Black History Month: Love Songs for Valentine’s Day

Since we did not get to do a love songs show for Valentine’s Day, I am going to go through one here. There are a metric ton of African-American artists and bands with iconic love songs. For this entry, I’m going to have a couple classic love songs and a couple of my favourites. So, let’s go:

Barry White: I’m Gonna Love You a Little Bit More

This is classic sexy Barry White. I love the beat and guitar on this track. Like most of White’s tracks, this is about how he can’t help but make love to you. I think he says the word “love” 94 times in this track. It’s classic White and I love every bit of it.

Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell: Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

This is one of the best duets in history. Gaye’s and Terrell’s vocals perfectly compliment each other and work really well in this track. It has that classic Motown sound and when their vocals come together is just magic. A top 5 duet for me and one that is on high rotation.

Jodeci: Forever My Lady

What’s more romantic than talking about how much you love your family and how she is your soulmate? Nothing according to Jodeci. Part of the 90s R&B revival/golden age, Jodeci was known for some fire love songs and soulful harmonies. You want to let someone know you love them….put on some Jodeci and see what happens….

India Arie: Ready for Love

Some love songs aren’t about a relationship, but about desire and wanting love…but not being the right time. This track by Arie is about the longing and desire to be with someone you love, but either the timing not being right or the person not knowing about your love. This is an emotional and well written track off of one of the best R&B records of the early 2000s.

Aretha Franklin: (You Make me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

As the opposite of Chain of Fools the man in Natural Woman loves and respect her. This respect is to the point where she feels like a woman…an individual…not some object or fool that was lied to for sex. This track is about a healthy love that not only satisfies you physically, but fulfils you as a person. This is an interesting love song in that most love songs are about physical desire, or being lied to, but this track is about how mutual love and respect is what helps make you into a whole person. I love this track.