Monumental Soundbyte - 100

The Jackson 5 - I want you back

This song was released in 1969 and is the first song that this talented group released on the Motown label.

Michael Jackson was 11 at the time when he recorded the lead vocals to this song but thats hard to tell because of how mature he sounds on this track.

The song is considered one of the best singles to come out of Motown and is ranked 120 on Rolling Stone's list of Greatest Songs of All Time...

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 99

Cat Stevens - Father & Son

This song was released in 1970 and is truly monumental.

The song is essentially a conversation between a father and son. The father does not understand the need - his son's desire to make a new life while the son knows he needs to do something about his life but does not quite know how to communicate it.

Magnificent song.....Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 98

The Delfonics - Didnt i blow your mind this time

This classic song was released in 1970 and actually won a Grammy for Best R & B Performance. The Delfonics' sound was part of the Philly soul movement and this song was one of the first singles to be considered true philly sound.

This is a soul ballad with stirring vocals and accompanied by strings and horns. This song was featured on the Jackie Brown soundtrack and has been covered by a number of artists including Patti Labelle.

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 97

Whitney Houston - Run To You

This song appears on The Bodyguard soundtrack and was released in 1993.

Its not the most successful song from this soundtrack but after I will always love you, its my second favorite.

Whitney Houston can never disappoint so maybe its her vocal delivery on this song, or maybe its the simple video, or maybe its her hair and almost matt style makeup, or is it the fact that when i sing this song, i love the riffs and ups and down of the song...whatever it is, i love this song so much.

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 96

Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight

This beautiful song was released in 1977 and it was written for Eric Clapton's then love. Like Sting & The Police song "Every Breath You Take", this song is largely considered a romantic song.

But its actually not. Well it is. Its the reason for writing it that is less than romantic. Apparently, Eric penned this as he waited impatiently for his lady love to get ready for a shindig.

Nonetheless, it is an amazing song with 3 verses. Each of the verses is a different part of the evening and shindig they attend.

Excellent song - Enjoy

Monumental Soundbyte - 95

The Staple Singers - I'll Take You There

This family band (made of a father and his 4 kids) were predominantly a gospel group though their sound spread to R&B and Soul.

This song was released in 1972 and was was a number 1 hit in the United States but spent a total of 15 weeks on the charts. This song is also the most recognizable song from this group. I especially like this song because its a feel good, inspirational song guaranteed to make me feel good everytime i hear it.

Salt N Pepa sampled this song on Let's talk about Sex......

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 94

Gloria Estefan - Wrapped / Hoy

Happy New Year......! May 2008 be a wonderful wonderful year for us all.

I was hoping to wrap this series up last year since i am so so excited about the new series i have been working on for the past few months....But this will be over this week and we can kick the new year off right....

This is a 2 for 1 song. These songs were both released on Gloria's 10th album - Unwrapped. Wrapped was the first single released while Hop was the second single which is the spanish version of Wrapped. Its not exactly the same song in the sense that the spanish song is not an exact translation.

The beauty of this song is in the lyrics so enjoy.....

Keep every tear like an ocean

For every day that my fortune

Kept me from being with you

I craddle your faith that reveals me

Grows like a flower, then heals me

Fills me with promise anew

I carry you on disillusion

When my pathetic confusion

Kept me from speaking the truth

I'm simply a coin in your fountain

Lost like the seconds I'm counting 'til I am closer to you

I cherish every morning that found us

With the night scattered around us

Faded and painting me blue

I carry your joy in my footsteps

Making my way to your harbour

I don't need to go any farther

You are my sun and my moon

Wrapped in your arms where it's peaceful

Back in your arms where I'm happy

I would do anything gladly

Only to see you again

Wrapped in your arms I can wander

Up to the heaven's above me

Hearing you say that you love me

Back in your arms where I'm free

Keep every phrase barely spoken

Left from your lips

They have broken

Free as you give me your love

The yearning is constant and steady

When I'm with you I'm already

Everything I can become

I cherish every morning that found us

With the night scattered around us

Faded and painting me blue

I carry your joy in my footsteps

Making my way to your harbour

I don't need to go any farther

You are my sun and my moon

Wrapped in your arms where it's peaceful

Back in your arms where I'm happy

I would do anything gladly

Only to see you again

Wrapped in your arms I can wander

Up to the heaven's above me

Hearing you say that you love me

Back in your arms where I'm free

Monumental Soundbyte - 93

Harry Belafonte - The Banana Boat Song (Day O)

Day Ooooooooooo, Day Ooooooooooooo, Daylight come back me wanna go home...

