Thursday, May 17, 2018

Old School R And B Slow Jams Are A Wedding Staple

By Andrew Peterson


Most will say that music of yesteryear was probably the best in recording history. Whatever the decade, it is often agreed that many of the love songs of that period were filled with more passion and meaning that the majority of popular music today. This is why many like to listen to Old School R and B Slow Jams when winding down or spending time with that special someone.

Songs that celebrate the ups and downs in romantic relationships often stand the test of time. People of varied backgrounds normally have a favorite song or musical artist that resonates with how they feel about that special person or event in their lives. From the day that they met to that special day, the words and moods are often unforgettable.

From the classic tenor of Nat King Cole to the velvety vocals of Luther Vandross, the interpretation means almost as much as the lyrics for many listeners. The great thing about these vocalists and many others is that the songs often reflect a time of cultural change. In other words, song lyrics become more explanatory, making them relatable and sometimes emotionally healing.

Early in this genre, songs talked about many topics involving relationships but lyrics were metaphorical. Radio could not play anything with explicit words, no matter how true to life the recording depicted. Listeners often got the idea of the lyrics but began to change over time. Not only did the song length gradually increase but the lyrical content began to reflect the times. There are still some rules about context on terrestrial radio but this is why some like to hear the album version of their favorite songs.

One thing that is not found in many modern love songs today is a string section. The presence of a baby grand piano or wind instrument can also help a tune to stand out. Sometimes when recording artists of today want to capture a retro sound, they may use an acoustic guitar or pipe organ instead of sampling the work of another artist.

However, sampling is not all bad, as many can be heard in a lot of recording from the past decade or so. Although some artists manage to capture a similar essence of the original recording, some may place a spin or the classics. At one time, hip hop diva Mary J. Blige was best known for covering ballads by old school artists like Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin, and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan.

Many old school vocalists and hip hop artists have done collaborations using a sample of the aforementioned, or even a remix that introduces the classic sounds to a new generation. These can be enjoyed by a new generation, as some things seldom change in romantic relationships. Sometimes lyrics may change slightly but often the message of love is the same.

Old school slow jams come in many varieties. There seems to be a song for every occasion or situation but often it comes down to the lyrics or melody that listeners most relate to. Even when there are no words or only one instrument to be heard, it can still be one of the most memorable songs in music history.




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