lundi 7 mai 2018

Relax With Old School R And B Slow Jams

By Andrew Peterson


Most will say that music of yesteryear was probably the best in recording history. Whatever the decade, it is often agreed that many of the love songs of that period were filled with more passion and meaning that the majority of popular music today. This is why many like to listen to Old School R and B Slow Jams when winding down or spending time with that special someone.

A common staple at most weddings, most people would say that Always and Forever by Heatwave is probably the most played song at modern wedding ceremonies. At some weddings, it replaces the traditional bridal song Here Comes the Bride. Many choose this 1978 classic because the lyrics best express how the couple feels about one another.

However, Wifey by Next is probably in the Top 5 for couples of the next generation. While most love songs are slow, poetic, and of a romantic nature, Wifey is blunt, to the point, and reflects how complex relationships can be. Even better, this is also an uptempo hip hop classic that may seem more suited to be played at the reception but as weddings stray from tradition, this means creating a more upbeat ceremony.

Just like many love songs are not always slow, there are slow jams that are not romantic in its lyrics. Sign o the Times by Prince is a good example, as subjects like gang violence, immortality, and politics are sung to a mellow bass line and hypnotic drum beat. The same can even be said for What is Going On by Marvin Gaye, which overall stresses a love for humanity and hatred for war.

While celebrating love and romance is common, these recordings began to explore things like adultery, infidelity and having sexual relations in unusual places. There were also slow songs that spoke about things like race relations and war between countries. Some classics, like Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson, were introspective while calling for a change in the ills of society.

However, sampling is not all bad, as many can be heard in a lot of recording from the past decade or so. Although some artists manage to capture a similar essence of the original recording, some may place a spin or the classics. At one time, hip hop diva Mary J. Blige was best known for covering ballads by old school artists like Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan.

Other singers like Ronald Isley, whose silky vocals has set a romantic mood for decades, has done collaborations with modern artists reworking some of his classic recordings. Although some artists do not mind remixes and covers, there is one artist that few are brave enough to touch. Anita Baker is one the artists whose deep, jazzy vocals have been incomparable for nearly 40 years.

Songs of love will always have their place in music history but old school soul is truly in a category of its own. From the screeching wails that depict pain, passion, or pleasure to telling a story that depicts the rights and wrongs of mankind, it can be hard to choose a favorite. When it comes to that special day, the mood should set the tone for the gathering, which is usually joyous and tranquil.




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