“How Will I Know” was the song that made Whitney Houston America’s sweetheart. And as calculated as Clive Davis’s plan to make her a superstar were (release a couple of singles that solidified a base of R&B fans before making an all-out pop push), it worked. And it worked with a great song, even if… Read More “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston (1985)
The Pointer Sisters were musical chameleons; able to tackle throwback pop, dance music, middle of the road yacht rock, hard rock, jazz and even country with relative ease. Every couple of albums, they sounded like a completely different group. 1975’s “How Long” finds the Oakland-bred quartet (at least that’s what they were at the time)… Read More “How Long (Bet’cha Got A Chick On The Side)” by The Pointer Sisters (1975)
Lisa Fischer is best known as a background singer. She initially gained prominence working for Luther Vandross, and she was a highlight of his live performances and even his videos, obtaining a featured role in 1987’s “Stop to Love” clip. Her work with Luther caught the attention of Mick Jagger, and she was an integral… Read More “How Can I Ease The Pain” by Lisa Fischer (1991)
Here are two songs that split the difference between rock and disco. The Stones’ “Hot Stuff” is a showcase for some smoking guitar by Keith Richards. I must admit I haven’t paid much attention to Keef as a guitarist, but he is smoking here. There’s also some fantastic interplay between the rhythm section of Bill… Read More “Hot Stuff” by The Rolling Stones (1976)/”Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer (1979)
Drake is the cause of more internal conflict for me than he should be. I initially found him quite charming, and still do from time to time. But there’s a level of posturing that occurs with just about every hip-hop artist that goes from nothing to something, and it’s particularly grating coming from Drake. I… Read More “Hold On, We’re Going Home” by Drake feat. Majid Jordan (2013)
“Hold On” was THE song of summer 1990 (for reference, THE song of summer ‘89 was “Keep On Movin” by Soul II Soul and THE song of summer ‘91 was “I Wanna Sex You Up” by Color Me Badd.) En Vogue’s debut single seemed to be coming out of every stereo, booming from every jeep,… Read More “Hold On” by En Vogue (1990)
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)
“Head To Toe” was the first single from Spanish Fly, Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam’s second album. It’s sunny melodic pop with a street edge. The writing and production team of Full Force (who pretty much did everything except sing lead vocals on all of LL&CJ’s hits) must have been listening to a ton of… Read More “Head To Toe” by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam (1987)
He is clearly a complicated fellow. “He’s The Greatest Dancer” finds Kathy Sledge absolutely enamored with a man she spots in the crowd at a club. Not only does he have a slammin’ body (one that would shame Adonis, as a matter of fact), but he wears the hottest designer clothes (Halston, Gucci, Fiorucci) and,… Read More “He’s Just A Runaway” (Sister Sledge, 1981)/”He’s The Greatest Dancer” (Sister Sledge, 1979)
Loose Ends is a group that doesn’t get enough props. They were one of the first British soul groups to make noise with R&B audiences; as a matter of fact, “Hangin’ On A String” was the first song by a UK act to top the American R&B charts¹. Their sound was familiar and exotic at… Read More “Hangin’ On A String (Contemplating)” by Loose Ends (1985)
Five Star Jamz 