When it comes to songs that offer than aural healing I’ve been desperately needing, it has nothing to do with genre or a particular artist. It’s entirely a lyrical thing. And sometimes it’s just the chorus that lifts me up.

This post is about to get random! Are you ready?

5. Deliver Me From My Enemies by Vivian “Yabby You” Jackson.

I wrote a longer post about this song for the Game Well and Truly Over blog’s 2010 Music Project. And it’s true, I really do need to listen to this song at least once a week. The horns, the rhythm, the harmonies all intoxicate me. But the lyrics say it ALL.

Deliver me, oh my God, from my enemies.
Oh I? plea unto thee, to guide me.
Cause me to hear thy love and kindness in the morning.
For in thee do I trust, cause me to walk in thy way
For I lift up my soul right up to thee,
Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God,
Thy spirit…it is good. Lead me in uprightness.

Yabby You passed away this year, after a brain aneurysm. His musical legacy will never be forgotten by fans of roots reggae music.

4. One Day I’ll Fly Away by Randy Crawford.

I said it before and I’ll say it again – Randy Crawford’s voice does things to me. There’s such a distinctive quality to it. One Day I’ll Fly Away is so beautiful to me. Despite the fact that the song is about leaving a relationship behind, it’s just the chorus and her soaring voice in the song’s bridge… Listening to this song at the end of a hard day gives me everything I need.

3. Shake it Off by Mariah Carey.

Ooooh, Mariah. Although I can’t get with her near-constant half nakedness, she can craft a song that delivers the goods and then some. Shake it Off is a sassy modern day, brand-name dropping dismissal to a lover, but the chorus totally lifts my spirits. When I’m struggling to get my mood back up where it should be, this track does it everytime.

2. Ain’t No Stopping Us Now by McFadden and Whitehead.

The quintessential 70’s disco upliftment track! The beat is mellow but still makes me wanna dance, and the lyrics are so perfect in every way. This song is so perfect for the times when the negative energy of others threatens to infect you. Brush them off. Hold your head high. And let this song take you onward and upward. If you’ve ever been held down before, I KNOW you refuse to be held down anymore!

1. Bless Me by Garnett Silk and Sizzla.

Few reggae vocalists did it better than Garnett. This song is exactly what I was talking about in my post about lyrical therapy. In the Caribbean, sometimes there’s no divide between religious music, and the music that gets the party started. I love the balance of Garnett Silk’s original track, countered with Sizzla’s mournful chanting. And that refrain pops into my head whenever I feel weak and stressed. Bless me, bless me so that they can’t curse me. Garnett Silk left this world far too soon. RIP.

Those are the songs that helped me get over this week! What songs help you get through, when times get rough?

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Yes, I was BIG into cassettes. I’ve still got quite a collection.

Anyway, at this particular kiosk I got everything I wanted. All of the music I saw on cable TV and in my Sassy magazines, the music they totally weren’t playing on the radio in Trinidad. I bought albums by Green Day and Bjork and Soundgarden. And I got every Nirvana album from Bleach to Unplugged, all on cassette. I practically burned a hole in those tapes, rewinding songs just to hear Kurt Cobain’s yowl, so filled with pain and emotion.

I remember his death very clearly, even though I was somewhere hot and bright, so far away from bleak Seattle. I was at my friend Carys’ house. My brother called, because he’d seen it on the news and he knew about the posters on my wall and my tape collection. I cried for Kurt, and I wanted so much to be in a place where fellow Nirvana fans were sharing their grief.

That was in 1994. Today, February 20, would have been Kurt Cobain’s 43rd birthday. To give tribute to him, I present my top 5 favorite Nirvana songs.

5 — In Bloom.

This was one of Nirvana’s most amusing videos, and gave a glimpse to a side of the band that was less angry and tormented. Dave Grohl hamming it up in costume was just a foreshadowing of Foo Fighters videos to come. And the song is everything I love about the band — biting lyrics, rock n roll attitude, unexpected harmonies, and great songwriting.

4 — Dumb.

If you’re allergic to hard rock, yowling vocals and screeching guitars, you’ll probably love Nirvana’s Unplugged album. In my opinion it is hands down the greatest Unplugged album out there. The band took the opportunity to intersperse their original songs with some truly inspired covers. It’s a must have for any music collection. Click here to treat yourself. This is one of my favorites, stripped down to beautiful effect. “I’m not like them, but I can pretend…”

3 — Lithium.

