Category: Ebony’s Playlist

My very first concert at 6 years old was to see Anita Baker. I don’t remember the drive to get there, what theater is was at in Detroit, or if she had an opening act. I do remember sitting on my parents’ lap because they brought my ticket later, and my seat wasn’t with them. I remember I had on a black and white dress, I think my hair was in a bun on top of my head. And I remember how Anita Baker would shake her leg when she was singing the hell out of those songs. I am sitting here listening to music while I put this puzzle together and thought, why not honor Anita Baker today with a playlist.

This playlist includes my top 5 songs in no particular order. These songs will be in the Nostalgic playlist on Spotify for your listening pleasure.

I Just Want to be Your Girl – Chapter 8

Before going solo, Anita Baker was the lead singer of Chapter 8. Per Google, Chapter 8 was a soul group from Detroit in the late 70s and 80s. Yeah, I was a baby so I am not really familiar with the group, but I love this song. I don’t even know how I found it. I just know that this song pops back up on my playlist regularly, and I play it out for a little while.

Angel – Anita Baker

Not much to say here. Timeless classic.

Fairy Tales – Anita Baker

I don’t think I remotely understood what she was saying as a child. As I have aged and listened to this song, I love it more and more. Just a realistic song about love and life when you are with the wrong person sang beautifully by Anita Baker.

You Bring Me Joy – Anita Baker

I don’t know why I picked this one, except that it makes me happy when I hear it. And I love her voice.

Body and Soul – Anita Baker

This was hard. Really hard to pick just 5 songs. I went back and forth on what song to add last and trying to decide if I should delete one to add a different one. Again, as I kept repeating the songs, this just made me happy. Plus, that note she holds towards the end didn’t hurt.

What I think I like most about these songs is they have a bridge. The part we all know and sing at the top of our lungs. Then we end the song singing every little ad-lib. Nowadays, songs are 2 and a half minutes with one versus and the chorus repeated three times. What the hell is that? Nothing beats old school music. Anita Baker found the perfect formula for songs that matched her voice and imprinted them on our hearts. She will always be on my playlist. Do you have a favorite Anita Baker song? Please share. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚

Back at it with the next round of my all-time favorite songs.

So Amazing – Luther Vandross

Another one of the greats gone too soon. Luther’s discography is so extensive. I don’t know how I was able to pick just one. Yet, here we are. I know everyone picked Here and Now for their wedding song, but I would have picked this one. Hell, I may still pick this song. I think I relate to this one more. I have been waiting FOREVER for my love. Lol.

Everlasting Love – Chaka Khan, Rufus

One reason why I like old school music is because they sang about love. They did have songs about cheating and heartbreak, but there were more songs about love. About how they wanted to love someone. How love makes them feel. Positive love. Rufus and Chaka Khan said it best, Everlasting Love.

If Only You Knew – Patti Labelle

Ahhh, a crush. I used to love having crushes. Being so excited to see a person but nervous at the same time. Wanting to say something, yet feeling so shy. Now, I don’t recommend for you to ever date your crush. They never live up to the hype. Just listen to this song and reminisce on your crush.

Overjoyed –  Stevie Wonder

“Over time, I’ve been building my castle of love, just for two…” Just from the first line of the song, I was hooked. This is such a great song and another one that I don’t ever want to hear anyone else sing. Stevie hit every note and pause just right to create this masterpiece. Leave it alone!

Well, if you didn’t like Part 1, I can’t imagine you not liking at least one song in Part 2. These are true classics. And I can’t say I won’t judge you just a little 🤏🏾. I would love to know your favorite songs from these artists. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚

I grew up with parents who loved and appreciated music and introduced me to the great artists. I have such a love for music. Music is one of the last things my dad and I shared before he passed away. When I visited him, I played music on my phone for him. He rubbed his fingers together as if he were snapping them. So cute 🥰. We also watched Person of Interest, a show we both loved.

These are some of my all-time favorite oldies, but goodies. It’s crazy because I wasn’t even alive when some of these songs came it. Good music never dies. We can see it right now with older songs getting popular on TikTok.

Nothing Has Ever Felt This Good – Rachelle Ferrell & Will Downing

Two very talented vocalists on one song, and she is playing the piano while singing. I just know I got robbed when it came to the musical talent distribution. It’s Rachelle Ferrell and Will Downing. Enough said.

I’ve Got So Much To Give – Barry White

So I was telling my friend Monica about this song and she listened to it. She said she aged 49 years after hearing this song 😆. I don’t care if anyone else likes this song, I love this song. I could say this one is my favorite song ever! I don’t know what it is, but it makes me so happy when I hear it. When he says, “Don’t do that, baby please don’t do that.” Tell her Barry! I didn’t put the YouTube link for the version with all the talking, but the Playlist version has the talking part. I just wanted you to hear the words of the song. If you don’t like it, don’t tell me. I don’t care! Lol

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

I can’t think of a single person who doesn’t like this song. Sometimes, I get mad when I hear people sing it. Like everything doesn’t need a remake. Leave it alone 😡. Out of all the bad stuff Al Green did in his youth, it did this one thing right.

I Want You – Marvin Gaye

Honestly, I can’t put into words why I like these particular songs so much. If I had to come up with a reason, I would say it is the words and what they are trying to convey to the listener. Marvin Gaye says, “Don’t play with something you should cherish for life.” What?!? That is such a great line. Love is not to be played with. Now, here was another man who wasn’t right, but he said the right thing in his songs. Gone too soon, but his musical legacy still speaks to the people.

I hope one of my oldies, but goodies, is one that you are like, I haven’t heard that in a minute, but I do like that song. These songs can be found at elsims27 on Spotify on the Nostalgic playlist. All four songs are right at the top, but feel free to listen to any other songs on the playlist. If you would like, share your oldie, but goodie with me. I promise I won’t judge you. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