MY JAM SESSIONS: Exploring Soulful Classics
- Ravi Patel
- Mar 13, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Intro
Imagine you’re sitting and working on your homework, job applications, finances, or even just creating your new routine. Additionally, you could even be on a date or just hanging out with friends. This could be at The 86, Rohs Coffee House, Deeper Roots Coffee, or some other random coffee shop. Next, you hear smooth jazz or soul music playing in the background. This is customary at coffee shops. This music creates a relaxing atmosphere with really good vibes. Today, I will let you hear my groove session, and where you’ll find gems of soul music you hear from time to time in your local coffee shops. I am going to unearth 5 soul classics and let you know what you’re missing. I have read some YouTube comments older people make about how they wish the newer generation could experience these timeless songs. So, I hope to make their dreams a reality. Also, shoutout to JustJammin! I had a phase of watching reactors on YouTube, and he reacts to old-school songs he hasn’t listened to before. So, part of the reason I am into soul music is his channel. Now, let’s press play and get into this groove session.
Patrice Rushen - Remind Me (1982)
Patrice Rushen is probably my favorite artist amongst everyone else on this list. If you’ve heard of her, you’re probably familiar with her hit song “Forget Me Nots, which is her most popular song. I had initially discovered “Forgets Me Nots” through Spotify, and decided to look further into her discography, and found many hidden gems. “Remind Me,” is one of those gems. “Remind Me” is about a lover Patrice feels intrigued by. The song encapsulates strong feelings of desire and intense feelings of love and adoration toward a significant other. In the future, I could see myself dedicating an entire post to her because of the many classics in her discography.
The Jones Girls – Nights Over Egypt (1981)
On Spotify, I was on the “go-to radio” feature for a different soul and R&B song I was listening to when I found “Nights Over Egypt.” When I first heard this song, I had it on repeat for a while. I was just amazed by how good this song is. I could see myself in Egypt as the King with my Queen waiting for me. This song even made me more interested in Egypt itself, as I hope to visit there one day. “Nights Over Egypt” immerses you into a spiritual atmosphere while bringing a strong essence of romance. RIP The Jones Girls members Valorie and Brenda Jones.
Teddy Pendergrass – Love TKO (1980)
One of Marvin Gaye’s rivals was Teddy Pendergrass. “Love TKO” is the second single released off his fourth album TP. “Love TKO” is about repeated disappointments in love and experiencing heartbreak. Teddy is feeling heartache and emotional pain, comparing his dissolved romance to being knocked out in a boxing match. If you’ve ever felt a similar type of sadness and pain from a past romance, this song is for you. Teddy’s smooth vocals on “Love TKO” make this timeless piece an even more compelling listen. RIP Teddy Pendergrass.
Sister Sledge – Somebody Loves Me (1979)
If you’ve heard of Sister Sledge, you’re likely familiar with their hit song “We Are Family.” When I first created this list, I was having trouble choosing between “We Are Family,” He’s the Greatest Dancer,” and “Lost in Music.” All of these were great options, but I began to realize most of the songs on this list were romantic or referencing love. So, I decided to go a different route, and chose their song "Somebody Loves Me." “Somebody Loves Me” differing from “Love TKO” is a song exploring doubt, with one seeking reassurance if this individual deeply cares about them. RIP Sister Sledge member Joni Sledge.
Rose Royce – Wishing on a Star (1978)
This heartfelt song by Rose Royce is the third single released from her second album In Full Bloom. “Wishing on a Star” expresses a sense of hopefulness in reconnecting with a lost or distant lover. If whoever you love is far away, both emotionally and physically, then this song is for you. "Wishing on a Star" has also been covered by artists such as Jay-Z and Beyonce. Most recently, 21 Savage sampled “Wishing on a Star” for his hit song “All of Me,” which was released on his latest album American Dream. So, it seems future generations of artists will keep returning to this classic.
Closing
I hope you enjoyed this groove session! This could potentially turn into a series where I explore more old-school songs in different genres, or I could do a sequel post to this one in the future. There were so many soul songs I wish I could cover in this post. Unfortunately, I had to cut some to avoid making this a long post. Thank you for reading and listening if you've made it this far! I’m glad I was able to share with you these timeless soul pieces and keep the legacy of an older generation of music alive!
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