Behind Smells Like Teen Spirit, this is one of those quintessentially popular Nirvana mosh pit type of songs. Their traditional quiet-loud song structure is in full effect, and the lyrics are classic Nirvana. Dark and introspective and troubled.

2 — Love Buzz.

My first Nirvana album was Nevermind, and then I absolutely had to get everything they’d made. First I got Incesticide, then I got Bleach. Early Nirvana was so primal and quirky, less despondent than some of the later material on In Utero. Love Buzz rocks. Point blank, period.

1 — About a Girl.

One of their earliest songs — originally released on Bleach — stripped down and made acoustic on what would turn out to be the band’s final album. If you remember MTV in the Nineties, this song may be as engraved on your mind as it is mine.

RIP, Kurt Cobain, and happy birthday. You left this world too soon.

Were you a Nirvana fan? What are your favorites?

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I had to chime in with my own choice for favorite Whitney Houston song — although it isn’t one that appears on her debut album, Whitney Houston.

I gotta say, my favorite Whitney song is It’s Not Right, But It’s OK.

Why? Because I love the sass and strength she exudes in this song. She is letting fools know that she isn’t here to play! Love that song. A close runner up is My Love Is Your Love, just because of the reggae-influence that creeps in there. One of my faves.

Without further ado, the winners!

#4 – David Cillo
# 23 – Nia
#28 – Rory

Congratulations to you. I’ll be in touch with everyone over the weekend to get your address details.

You know me, I’m always planning a fresh giveaway! Keep your eyes open — another one’s coming up soon!

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I read that Playboy interview and I’d actually like to thank him. Thanks for allowing your foot-in-mouth disorder to shine so brightly, and for giving us all something to remember the next time your trite, boring music comes on the radio. I’ve had my feelings about his character for a long time now, so the idiocy he so rampantly displayed didn’t surprise me one bit. John Mayer has been saying stupid things to the media for a while and this interview just happened to be studded with some exceptional quotes. This whole “scandal” gets a massive eye roll from me. As do all of his meaningless lyrics about appreciating women.

I think John Mayer is a musician who wants to be a comedian. And I think he should just play his guitar, sing his sappy top-40 easy listening songs, don’t kiss and tell, and stay in his lane. Having said that, I think the only people who should REALLY be mad about his Playboy interview are Jennifer Aniston, Jessica Simpson, and Kerry Washington. I’d love to be a fly on the wall when Kerry Washington finally gives John Mayer a piece of her mind, actually. Because, like the Black Snob, I am wondering what “white girl crazy” means.

And as for the rest of the women who are up in arms over his chronic oversharing…well here’s some new music and new musicians to add to your playlist, to fill that void.

1. Ben Harper.

Mmm, mmmm, mmmmmm. Ben Harper looks GOOD, he puts on an amazing live show, he’s sick on the lap steel, and he can sing like nobody’s business. So why is it every time I see him in concert, it seems like the only people of color there are him and me? I don’t get it. Ben Harper’s music can be classified as rock, but I’ve seen him do INCREDIBLE soul music covers. Like Use Me and Sexual Healing. His song My Father’s House is being sold on iTunes to benefit Haiti. If you like John Mayer, you’ll probably love Steal My Kisses. It’s cute and catchy. Click here to treat yourself.

2. Jack Johnson.

I can’t even front, when I first heard Jack Johnson’s music, it was like a lullaby to me. I got sleepy, fast. But when I listened to him in my sister in law’s convertible as we drove around San Diego — it all made sense and I fell in love. His music is the perfect soundtrack to a road trip or day at the beach. Simple, unaffected, honest, and relaxing. Everyone needs a little Jack Johnson in their life. Brushfire Fairytales is a great album for a first intro. If you’ve got kids (or are a kid at heart), the Curious George soundtrack is full of win. Jack Johnson was discovered by Ben Harper in 1999, and they’ve collaborated together often.

I’m not a fan of most Bob Marley covers, but I love that one. Inaudible Melodies is probably my favorite Jack Johnson song, just for the refrain. Slow down, everyone. You’re moving too fast.

Click here to buy Brushfire Fairytales. The whole album is excellent.

