Saturday, 12 May 2018

Old School R And B Slow Jams Are A Wedding Staple

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.

Songs that celebrate the ups and downs in romantic relationships often stand the test of time. People of varied backgrounds normally have a favorite song or musical artist that resonates with how they feel about that special person or event in their lives. From the day that they met to that special day, the words and moods are often unforgettable.

Sexy songs, or those describing intimate encounters, are a favorite in the bedroom as well as the dance floor. From the sensual crooning of Marvin Gaye to the intense wails of Teddy Pendergrass, sometimes the simplest lyrics can sound like an erotic love letter. While some tunes may set the mood with soft moans or explicit lyrics, it seems that songs that hint at sex or use metaphors get the most radio airplay.

Early in this genre, songs talked about many topics involving relationships but lyrics were metaphorical. Radio could not play anything with explicit words, no matter how true to life the recording depicted. Listeners often got the idea of the lyrics but began to change over time. Not only did the song length gradually increase but the lyrical content began to reflect the times. There are still some rules about context on terrestrial radio but this is why some like to hear the album version of their favorite songs.

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.

One way that old school jams have changed greatly is the inclusion of rap. While some artists, like the late Barry White, may have added a couple of short lines of him speaking in his trademark baritone, love songs without singing were unheard of. However, artists like Tupac Shakur, LL Cool J, and Biggie Smalls have created the most sincere lyrics that define love in a number of realistic situations.

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.

Everyone has their favorite bass line or wailing sound that depicts a moment of passion, pain, or something in between. Mix in a few meaningful lyrics and maybe soft background music that set the tone for what people feel from time to time. These sounds are meant for feeling good, sad, or just setting the mood for fun.




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