I love artists that can sing and play instruments. I love that this music is relatable, emotional, soulful demure and not overtly sexy. Don't get me wrong, I still like today's top 40 like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Drake when I'm working out, but I'm not reaching for them when I need some soul music. The lyrics are just not as beautiful as earlier musicians, minus a few talented artists nowadays (ie Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga).
The musicians today don't vocalize as much in the songs, and the songs are not as touching. It doesn't move me as much. If I had to make a playlist for someone I loved, I wouldn't choose today's music. It would be from these artists.
Note: and yes, i'm a few years older than my profile.
1. India Arie
Her songs are so empowering! I like that she sings about things other than love, sex and boys. As an Asian immigrant girl growing up in a part of America that was mostly white (my school had 4000 in total, and bout 1% was Asian), I related to her songs a lot. I could go on and on about her songs like, "I'm not my hair", "Video" and "Strength, Courage and Wisdom".
I'm not my hair:
2. Aaliyah
Such a beautiful woman and talented artist and actress. She had an angelic voice. I like that she kept it real and didn't over do it with the makeup and clothing on stage. She passed away too soon. Some of her best songs include:
At Your Best (You are love)
The One I Gave My Heart To
Age ain't Nothing But a Number:
3. Brandy
She has such a beautiful and husky voice! Some of her best include:
Have you ever
Everything I Do, I Do It For You
4. Alicia Keyes
I love that this woman sings and plays piano. Her music is soo soulful and full of emotion. My favourites include:
You Don't Know My Name- Note: This is my favourite song and style, which is why I posted the MV and the performance.
MV
5. TLC
TLC actually sang about crime, black culture and AIDS. You gotta respect that the ladies were dressed well in the MV below. I mean if this was made today, it would like women in g-strings. They kept it classy.
6. Destiny's Child
Arguably one of the most talented female groups. They really have a song for every occasion. Hopelessly in love?"Dangerously in love" At the club? "Jumpin' Jumpin'". An annoying guy? "Bug A Boo" At the Gym? "Bootylicious" Broke up with someone or going through a hard time? "Survivor" "Emotions" "Girl". Feeling confident?
Emotions
7. Other songs I liked
Lauren Hill's Killing Me Softly
Just look at this woman's stage performance. She has such great voice and really feels the music.
Mariah Carey - Can't Take that Away
This was one of my theme songs when I was a teen.
and this
Christina Aguilera - I Turn to You
And I also liked Whitney Houston- I will always love you and When you believe- Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston
8. And these two additional political songs.
I love the lyrics and the performances. I chose Chimes of Freedom when I had to submit a political song for a class rather that "What's going on."
Bruce Springsteen- Chimes of Freedom
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