeliever, just a skeptic. However, if there’s one person that is… Read More “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder (1973)
“Here, My Dear” is the opening song to (and title track of) the album I consider to be Marvin Gaye’s greatest. This isn’t the popular opinion. Hell, there are a lot of folks who don’t even know Here, My Dear exists. After all, it sold poorly upon release and generated no hit singles despite following… Read More “Here, My Dear” by Marvin Gaye (1978)
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)
Most of Diana’s albums are a patchwork quilt of writers and producers, and as such tend to be pretty inconsistent. One reason 1980’s diana is considered to be a classic is because it’s the work of one production team-Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers. The men behind the band Chic were near the top of their… Read More “Have Fun (Again)” by Diana Ross (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)
OK, I’m going to say this now and not bring it up again. The lawsuit the Gaye family brought (and won) against Pharrell and Robin Thicke for “Blurred Lines” is ridiculous. Yes, “Blurred Lines” was clearly inspired by “Got To Give It Up”. But the two songs aren’t the same. The melody lines are different,… Read More “Got To Give It Up (Pt. 1)” by Marvin Gaye (1977)
“Got To Be There” announced the arrival of Michael Jackson, solo artist. While it certainly set a precedent, MJ and J5 records would remain virtually interchangeable for another eight years. So there’s nothing here that portended Michael’s mastery of pop music with one big exception: that voice. Michael hadn’t hit puberty yet, so “Got To… Read More “Got To Be There” by Michael Jackson (1971)
“Give It To Me Baby” is a monster, a classic Rick James party jam. It starts off with a thunderous bass before launching into a whomping funk groove. The King of Punk Funk is in full “I’m Rick James, bitch!” mode here, bellowing “I’ll make you holler you’ve had enough!” However, considering the preceding lyrics… Read More “Give It To Me Baby” by Rick James (1981)
“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)
There’s not a whole lot more that anyone can say about how much Motown changed the music game in the 1960s. And it wasn’t just for black folks or R&B fans–Berry Gordy’s slogan was “the sound of Young America”. And if there was anything American music fans of all stripes could agree on during what… Read More “Get Ready” by The Temptations (1966)
Five Star Jamz 