At a recent book discussion, a friendly acquaintance and I got on the subject of songs. Not just any songs though, I volunteered a song that I thought would be a good song for a woman to listen to if she wanted to spy a good perspective on how to approach dealing with a man. She then asked me to compile a list of songs that I thought would be good for the same purpose; she wanted a playlist on how brothers think in regards to women and relationships.
In keeping with my favorite quote, I don't know enough to speak for all black men, so I consulted the experts -- other brothers. I asked a group of men that I both respect and value their opinions (for any of my homeboys who feel I left them out, check your missed texts). The group of men ranged in age, career path, education history, income, geographic location and other criteria, as well as responses. The songs varied in genre, age, etc., and ranged from songs on how that man wants a woman to deal with him, what he wants her to do, what he thinks when he sees her and what he thinks of her (among other things). The resulting list was LONG of course, so I had to pair it down. What follows is a sampling of their responses.
Fellas, if your choice of song(s) doesn't show up on the list, feel free to comment with your own playlist. Ladies, I am curious to know what your songs to a man would be. PLEASE comment with your own list.
1)Sometimes- Bilal
2)Come Close- Common (Personal favorite)
3)Talk to Me- Jill Scott
4)Guess Who Loves You More- Raheem DeVaughn
5)Stop Breaking My Heart- Rashaan Patterson
6)Beautiful Skin- Goodie Mob
7)Desire- Raheem DeVaughn
8)Make You Feel Beautiful
9)Beauty- Dru Hill
10)Papers- Usher (Now You know this was gonna make the list)
11)A House is Not a Home- Luther Vandross
12) Overjoyed- Stevie Wonder
13)Rocket Love- Stevie Wonder
14)Femininity- Eric Benet
15)I Tried- Anthony Hamilton
16)The Point of it all- Anthony Hamilton
17)U Don't Have to Call- Usher
18)Everybody Knows- John Legend
19)If I was your Girlfriend- Prince (Thanks to Hill Harper from the book "the Conversation")
20)Flashing Lights- Kanye West
21)I Used to Love U- John Legend
22)Make Time for Love- Fred Hammonds (Why must there be a seperation between God and romance?)
23)Excuse Me Miss- Jay-Z
24)Save Room- John Legend
25)Anytime, Anyplace- Janet Jackson
26)TeachMe- Musiq
27)That's How Strong My Love is-Otis Redding (Ol' Skool Playa's section begins here)
28)Going in Circles- The Dells
29) I'd Rather be with you- Bootsy Collins
30)Call on Me-Janet Jackson, Nelly (surprising addition from the 18-year-old contingent)
31)Reveal My Heart-Deitrick Haddon(Plz see No. 22)
32)Selfish- Slum Village
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I'm not a man, but will you agree to add the following: Robin Thicke "Wanna Love You Girl" and Ne-Yo "Make It Work" Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteaww, good list, gare bear!
ReplyDeletefor the ladies, gotta add "ready for love," india.arie & "nothing even matters," lauryn hill/d'angelo.
@elle marsh: "make it work" is STILL my ish!
- Lin.Po =)