1. Jodeci – My Heart Belongs to You MCA/Universal Diary Of A Mad Band
It’s about the whole album. I’ve gone for this track because it brings back so many memories. I remember going to my record shop everyday for a week waiting for the album to arrive on import and finally getting it home and playing it. This was the opening track and you just knew immediately that Jodeci had just raised the bar. It was so different, the way it sounded, the synthesised sounds and the groove on it. Then they’re amazing vocals and most importantly the influence of Timberland running through it. A lot of imitators followed, one of those albums that changed things up.
2. Common feat Lauren Hill – Retrospect for Life – Relativity – One Day It’ll All Make Sense
I am a Common fan, but I wasn’t a huge Lauren Hill fan until I heard this. This borders on being a gospel song to me. The music has a real church vibe to it and killer chord sequence that could have been taken from a Charlie Brown cartoon, but when the organ brings in Ms Hill you suddenly realise exactly what soul is. It is a beautifully inspiring piece of work that touches you every time you hear it.
3. Billy Taylor Trio – I wish I knew (How It Would Feel To Be Free) – Capitol Records
You know when a tune just makes you smile and tap your foot no matter what kind of mood your in. The place is in a mess and the housework has to be done but when this tune is in the background suddenly it’s not so bad. I defy anyone who thinks that jazz is up its own arse not to enjoy this track. Most people know it as the theme music to BBC1’s Film 2005. This is jazz at it’s best, just a trio and some incredible playing, but never anything to make you think they’re showing off. The piano on this is sick!! And while I’m cleaning away it reminds me that I need to get on with some piano practice when I’ve finished.
4. Tony! Toni! Tone! – Anniversary – Wing – Sons of Soul
There will be a book one day about soul and R&B etc, and they’ll be a chapter called “WHAT ABOUT…” and in this chapter will be people such as Mint Condition, Mantronix, JD (from SV) and Raphael Sadiq. His solo albums are always quality but the work he did with cousins/brothers really set a benchmark. This entire album (Sons of Soul) could be seen as being the start of the move towards “neo soul” whatever that is. It took classic rhythm and blues, gospel and soul and flipped it. But “Anniversary” is a crowning moment. I put it above “It never rains”. It’s a classic ballad with simple lyrics and a stunning string arrangement. The song is timeless. How many ballads can you still play 10 years later?
5. Foo Fighters – All My life – One By One – BMG
Dragging myself out of bed my mind will often drift to the eternal search for being healthy. So a lazy attempt a work out begins. This is one of those tunes that gets you going and psyched up. I could have gone for B.O.B by Outkast, 99 Problems by JayZ or Queens of the Stone Age, but I went for this one. The opening guitar riff lets you know you’re in for something big and then the drums bring everything in and it’s a full on stadium rock classic. It has such a raw attitude that it makes me think of hip-hop.
6. Stevie Wonder – Blame It On The Sun – Talking Book – Tamla
It’s a ballad, it’s Stevie Wonder, do I really need to say anything? I could name 10 tunes from this guy alone, and don’t get me started on Marvin Gaye.
7. Bobby Valentino – Tell Me
Hypnotic beats that make you wanna nod your head. It’s got an almost eastern vibe to it, but flipped. I can’t really say it’s about anything lyrically (apart from the rap) but I just love the groove and melody on it. Great for the kitchen, makes washing up easy.
8. Nora Jones – The Long Day Is Over – Come Away With Me
The title sums the vibe on this one. A bluesy/jazzy vibe runs through it. It’s almost a lullaby. I love the way that the whole song is like a hug from you Mother (is that kinda soppy?). It makes me reflect and then look ahead. Once again it’s all about the album really.
9. Nas – Made You Look
Big tune!! This tune makes me feel alive and reminds in a culture being dominated by Rap that Hip Hop is far from dead. I’m going to be honest, I thought Nas killed it with “Ether” but I was there thinking that was it until he came with this. I love a comeback and this was like a big middle finger to everyone who was starting to doubt him. I love the break; the rawness of the drums, the lyrics and it’s all just basic and simple. Proper old skool hip-hop. Or should I have gone for “Run” by Ghostface Killa? Too late now
10. Corinne Bailey Rae – Like A Star
Some songs freeze you in time. I saw her on Jools Holland and couldn’t move, her music just grabbed me straight away. She has the voice of an angel. You hear this song and just have to chill. There aren’t really any words to describe how beautiful this song is so I won’t.