This is a traditional jamaican song but i first heard Harry's version and i have been in love ever since. Most people are also familiar with his version and Harry as a musician is usually associated with this song.

This song actually makes sense. Its about a bunch of dock workers loading and offloading bananas. The shift is over and they wanna go home.

Its a catchy calypso song and makes me smile everytime i hear it.....Enjoy

Monumental Soundbyte - 92

Alexander O'Neal - If you were here tonight

Another sappy love song that makes this list. Released way back in 1985, this is my favorite Alexander O Neal song followed closey by Criticize. The words of this song are its magic so enjoy.........

As the night moves in
Love takes on a new meaning
If you were here
You would know what I mean to say

The circumstance leaves me only waiting
For the chance
I only want to love you more ... more

Can’t you understand it
Girl you know how much I care
It’s not the way I planned it
If you could only know my feelings

You would know how much I do believe
If you were here tonight
By my side
If you were with me now

When the lights go out
I can not pretend
This bed’s too big for me
To be in alone all alone
Slow burn light a candle for our love
So we’ll always be one to one in love

Can’t you understand it
Girl you know how much I care
It’s not the way I planned it no
If you could only know my feelings

You would know how much I do believe
If you were here tonight oh love
By my side
If you were with me now

Every night alone I just wait here anticipating
For the day I won’t feel this pain baby
Please don’t keep me waiting
Come to me
If you were here tonight

Monumental Soundbyte - 91

Enigma - Return To Innocence

Weird song that i absolutely love.

It was in the days when the predominant cable company in Lagos was Disc Communications and channels included MTV Europe and BOP TV (which had the soap opera Santa Barbara with Cruz Castille...anyway i digress).

MTV Europe introduced me to this video which was weird.... i remember a white stallion and everything going backwards....fascinating.

This song was released in 1994 and did very well on international charts.

This song is fascinating,.,...there are vocals supplied by Angel X but there is also like an aboriginal chant which you hear but it apparently was used without permission. There was an ensuing lawsuit....

During the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, the song was used which pushed into mainstream consiousness.

Its a fabulous and creative song...Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 90

Oleta Adams - Get Here

This song!

The words of this song pack a powerful punch and Oleta Adams delivers it vocally.

This is the song i associate most with her even though she has had a distinguished career in R&B, Jazz and Gospel. However, this song was originally recorded by Brenda Russell. Oleta's version was nominated for a Grammy in 1991.

I can sing this song.,...I mean i can SING this song with every fiber of emotion in me. I really really feel something when i hear this song....

I dont sing it as much now...but there was a point in my life when i was in a long distance relationship and the words of this song just meant the world to me. The emotions expressed and the yearning and desperation in the words...

Yeah - i decided no more long distance relationships.....

The words are here...Enjoy!

You can reach me by railway, you can reach me by trailway

You can reach me on an airplane, you can reach me with your mind

You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

You can reach me by sailboat, climb a tree and swing rope to rope

Take a sled and slide down the slope, into these arms of mine

You can jump on a speedy colt, cross the border in a blaze of hope

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

There are hills and mountains between us

Always something to get over

If I had my way, then surely you would be closer

I need you closer

You can windsurf into my life, take me up on a carpet ride

You can make it in a big balloon, but you better make it soon

You can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an Arab man

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

I don't care, I dont care, I need you right here right now

I need you right here, right now, right by my side

I don't care how you get here, just- get here if you can

Monumental Soundbyte - 89

Bette Midler - Wind Beneath My Wings

This amazingly beautiful song is from the movie soundtrack to Beaches and hit number one in 1990.

Interestingly, even though we have all come to associate this song with Ms Midler, she actually didnt record it first. I am not exactly sure who performed this first but Sheena Easton, Gladys Knight and Lou Rawls all recorded versions.

This song is a feel good, inspirational song that can be played at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and even funerals. In fact, a recent poll shows that this song is the most commonly played number at British funerals.

The words are simply amazing....

It must have been cold there in my shadow

To never have sunlight on your face

You were content to let me shine, that's your way

You always walked a step behind

So I was the one with all the glory

While you were the one with all the strength

A beautiful face without a name for so long

A beautiful smile to hide the pain

Did you ever know that you're my hero

And everything I would like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings

It might have appeared to go unnoticed

But I've got it all here in my heart

I want you to know I know the truth

Of course I know it

I would be nothing without you

Did you ever know that you're my hero?

