Lewis Capaldi is a very popular Scottish singer-songwriter, and still only 27 years old. This song topped the UK charts in 2018, and the US charts the year after. He is one of my wife’s favourites, and she has been to see him live in concert. I haven’t heard that much of his music, but I did like the song that made him famous.
The lyrics are on the video.
I was 18 when I bought this record in 1970. It just appealed to me, and I played it a lot. But I never looked into the band, ‘The Ides Of March’, and didn’t buy any of their other records.
It’s a hard one to assign to a genre. Loud, lots of brass, guitar solo, gravelly vocals. Jazzy? Rock? A bit Funky? Jazz-Funk? Rock-Jazz? You decide.
The lyrics are actually worrying, and suggest an older man attempting to entice a much younger girl into his car. That wouldn’t fly these days!
Hey, well, I’m the friendly stranger in the black sedan
Oh, won’t you hop inside my car
I got pictures, got candy, I am a lovable man
I’d like to take you to the nearest star
I’m your vehicle baby
I’ll take you anywhere you wanna go
I’m your vehicle woman
By now, I’m sure you know
That I love ya (love you)
I need ya (need you)
I want to, got to have you child
Great God in Heaven, you know I love you
Well, if you want to be a movie star
I got the ticket to Hollywood
Well, if you want to stay just like you are
You know I think you really should
I’m your vehicle baby
I’ll take you anywhere you wanna go
I’m your vehicle woman
By now, I’m sure you know
That I love ya (love you)
I need ya (need you)
I want to, got to have you child
Great God in Heaven, you know I love you
Oh, you know I do
Well, I’m the friendly stranger in the black sedan
Oh, won’t you hop inside my car
I got pictures, candy, I am a lovable man
I’d like to take you to the nearest star
I’m your vehicle babe
I’ll take you anywhere you wanna go
I’m your vehicle woman
By now, I’m sure you know
That I love ya (love you)
I need ya (need you)
I want to, I got to have ya
Great God in Heaven, you know I love you
And I’m your vehicle babe
You know I love ya (love you)
I need ya (need you)
I want to, got to have you child
Great God in Heaven, you know I love you
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: James Peterik
Vehicle lyrics © Peermusic Musikverlag G.m.b.h., Ides Music, Bald Medusa Company
Michael McDonald has been a member of two of my favourite bands; Steely Dan, and the Doobie Brothers. I have followed his career since it started, and when he became a solo performer in 1982, I was quick to buy his albums. He is known for being able to sing in a very high voice at times, something that tends to make people either love him or hate him. Many of the songs he has written are emotional ballads, another genre that divides listeners.
As I am including another of his songs in this series, you can conclude that I like him a lot. He is also the same age as me, which is unusual in a singer I admire. This song from 1982 definitely qualifies as emotional, so if that’s not something you enjoy listening to, best to skip the video. It was written by Leiber/Stoller, so on this occasion Michael is not singing one of his own songs.
I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore
I keep forgettin’ things will never be the same again
I keep forgettin’ how you made that so clear
I keep forgettin’
Everytime you’re near
Everytime I see you smile
Hear your “hello”
Saying you can only stay a while
And I know that it’s hard for you
To say the things that we both know are true
But tell me how come
I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore
I keep forgettin’ things will never be the same again
I keep forgettin’ how you made that so clear
I keep forgettin’, babe
Every time I hear
How you never want to live a lie
How it’s gone too far
And you don’t have to tell me why
Why you’re gone and why the game is through
If this is what’s real, if this is what’s true
Tell me how come
I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore (baby)
I keep forgettin’ things will never be the same again
I keep forgettin’ how you made that so clear (yeah, yeah)
I keep forgettin’
Don’t say that, don’t say that, don’t say that
I know you’re not mine anymore, anyway, anytime
Tell me how come
I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore (how come I)
I keep forgettin’ things will never be the same again
I keep forgettin’ how you made that so clear
I keep forgettin’ (baby)
Every time you’re near (I keep forgettin’ we’re not in love anymore)
Every time you’re near (I keep forgettin’ things will never be the same again)
Oh baby (I keep forgettin’ how you made that so clear)
Every time you’re near (I keep forgettin’)
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Jerry Leiber / Mike Stoller
I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Guitarist Carlos Santana was known for some great (mainly) instrumental recordings from 1969 and into the 1970s, with his band Santana. His performance at the Woodstock Festival gave him the wider exposure he needed to get widespread popularity and acclaim. I had a couple of his albums when I was young, and then he diverted into ‘spiritual’ projects, so dropped off my radar. But he never left the music scene, and in 1999, a single was released from his new album, and that hit the charts everywhere. With great vocals from Rob Thomas, ‘Smooth’ re-established Santana on the world stage. I love it!