3. Dave Matthews.

Of all the musicians listed, I’ve seen Dave Matthews and his band live the most often. That’s because my husband is a HUGE DMB fan. In fact, so are his sister, his brother, and so many other people I know. It’s taken me a while but I gotta admit, Dave puts on a hell of a show (even though I am always amazed by the ratio of black folks on stage versus black folks in the audience. Almost the whole Dave Matthews Band is black). I love live music and he’s never disappointed me, for a fun concert experience. If you like a song that’s more than a love song, listen to Don’t Drink The Water. And read the lyrics. Delightful and deep.
And some of his love songs are absolutely intoxicating. Obviously Crash is sweet and comes immediately to mind. But Up and Away is awesome.

And if I had to pick a song to fill your John Mayer void, I’d have to go with his biggest current hit, You & Me.

4. Jason Mraz.

This guy is the most obviously like John Mayer, IMO — he’s kinda cute, he’s got a great voice, and he writes songs for girls in sundresses who sway on the lawn at concerts. He just won two Grammys and I can’t deny my love for Lucky.

Or I’m Yours. They’re both so sweet! And so “I’m on vacation in Hawaii.” His album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. is a laid back listen. Love that.

5. The Gabe Dixon Band.

Full disclosure, I went to college with these guys. We weren’t friends, but I’ve been a fan for years. Gabe, Winston, and Jano were the house band at some spectacularly scuzzy house parties I attended in my sophomore and junior years of college, and believe me they can put on a SHOW. I’m kinda mad they never made it really bigtime. Because they are super talented.

And The World Turned is lovely and sweet, and so is Disappear. But All Will Be Well is my favorite du jour.

Click here to get their album, The Gabe Dixon Band.

So what are your thoughts on John Mayer? And what are your thoughts on the songs I shared above? I hope they make your iPod happy!

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When I was a toddler, my dad spent time in Jamaica studying for a master’s degree. When he returned, he brought what seemed like Bob Marley’s entire record collection with him. Uprising. Natty Dread. Burnin’. Survival. Rastaman Vibration. We had all the LP’s and from that early age, I started soaking them up like a sponge. I swear on the Bible that I have clear, distinct memories of seeing footage of Bob Marley’s funeral on television. The coffin surrounded by an ocean of weeping fans, the mourning of a people. I know I probably have created these memories — Bob passed in 1981. I wasn’t more than two at the time, but part of my brain swears that I witnessed this moment with the rest of the Caribbean.

One of my earliest embarrassing memories is of my brother Dominic sneaking up on me as I sang Redemption Song to myself (I must have been only four or five, and of course I didn’t know the lyrics).

When I was a teenager, Bob’s lyrics helped me navigate my way through oceans of frenemies. I absorbed his lyrics. Listening to his music gave me that feeling of spiritual balance that I felt unable to attain at church on Sundays with my parents.

And to this day, whenever I need a little guidance, a little perspective, a little satisfaction for my soul — I turn to him. Rest in Peace, Mr. Marley. It’s an understatement to say you left this world too soon.

Here are my top 5 favorite Bob Marley tunes, in no particular order. That would be too difficult.

5. Who The Cap Fit/Man to Man

Few songs have ever actually caused me to look within myself as this song did. The lyrics spoke very directly to my soul during a turbulent part of my life —
“Some will hate you, pretend they love you now
Then behind they try to eliminate you.
But who Jah bless, no one curse;
Thank God, we’re past the worst.”

It’s a double-edged sword, and Bob captured it so perfectly in this song. Sometimes you’re watching out for the cap-wearers. And sometimes, the cap-wearer is you. Realizing that was essential for me, and I think it’s rare that a song can be credited for making someone a better person. But Who The Cap Fit did that for me. Most definitely.

4. Revolution.

This song certainly isn’t among Bob’s most popular, but those words hit me deep in my soul. And they speak so earnestly to Bob Marley’s own beliefs and experiences. “Never let a politician grant you a favor. He will always want to control you forever.”

Check it live in 1980. And please take note of the I-Threes. They give me SO much style inspiration.

3. Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)

One of the most incredible things about Bob was his prescience. His lyrics spoke about issues that are tragically timeless — poverty, struggle, hunger, and pain. Not being able to pay your bills. Not being able to feed your kids. And while singing about that, he sang about revolution, self motivation, and rising above that which angers you.