You're everything I wish I could be

I could fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings

Monumental Soundbyte - 88

Roberta Flack & Maxi Priest - Set the night to music

This soothing, soothing track laid forgotten in my collection until it popped up during shuffle play a few weeks ago.

This is an amazing amazing song. And its monumental - well because i like it a lot....LOL.

Maxi Priest and Roberta Flack - not a combination i would have thought of but the result is so easy on the ears.

Listen to it and i dare you not to have this on repeat a few times...

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 87

Chris De Burgh - Lady in Red

This is Chris De Burgh's biggest hit and it was released in 1986. This song is massive. One of the greatest love songs ever and it went to number 1 in over 25 countries. Its especially sweet to me because the inspiration and the reason for this song is his wife Diane....

The words are beautiful too...Enjoy!

I've never seen you looking so lovely as you did tonight

I've never seen you shine so bright

I've never seen so many men ask you if you wanted to dance

They're looking for a little romance

Given half a chance

And I've never seen that dress you're wearing

Or the highlights in your hair

That catch your eyes

I have been blind

The lady in red is dancing with me

Cheek to cheek

There's nobody here

It's just you and me

It's where I wanna be

But I hardly know this beauty by my side

I'll never forget the way you look tonight

I've never seen you looking so gorgeous as you did tonight

I've never seen you shine so bright, you were amazing

I've never seen so many people want to be there by your side

And when you turned to me and smiled, it took my breath away

And I have never had such a feeling

Such a feeling of complete and utter love

s I do tonight

The lady in red is dancing with me

Cheek to cheek

There's nobody here

It's just you and me

It's where I wanna be

But I hardly know this beauty by my side

I'll never forget the way you look tonight

The lady in red

My lady in red

I love you

Monumental Soundbyte - 86

Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs - Stay

Another very old song. This song was written all the way back in 1953 and it has a funny beginning. At the time, Maurice was 15 years old and apparently he was trying to convince his date to stay out till 10pm. He lost the argument but the song is the result of that.

Its such a simple short song but so so catchy. I am sure a lot of you have heard it in one way or the other. You can listen to it on my soundbyte widget. It has been covered by a lot of groups but Maurice's version is the ish.

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 85

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Tracks of My Tears

Something from the Motown era which is really one of my favorite eras ever (that statement sounds so odd....what other eras are there?).

Anyway, this hot number was released way back in 1965 and has the honor of being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Green eyed Smokey Robinson sings about dealing with heartbreak behind smiles. And i can so relate. I do that all the time. I can be the life of the party, smiling and going with it all when inside i just want to cry till there are no tears left.

This is also one of those songs that i think people should never ever cover. Linda Ronstadt and Aretha Franklin lent their vocal stylings to this song and did absolutely nothing for me.

This song has some of the corniest but hottest lines...

"My smile is my makeup i wear since my breakup with you"
"Baby take a good look at my face, you'll see my smile seems out of place"

Rhyming all the way......

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 84

Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now

I have been a fan of Joni Mitchell for many years but this is by far my favorite song of hers. I first heard it as i watched the lovely movie Love Actually and it was love at first hear.

It was first released in 1969 and again, it shows what the essence of truly great music is. Timelessness. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 170 on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.

Since a lot of the people around me dont know who Joni Mitchell is, i urge you all to listen to this song on the soundbyte widget and i leave you with the words. Its a beautiful bittersweet song soooooo..Enjoy...

Bows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down
And still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way that you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show
You leave 'em laughing when you go
And if you care don't let them know
Don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now
From give and take and still somehow
It's love's illusions that I recall
I really don't know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say "I love you" right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
I've looked at life that way
But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they sayI've changed
Something's lost but something's gained in living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose, and still somehow
It's life's illusions I recall
I really don't know life at all.

Monumental Soundbyte - 83

Marc Cohn - True Companion

I bet a lot of people havent heard of Marc Cohn. This man - ...

So a lot of people ask me how i hear about random artists. Well -i hear a song and i buy the album. Truly. If i connect with a song, then i buy the whole album regardless of if i have heard of the artist or not.