The lyrics are on the video.
I’m in the mood for a funky song with nice harmonies, good memories, and getting my feet tapping.
“A Night to Remember” is a song by American R&B group Shalamar. It was released in 1982, when I was 30 years old. As I recall, this was their biggest hit in the UK, with the group breaking up by 1990.
When you love someone, it’s natural, not demanding
And that’s one thing I’m proud to say I’ve found in you
I’m so glad we reached an understanding
Now I know my heart is safe with you, ooh
So now my love to you, baby, I surrender
Get ready, tonight
Gonna make this a night to remember
Get ready, oh, baby, tonight
Gonna make this a night to remember
Celebrations in the heart ’cause we’re united
And there’s nothing in this world to come between me and you
We’re together, and it keeps me so excited
To think of what the power of love can do, ooh
And I’m filled with a love that’s, oh, so tender
Get ready, (baby) tonight (girl)
I’m gonna make this a night to remember
Get ready, (get ready) tonight
I’m gonna make this a night to remember
Make this a night to remember
Get ready, tonight
Gonna make this a night to remember
Get ready, (get ready) tonight
Gonna make this a night to remember
Get ready, (baby) tonight (darlin’)
Gonna make this a night to remember
Get ready, (darlin’) tonight (baby)
Gonna make this a night to remember
This night you won’t forget
Gonna make this a night to remember
‘Cause your love I won’t regret
Gonna make this a night to remember
Get ready, (baby) tonight (darling)
Gonna make this a night to remember
Get ready, (it won’t be like the past) tonight (I will make it last)
Gonna make this a night to remember
(Tonight)
(Make this a night to remember)
(Tonight)
(Make this a night to remember)
Let’s make a toast to those who helped make this occasion
They turned their back on love, and that’s what drove you straight to me
Now to you I make a lasting dedication
I’ll show you all that love and life can be, ooh
And each day that I live I will deliver
Get ready, (this night you won’t forget) tonight
Gonna make this a night to remember
Get ready, (get ready tonight) tonight
Gonna make this a night to remember
Writer/s: Dana Meyers, Leon Sylvers III, Nidra Beard
Publisher: BMG Rights Management
Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind
1979 was a good year. I was 27 years old, had moved into a nice house in the Wimbledon Park district of London, and I had been accepted for training as an EMT. I played a lot of music at home back then, in a variety of genres. But this one was a favourite, combining the funky-jazz style of the band The Crusaders with the outstanding vocal talents of Randy Crawford and a full orchestra. This is the short radio version, the original album track was 11 minutes long. (Worth hearing!)
I still hang around neither lost nor found
Hear the lonely sound of music in the night
Nights are always bright
That’s all that’s left for me, yeah
I play the street life
Because there’s no place I can go
Street life, it’s the only way I know
Street life
And there’s a thousand cards to play
Until you play your life away
You dress and walk and talk
You’re who you think you are
Street life, you can run away from time
Street life, for a nickel, for a dime
Street life, but you better not get old
Or you’re gonna feel the cold
There’s always love for sale
A grown up fairy tale
Prince charming always smiles
Behind a silver spoon
And if you keep t young
Your song is always sung
Your love will pay your way beneath the silver moon
Street life, street life, street life, oh street life
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Joe Sample / Will Jennings
Street Life lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sentric Music, Songtrust Ave, Spirit Music Group, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
This is another song that was famously ‘hijacked’ by a later version. Long before Whitney Huston convinced so many people it was her song, the wonderful Chaka Khan released this original in 1978, written by Ashford and Simpson. You just know I prefer Chaka.
(Yes, all five women in the video are Chaka)
Whatever you want, whatever you need
Anything you want done baby, I’ll do it naturally
‘Cause I’m every woman
It’s all in me, it’s all in me
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
Anything you want done baby
I do it naturally
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
I can read your thoughts right now
Every one from A to Z
I can cast a spell of secrets you can tell
Mix a special brew, put fire inside of you
Anytime you feel danger or fear
Then instantly I will appear, ’cause
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
Anything you want done baby
I do it naturally
Oh, I can sense your needs like rain onto the seeds
I can make a rhyme of confusion in your mind
And when it comes down to some good old fashioned love
I got it, I got it, I got it, got it, baby, baby
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
Anything you want done baby
I do it naturally
I’m every woman
It’s all in me
I can read your thoughts right now
Every one from A to Z
I ain’t braggin’, ’cause I’m the one
Just ask me, ooh, and it shall be done
And don’t bother to compare
I’ve got it, I’ve got it, got it got it, got it
I’m every woman
I’m every woman
I’m every woman
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Nickolas Ashford / Valerie Simpson
I’m Every Woman lyrics © Emi April Music Inc., Nick O Val Music Co Inc
In 1989, British electro pop duo The Pet Shop Boys met Hollywood star Liza Minnelli. Add a ‘theatrical’ song from Stephen Sondheim, and I give you ‘Losing My Mind’.