And besides all of that, there’s the irresistable command. “Forget your sorrows and dance. Forget your troubles and dance. Forget your weakness and dance. ”

When you listen to this song, you almost can.

2. Forever Loving Jah

If you catch me at the right time, this song can put chills down my spine. The strength of Bob’s religious conviction is so palpable in the songs composed after Haile Selassie’s passing. This song, Jah Live, and Selassie Is The Chapel resonate with faith. It’s an emotion that’s almost wholly lacking from music today.

1. One Drop

This song feels just as fresh as it was back in the day. The beat can’t be denied. This song has more fond memories for me than most, so that’s what makes this my top pick. But even in writing this I’m questioning my choice. There are SO many Bob Marley songs that are just perfect compositions.

Although Legend is Bob Marley’s most popular album (and the most popular reggae album of all time according to Billboard), that “best of” compliation falls short and fails to include some truly essential tracks. If you’re REALLY trying to get into the deeper crates, treat yourself to Songs Of Freedom. It is as good as a best of collection gets. Four CDs that show the evolution of this one of a kind musical legend. SO worth the money.

At times in the past, I’ve listened to Bob Marley’s music and felt an undertone of anger that a musician so talented had to die so young. Just 36 years old, and with SO much more music to make. But on this Bob Marley Day, I’m just rejoicing in his musical legacy. He left us with so much to listen to, so much to consider. So much inspiration. He may be gone, but Robert Nesta Marley will never, ever be forgotten.

What are your favorite Bob Marley songs? Share your memories with me!

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I certainly hope you all saw the BET Honors ‘10. If you didn’t, allow me to share this video with you. The legendary Kim Burrell SANG her HEART out to Whitney Houston. And Whitney, like everyone in the audience, felt the spirit.

Click here to read more. I apologize – BET’s video doesn’t include a “please do not autoplay” option…

Kim Burrell’s voice. WOW. So big, so magnificent, so undeniably a gift from the heavens.

I seriously found myself moved to tears, seeing Whitney moved to her feet, and her mother Cissy crying in the background, and those extemporized lyrics by Kim Burrell…it was an honor, just being able to watch that moment.

Neyo said it best in his introduction — Whitney Houston is a treasure whose voice has defined a generation.

She has been through her fair share of trials and tribulations, but you cannot deny her musical legacy. She has been in the industry for 30 years, and her debut album, 1985’s Whitney Houston, remains an eternal classic. And my friends at ThinkTank Marketing/Arista Records are kindly offering THREE CDs for giveaway here on Afrobella!

Read on:

“The ‘Whitney Houston’ – 25th Anniversary Edition CD/DVD package includes the international chart-topping original Arista album – remastered in its entirety for the 25th anniversary – along with five bonus tracks including Whitney’s a cappella recording of “How Will I Know” plus a stunning live performance of “Greatest Love of All”.

As an added bonus for fans, the 25th Anniversary Edition of ‘Whitney Houston’ includes a features-packed new DVD. Three rare tv performances are included: “I Am Changing”, a song from the 1982 Broadway production of ‘Dreamgirls’, performed live at the Arista Records 10th Anniversary celebration in 1985; “You Give Good Love” performed live at the first annual Soul Train Awards Show in 1987; and Whitney’s breakout national TV debut singing “Home” (from ‘The Wiz’) on the Merv Griffin Show in 1983. All four classic music videos – “You Give Good Love”, “Saving All My Love For You”, “How Will I Know”, and “Greatest Love of All” – appear on the DVD. Exclusive and newly filmed interviews with Whitney Houston and Clive Davis round out the bonus DVD portion of the ‘Whitney Houston’ – 25th Anniversary Edition collection.”

Click here to check out the CD’s track listing.

Bellas, I am SURE many of you LOVE Whitney! So we’re going to keep this giveaway short and sweet. This contest will be closed by Monday! All you have to do is, leave a comment below. Tell me what your favorite Whitney Houston song is, and why.

Comments will be closed by Monday, this contest is only open to those of you in the USA, and I’ve got a whole ‘nother giveaway happening Monday.

Good luck!!!

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The new album by Corinne Bailey Rae, The Sea, hits stores today! Click here to buy it — as you may expect, it is both lovely and amazing. Corinne taps into some deep emotions with her lyrics, but her vocals remain as restrained and sweet as ever. And I sincerely appreciate that about her. In the hands of a more histronic singer, this album would have been too much. As it is right now, it’s the kind of album that’s perfect for a Sunday morning, making a lovely brunch and puttering around the house as you feel the lyrics wash over you.