And that is how i "met" Marc Cohn. It was a few years ago and i heard a song called "Walking in Memphis" and i thought it was by Bruce Springsteen. That should give you an inkling as to what he sounds like. I did my research and voila Marc Cohn. I forgot about Marc until about 3 years ago when u stumbled on his debut cd. And i fell in love.

Actually, his self titled album is simply amazing - If you like Bruce Springsteen, or simple music with strong lyrics emoted by a strong, deep voice. Marc is best known for the Walking In Memphis song and even won a grammy award for best new artist in 1992. This amazing man was shot in the head in 1995 in an attempted robbery and was released from the hospital the next day.

But this post is not about THAT song or this man (who you can tell i really really like). Its about the last song on his self titled album called True Companion.

I will let the lyrics of this song speak for it - but if you like songs about true love and passion and soul mates and soul stirring emotions - then this is THE song. I mean - i could have my darling Luther on rotation and could break my listening pleasure to include anything by Marc - especially this song. And that is big for me cos nothing comes between me and Luther.

I cannot say enough how much i love this song. So please listen to it by pressing play on the soundbyte widget thingy and enjoy..........

Baby I've been searching like everybody else
Can't say nothing different about myself
Sometimes I'm an angel and sometimes I'm cruel
But when it comes to love I'm just another fool

Yes I've climbed a mountain
I'm gonna swim the sea
There ain't no act of God, girl
Could keep you safe from me
My arms are reaching out,out across this canyon

I'm asking you to be my true companion
True companion
True companion

So don't you dare and try to walk away
I've got my heart set on our wedding day
I've got this vision of a girl in white
Made my decision that its you alright
When I take your hand, I watch my heart set sail
I'll take my trembling fingers, and I'll lift up your veil
Then I'll take you home and with wild abandon
Make love to you just like a true companion

You are my true companion
I got a true companion
Whoa true companion

When the years have done irreparable harm
I can see us walking slowly arm in arm
Just like that couple on the corner do
Cause girl I will always be in love with you
When I look in your eyes, I still see that spark
Until the shadows fall, until the room grows dark

Then when I leave this earth
I'll be with the angels standing
I'll be out there waiting for my true companion
Just for my true companion
True companion
True companion

Monumental Soundbyte - 82

Marvin Gaye - Sexual Healing

I cannot believe this song was released in 1982. What an amazing enduring song from a true talent. One of the originators of smooth r&b.

This song was number 1 on the billboard r&b charts for 10 weeks making it the longest running number 1 r&b single of the 80s. The entire decade. It also made a huge impact on the pop charts and became a massive hit globally.

This song is monumental because Marvin Gaye had been nominated for the Grammy awards 11 times in his career, but this is the song that won him his first grammys. He won the awards for Best Male R&B artist and Best R&B instrumental. The song was ranked number 231 on billboards greatest songs of all times list and i agree whole heartedly.

Now onto the content of this song. Can you imagine what a stir this song would have caused in 1982? Oooh...and do you remember the ultra smooth video?

Its pretty straightforward. Its about finding sexual healing with that special woman. What is fascinating is the way the song came about. Some guy comes to interview Marvin Gaye for his autobiography (David Ritz) and he notices comic pornography and comments that he needs sexual healing. Marvin then tells him to write a poem and that is how this song came to be.

This song has been covered by a lot of artists including Michael Bolton, Keith Sweat, Michael McDonald, Ben Harper, Kate Bush and even Bone Thugs and Harmony.

A truly ground breaking song.

Enjoy!

Monumental Soundbyte - 81

Stevie Wonder - Ribbon in the sky

One of my favorite songs truly.

Of course Steveland Hardaway Judkins - later changed to Stevanland Morris is an icon. Winner of a whooping 25 Grammy Awards, member of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and a host of other accolades.

This song was released in 1982 and the video for this song is so amazingly beautiful. Find it on youtube if you can cos i dont know how to embed those widget thingys. This is one of those songs that is so beautiful because of the lyrics and delivery....so enjoy!

Oh so long for this night I prayed

That a star would guide you my way

To share with me this special day

Where a ribbon's in the sky for our love

If allowed may I touch your hand

And if pleased may I once again

So that you too will understand

There's a ribbon in the sky for our love

This is not a coincidence and far more than a lucky chance

But what is that was always meant

Is our ribbon in the sky for our love

We can't lose with God on our side

We'll find strength in each tear we cry

From now on it will be you and I

And our ribbon in the sky