5/11/2018

Old School R And B Slow Jams Can Bring Back Fond Memories

By Andrew Peterson


While there are many modern recording artists that bring joy to most music fans, their sound cannot compare to the oldies. This is especially true when it comes to mid tempo and ballads that are soothing to the soul. Most people that consider themselves real fans of music will attest that there no music like Old School R and B Slow Jams.

Many songs of the past not only sound sweet to the ear but sometimes tell a story that many listeners can relate to. Some of these lyrics are poetic, romantic, or depict events that happen to everyone at one time or another. Falling in and out of love, getting over a broken heart, and finding the person worth spending a lifetime with are common themes put to music.

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.

For those who prefer to have a band or small orchestra perform at their ceremony or reception may choose instrumental versions of old school jams. Popular choices often include songs by Boyz to Men, Atlantic Starr, or even Al Green.

Old school slow jams come in many varieties. There seems to be a song for every occasion or situation but often it comes down to the lyrics or melody that listeners most relate to. Even when there are no words or only one instrument to be heard, it can still be one of the most memorable songs in music history.




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