Corinne Bailey Rae “I’d Do It All Again”

Corinne Bailey Rae | MySpace Music Videos

I love the official video for I’d Do It All Again. It’s directed by Jamie Thraves, who is also responsible for one of my favorite music videos of all time — Just by Radiohead. I sincerely wish Corinne all the best with this album. To hear her speak more about her inspiration and new direction, check out her Walmart Soundcheck. Or even better, visit her official website.

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She did the same thing last night in New Zealand. (Link courtesy my beloved Oh No They Didn’t)

And she’s still spitting hot fire. How amazing would it be to have Lauryn pop up unexpectedly at a concert? I’m seriously hoping she joins the lineup of Lilith Fair — which is making its glorious return this summer. How awesome would THAT be?

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What a sad way to kick off a Throwback Thursday post.

CNN reports that he passed away last night, and details aren’t forthcoming but his death was related to complications from his 1982 car accident.

“His beloved family surrounded him. The world has lost one of its greatest voices and performers.” “His family is devastated. He has three children and, even though it was expected, it still hurts,” his former publicist, Lisa Barbaris, said.

When I was a young’un, Teddy’s music was too grown and sexy for me. But as I got older and started digging in the crates (so to speak), I came to appreciate his smoldering, quiet storm style of music.

Thanks to the hip hop generation, samples from songs like Love TKO became part of popular music again, and became one of the top 10 hip hop samples of all time (at least according to that YouTube video).

Close the Door, live. Ooooh wee. That’s the Teddy P I wasn’t allowed to see as a kid, and the Teddy P we all remember – sweaty, sexy, with all those gold medallions around his neck. It doesn’t get much sexier than that.

This song never fails to put a smile on my face. Even the title. It’s so good, loving somebody When Somebody Loves You Back. So true, so uplifting.

And my favorite Teddy Pendergrass song came from his days with Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.

Yes, Teddy sang lead on If You Don’t Know Me By Now, and ripped hearts in two with those powerful lyrics back in 1972. Soul music doesn’t get much sweeter.

Teddy Pendergrass gave us so many classic soul hits, and set the bar so high for R&B singers to come. His passing comes after years of suffering, after being paralyzed from the waist down in a car accident back in 1982. Teddy P, we thank you for your music and the inspiration you gave the world. Rest in Peace.

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I miss the good old days. But whenever I had it up to here with VH1’s bottom of the barrel reality television antics, there was always the network’s angel – VH1 Soul. A channel I loved so much that I even cited it as the source of my inspiration on my About Me page.

Today I learned — via Music Nerdery — that VH1 Soul will soon cease to exist.

This hasn’t been officially reported yet and I’d love to hear from VH1 officials directly on this, if it is so. For now, I’m sincerely hoping it isn’t.

When VH1 Soul began, it was more than a breath of fresh air. It blended black music’s history with its present. You could see a live Bob Marley clip followed by a Damian Marley clip followed by Erykah Badu, followed by Bilal. Or Raphael Saadiq, followed by Goapele, followed by Sade, followed by vintage Aretha Frankin. VH1 Soul was a thing of beauty in its early days. Over time, the classic clips disappeared. Then slowly, awards show repeats crept in and somewhere along the way, I stopped paying close attention to the programming changes of the channel. I completely lost track of VH1 Soul when we moved from Miami and wound up with Direct TV instead of Comcast. See, apparently Direct TV doesn’t offer channels like MTV Jams and VH1 Soul. Boo, hiss.

But even when the musical stew was diluted with filler, even when they replayed the same segments over and over again, VH1 Soul provided moments of excellence. Case in point, VH1 Soul Stage. Click to watch Raphael Saadiq create his own musical memory lane for a taste. How can you cancel that, VH1?

If VH1 cancels VH1 Soul, that speaks volumes about what the network is going for. It would indicate that they’d rather support more pseudo celebrities and invest in the lowest class of reality television, than continue to offer fans a channel of music that uplifts and enlightens.

Click here to follow @SaveVH1Soul on Twitter, and click here to join the Save VH1 Soul Facebook page. Here’s hoping Viacom does the right thing by lovers of soul music.

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