Anita Baker - The Songstress
Man Oh Man. Uh...Uh...Uh.
You can talk all about the "Rapture" album you want. Even in the days with her hook-up to group Chapter 8 (I Just Want To Be Your Girl). But I beg to differ. When it comes down to Anita Baker's best album, I will have to go with "The Songstress".
Anita is awesome. She received some slack for not being a singer's singer, but in my thoughts, she is. No matter what. And this album from 1983 on Beverly Glen Music Records is a classic.
You can't help but sit back, relax & listen to her low toned vocals in "No More Tears", as you pay strict attention to the lyrics & reflect while a glass of wine is in hand. And then "Sometimes" will gently remind you of lifes hurdles. The ups & the downs. 'Sometimes' things may go your way, or may not. Anita gracefully describes those moments & passes on a sentimental shrug to hold on & stay strong. Try harder.
"Will You Be Mine" was one of my all-time personal slow jam, mixtape tracks. It HAD to be on the tape. I also had it feed back on my Teac reel-to-reel. Remember the Reel-to-Reel? I used to record hours upon hours of my personal fav's on that mug. Now the teac is broken, hanging out in the garage. Huh. I'm not giving that up for nobody. Broken or not, its still considered a memoir of sorts or a monumental piece of the Sherard Family keepsake. You all better hang on to those record players, 8 track systems, reel-to-reel players if you still got 'em. You never know. You might run into a skillful technician, who just might create some sort of magic for you & have the component rollin' again. My 8-track still plays.
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For one, it's a slow jammer's record with a few perks to help steer you into the direction of candles & lights dimmed at low altitude. Then, the total, uncompromised words & phrases that can easily be adapted for the midnight action. You know what I am talking about. (original Lp cover)
Ok, going back to "Will You Be Mine". Just because I gave the track some love doesn't mean one of you new school, new generational singers should cover or touch it. Please leave this song alone as it is. Let it stand precious for the test of time. I guarantee, with the holidays coming up, you'll be looking for this one, as well as some independent black radio stations out there still playing back those golden old school slow joints. They'll be looking for this one. If not, now they know!
Other songs on the LP included "Do You Believe Me", "Angel" (Another classic that breezes & opens the curtains, if you know what I mean.), "You're The Best Thing Yet", "Squeeze Me", & "Feel The Need".
The LP glides both sides of upbeat & slow music, but what is more appealing is Anita's high quality of love compositions. Compositions well written & intact with both the old & new generations. How wonder she is so talented & blessed.
Available now at Amazon!
Peace,
Charles F. Sherard
The Urban Music Scene
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