Tunes Tuesday: Smooth Flow

Hey guys!  Warm weather is here and so are the smooth flow jams.  I just wanted to spotlight three tunes that have gotten my attention:

First up is a recently released track from one of my all-time favorite artists, Michael Jackson.  MJ is one of the few who defined the word artist.  It's still hard to believe he's gone as his legacy and influence is still so dominant. Anyway, this track was recorded in 1983 before Ms. Resilient was born :-)  I love everything about it.  The classic rhythmic groove and the lyrics are just lovely.  "Love Never Felt So Good" ... Indeed, Michael, indeed! The King of Pop reigns!

Next is a new track that I've heard recently on Urban Adult Contemporary radio.  It's by a relatively new artist who goes by the name of Mali Music.  The song is called "Beautiful".  I would love to hear this song performed live.  Perfect chill (or date) song.  Enjoy!

Finally, I've already professed my love for "All of Me" by John Legend.  But honestly, I STILL love it.  I think this is one of the sweetest, most sincere professions of love I've ever heard.  Every day, I feel I'm getting closer to reaching love like this.  Yes, I'm a romantic optimist. :-)  Anyway, there are many cover versions of this song but one that I really became endeared to is by Josh Kaufman, a current contestant on NBC's show The Voice.  Josh is married and has a family and while he's pursuing his dream of being a recording artist, it's gotta be tough being away from them.  He was spot on with the sentiment of this incredible song.  Check out Josh's cover version below:

P.S.  I NEED to see John Legend live.  Like seriously!  I'd jet abroad to see his show.  He's an incredible artist.  I love his music but this song is MY SONG!  "You're my end and my beginning, even when I lose I'm winning." ...ah one day, one day.  I love LOVE in case you couldn't tell.

So if I'm vibing on a grassy lawn this season, I'm most likely listening to these tracks. 

Tunes Tuesday: Teedra Moses- Complex Simplicity

It's been awhile since I've written a music-related post.  Certainly not due to a lack of good tunes!  While I am STILL loving "Happy" by Pharrell, I won't keep posting it.  You're welcome :-)  I have so many songs on my mind and had the chance to reminisce on some '90s goodness while I was on travel last month.  However, the 2000's had some good music and so I decided to flash back 10 years to the year 2004.  Remember that year?  That was a good year in music, especially in the R&B/Pop (or rhythmic pop) genre.  It was the year of Usher's Confessions and Alicia Keys'  Diary of Alicia Keys album among others.  Seriously?!  "Yeah" by Usher was 10 years ago?!  In the midst of all that, one artist who went under the radar (travesty!) was Ms. Teedra Moses aka the Young Lioness and she crafted one of the smoothest Contemporary R&B albums I've heard called Complex Simplicity. Here are some of my favorite tracks from that album:

"You'll Never Find (A Better Woman)" featuring JadaKiss



"You won't find a better woman...or a bigger fool." Oh Teedra! This song is the TRUTH!  If only I could record this.  LOL.  I think everyone has been there at some point, especially the ladies. One person feels under appreciated yet hangs on hoping that the person they care for will come to their senses and change.   Hoping that you're that great woman he appreciates or realizing you're the biggest fool for not moving on.  Even if you're not even listening to the lyrics that deeply, it's just got that good flow.  Listen!

"For a Lifetime"

"Even in the hard times
Even when it's going down
You're gonna find someone's riding with you
You don't have to be alone
You just gotta hold on
You're gonna find true love.."

This song!!! This is my go-to getting over a broken heart song.  Sometimes when a relationship ends, it's easy to feel down and out as though you'll never be loved.  But the key to remember is that it's not our life's love story that has ended, rather just one chapter.  Just because one person may not have appreciated you doesn't mean no one else will.  Think about it, how many people are on earth?  Billions!  Maybe more but I'm not a statistician. It means there are more opportunities to find love.  Just never give up.  Don't take it from me, though.  Teedra sings it best!

Like these songs?  Check out Teedra's 2004 classic Complex Simplicity and follow her on her social media sites:
Twitter: @TeedraMoses
Facebook: Teedra Moses

A few more:

"Last Day"

 

"Caught Up"

 

"Complex Simplicity"

Ice Cream Everyday: How Sweet It Is!

Tuesday is the day that new music is released in the U.S., so I’ve decided to make this a day that I spotlight some good tunes that I enjoy. It likely won’t be a new release, as I like to enjoy some music for a good while before giving it a grade so to speak. 

The spotlight today is on a relatively new release from my girl Amel Larrieux. I ADORE Amel and musically, she can’t steer me wrong. I’ve been a massive fan since ‘95 and the Groove Theory duo days (90s R&B was some of THE best) and her previous solo albums (Infinite Possibilities, Bravebird, Morning, Lovely Standards) and every other musical release or collaboration she’s been a part of.  She is like musical poetry, singing about the news, the blues, and simply: LIFE.  Her album Infinite Possibilities still remains my soul's "perspective soundtrack" to this day. Fast forward to now and her latest album “Ice Cream Everyday” is out in all formats now and I’d say you definitely should check it out! If you want an album that you can just play all the way through while you’re working, chilling, driving, whatever, this is it!

Lead single “Afraid” is just too cool. Detailing the rush of emotions you feel when you first meet someone and feel that butterflies-i think i’m in love-i see nobody but us- feeling, this song is beautifully crafted whether you are in love, out of love, or in-between. It’s mid-tempo and certainly has that soulful Adult Contemporary vibe. “Wherever you are is wherever I have to be..” I know I’ve definitely felt that feeling before. Ahh, the memories ;-) Check it out here:

 

Also included in my top 5 favorite tracks (it was tough to pick a top 5):

You Don’t See Me (words can not describe how much I love this song!!! Can we say my love life? Ha!)

 

Moment to Reflect (if only we all did that before acting/reacting)

Ur the Shhh

A Million Sapphires
I Do Take (that unconditional love...yes!)

Don't Let Me Down (I know that's 7 songs but technically this was a single before the album release and really how I feel...so listen up gentlemen!)

 

 

Lyrically, I love that Amel just sings about life! Whether it’s love in all it’s forms or experiences that comprise our lives, perspectives, and being, the messages are relatable and truly about life. Amel and her team capture it all so beautifully. Oh and that voice and delivery! So sweet yet powerful and poetic!

Records are hot but Amel herself is simply incredible LIVE! She is such an engaging artist and musician and she fully allows the audience to see her personality, which is so awesomely cool by the way. I’ve had the opportunity to see her live and can definitely attest. It’s a true musically experience. Amel, you’re the truth! She’s on tour now, so if you’ve got the opportunity, definitely check her out! For my DC lovebirds, she will be at The Howard Theater on Friday, February 14 for two shows!

Here’s a throwback photo when I attended a show almost 4 years ago and I got to meet this very beautiful lady. Sidebar: I can’t believe it’s been that long.  Don't laugh at my attire.  Shout out to the early days of my natural hair journey/transitioning phase! 

2010 in VA!  I had a blast and Amel was so kind to take this photo with me :-)

Much love, respect, and blessings to Amel, her family and Team Blisslife!

Get connected with Amel here:
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/amellarrieux
Twitter: @amellarrieux
Team Blisslife on Twitter: Team BlissLife

2013- Ice Cream Every Day

2007- Lovely Standards

2006- Morning

2004- Bravebird

2000- Infinite Possibilities