I shouldn’t really like it, but I love it!
The sun comes up, I think about you
The coffee cup, I think about you
I want you so, it’s like I’m losing my mind
The morning ends, I think about you
I talk to friends and think about you
And do they know it’s like I’m losing my mind?
All afternoon doing every little chore
The thought of you stays bright
Sometimes I stand in the middle of the floor
Not going left, not going right
I dim the lights and think about you
Spend sleepless nights to think about you
You said you loved me, or were you just being kind?
Or am I losing
Losing my mind?
All afternoon doing every little chore
The thought of you stays bright
Sometimes I stand in the middle of the floor
Not going left – not going right
I dim the lights and think about you
Spend sleepless nights to think about you
You said you loved me
Or were you just being kind?
Or am I losing my mind?
Or am I losing my mind?
You said you loved me
Or were you just being kind?
Or am I losing my mind?
Or were you just being kind?
Or am I losing my mind?
Losing my mind?
Losing my mind?
Losing my mind?
Losing my mind?
Losing my mind?
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Stephen Sondheim
A rocking mature lady belting out a great singalong pop song, Anastacia had a big hit with this in 2000, and followed it up later with other hits. I only ever bought this CD single, and after more than two decades I still enjoy hearing it. Having suffered twice with breast cancer, she has managed to fully recover and is still performing at the age of 55.
Ooooha
Whoa
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Oh yeah
Aha
Now baby come on
Don’t claim that love you never let me feel
I shoulda known
‘Cause you brought nothin’ real
C’mon be a man about it you won’t die
I ain’t got no more tears to cry and I can’t take this no more
You now I gotta let you go and you know
Ooooha
Whoa
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Oh yeah
Aha
Said how many times
Have I tried to turn this love arond?
But every time
You just let me down
Come on be a man about it
You’ll survive
True that you can work it out all right
Tell me, yesterday
Did you know?
I’d be the one to let you go?
And you know
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Anastacia L. Newkirk / Samuel J. Watters / Louis John Biancaniello
I’m Outta Love lyrics © Emi April Music Inc., Sony/atv Tunes Llc, Universal Music Corp., Poho Prod., S.m.y. Publishing, Breakthrough Creations
In 1976, I heard a new Disco hit record that had elements of Soul, and also felt like a ballad. I bought it immediately, as I knew it would be stuck in my head anyway. Forty-eight years later, it still sounds great to me.
Candi Staton had been around since the mid-1960s, but this song launched her worldwide. She went on to have more hits, release lots of albums, and at the age of 84, she is still an active performer.
What’s the sense in sharing, this one and only life
Endin’ up, just another lost and lonely wife
You’ll count up the years, and they will be filled with tears
Love only breaks up, to start over again
You’ll get the baby, but you won’t have your man
While he is busy loving every woman that he can, uh-huh
Say I’m gonna leave a hundred times a day
It’s easier said than done
When you just can’t break away (when you just can’t break away)
Oh, young hearts run free
Never be hung up, hung up like my man and me, my man and me
Oh, young hearts, to yourself be true
Don’t be no fool when love really don’t love you, don’t love you
It’s high time now just one crack at life
Who wants to live in, in trouble and strife
My mind must be free, to learn all I can about me, uh-hmm
I’m gonna love me, for the rest of my days
Encourage the babies every time they say
“Self preservation is what’s really going on today”
Say I’m gonna turn loose a thousand times a day
But how can I turn loose
When i just can’t break away (when I just can’t break away)
Oh, young hearts run free
They’ll never be hung up, hung up like my man and me, you and me
Oh, young hearts, to yourself be true
Don’t be no fool when love really don’t love you, don’t love you
Oh, young hearts run free
They’ll never be hung up, hung up like my man and me, my man and me
Oh, young hearts, to yourself be true
Don’t be no fool when love really don’t love you, don’t love you
Oh, young hearts run free
They’ll never be hung up, hung up like my man and me, my man and me
Oh, young hearts, to yourself be true
Don’t be no fool when love really don’t love you, don’t love you
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: David Bernard Crawford
Young Hearts Run Free lyrics © Ghati Music Inc
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