“If You Love Me” by Brownstone went to #2 on the R&B chart and to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK charts. Interestingly enough, the song did go to #1 in New Zealand. “If You Love Me” was written by Gordon Chambers, Nicci Gilbert and Dave Hall for Brownstone’s debut album From The Bottom Up on Michael Jackson’s MJJ label.
Marsha Ambrosius was already known as 1/2 of the group Floetry, and as a songwriter. She most famously wrote the song “Butterflies” for Michael Jackson and she’s also written for other artists. But, she had to wait a minute to get put on as a solo artist. She was originally signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment Label in 2009, but left and finally released her debut solo album Late Nights & Early Mornings through J Records (J Records disbanded in 2011. Marsha Ambrosius will release future material through RCA Records). And she put it down too. Marsha Ambrosius is nominated for two Grammy Awards: Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song for “Far Away”. Tune in to the Grammy Awards on February 12, 8/7c on CBS to find out if she wins.
“Remember The Time” by Michael Jackson was released as a single exactly 20 years ago today. Produced by Teddy Riley, the song was hugely successful. It peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 chart, at #1 on the R&B chart and internationally it hit the top ten in nine countries. It also hit the top 20 in all the major territories. Perhaps just as popular as the song is the nine-minute music video produced by John Singleton starring Eddie Murphy and Iman. And more popular still (and unforgettable) was that jaw-dropping kiss between MJ and Iman. Iman told Oprah he was a good kisser… “Remember The Time”… from the album Dangerous.
Check out the bonus video below of Teddy Riley talking about creating “Remember The Time” with Michael Jackson.
Another hit single from the ingenious duo of writer, Rod Temperton and producer, Quincy Jones, Off The Wall‘s Rock With You proved to be an illustrating moment for Michael in the early 80′s. Echoing the dance floors of Studio 54 with its moving bass line, flowing string arrangements, and synthesised sound of disco, this single captures a sensual playfulness fused with a joyous spirit in Jackson’s voice. Released November 3, 1979, Rock With You became a defining tune for Michael landing him in the #1 spot on Billboard’s pop and R&B single charts and later becoming the 4th biggest single of the 80′s decade. From a perspective of resilience, the staying power of this single beneath the backdrop of industry changes due to the declining taste for disco and a resurgence of rock makes its chart topping endurance and platinum certification very impressive.
While Rock With You is 31 years old, its ripple effect in song and video is still felt in many contemporary artists like Chris Brown, Kelly Clarkson, Chuck Loeb and many, many others. Here’s a couple of of examples to show the single’s reach and influence: (more…)
The online “word of mouth” on “Honey I’m Home” was so excellent, so good in fact that I decided to pick up my own copy to see if the murmurings were true.
They were true. The overall vibe of the album is conducive for a late afternoon or evening just kicking back with your significant other.
As I often do, I read the track listing of “Honey I’m Home” prior to listening to all of the cd’s selections. I was pleasantly surprised with the track “I Love It! (Papi Aye, Aye, Aye). The title deceptively gives the feeling of an upbeat party song, but the track is pure quiet storm. “I’m Glad” has a bouncy beat that makes you want to crank up the volume as you cruise down the highway. I’ll admit, when I saw “Lady In My Life” in the track listing, I said out loud, “MJ’s “Lady In My Life””? That “Lady in My Life”?! Yes, that’s the one. As an MJ fan, I take any remakes of his music personally. I am proud to say that Al B. does a good job on covering the classic hit. “Dedicate My All” brings us back to Al B.’s signature sound. I could literally hear “Dedicate My All” easily included in a package with Al B.’s other hits like “Night and Day”. “Never Stop Loving You” has a futuristic, sonic sound that has Al B. reminiscing about lost love.
I give Hidden Beach credit for continually focusing on quality with regards to music. I am glad that Hidden Beach recognized that Al. B. Sure! still has plenty of great music to share with the world. I also give Al B. credit for not trying to “fit in” with current trends, but instead focusing on making good, solid high quality music.
Pick up “Honey I’m Home” at either Amazon or ITunes. Here’s the free, full listen for “I Love It! (Papi Aye, Aye, Aye) from Hidden Beach:
“I think every encounter with any human being is worth giving your full energy” – Jayanti
I believe I’m going to label 2011 the year of the “check this out” music discovery app. Hundreds of submissions hit the inbox every week, but when someone who you trust their musical sensibilities sends you something with the instructions to “check this out” everything else moves down a notch or two in the queue. Such is the case with Rotterdam based singer/songwriter Jayanti. I’m glad I followed instructions and I hope you will be spurred on to checkout her music, her total artistry from this very candid and thought provoking series of interviews. Make sure to check back for the conclusion that you don’t want to miss coming up this Friday Sept. 30th.
GFM: Tell us a little bit about your influences…
Jayanti: My mom and dad separated when I was a year old… but before that when my mom was pregnant my dad would play the drums, cause my dad was a drummer. He would be practicing all day and it would drive my mom nuts. But I liked it, because at a certain point they both told me that we would have sort of a game: He would do something on the drums kind of a rhythm, a simple rhythm on the drums and I would kick back. I would kick the same rhythm back to him. And then he would do it again and I would kick back. So I believe that would be the absolute start of everything. (more…)
Written by Michael Jackson and released as the first single from the Bad album in the Summer of 1987, this duet with Siedah Garrett was understandably received after great anticipation. It was almost like a hush went around the world to hear what was to be MJ’s next move after Thriller. High drama, lush arrangement and supple melody I always considered it a beautiful intro into the Bad era.
