It’s been a long, long time since I’ve given y’all a playlist, which is a shame. Those who know me know that this has been a CRAZY summer for me. It’s a summer I may not have sanely survived but for my loved ones and music. So let’s give a nod to the latter, and take a look at what’s been burning up my iPod during the dog days. This is a good one, so I recommend you throw these tracks on your player too – it’s way better than that ubiquitous Katy Perry crap:
Cee Lo, “F*¢k You”
Dear Grammys: Go ahead and give this man the prize for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Male Performance, Best Country Track – all of ‘em. Because this is the most brilliant joint that has come out in YEARS! Bravo! NSFW language, obviously.
Janet Jackson, “Nasty”
I absolutely love it when I hear a song from my childhood, and it acquires a whole new level of brilliance when you hear it as an adult. This song is a prime example. Go’on, Miss Jackson.
Kanye West, “Power”
Yep, I’m still blasting this. I’m not exactly Kanye’s biggest fan, but this is my favorite Hip Hop joint since Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” dropped. This song is directly responsible for my 10K training progress. Never run before? Put this track on repeat and see if you don’t put four miles behind you before you know it. Try it.
Mary J. Blige, “The One”
I didn’t like this song at all when it was first released. Not at ALL – mainly because the thought of a talent like the incomparable Miss Mary J. Blige using autotune offended me deeply. Then this summer happened. And suddenly – this became my theme song! It literally plays when I walk down the street. That’s right. Yeah, I’m that. Yeah, I’m that. Yeah, I’m her.
Destiny’s Child, “Soldier”
I posted this on my Facebook page after a couple of my friends, in completely unrelated conversations, told me they didn’t think I like a certain type of guy. Just FYI: I am the Rainbow Coalition of dating. Just sayin’.
Missy Elliot, “Work It”
Same point as above – in response to one friend, I quoted Missy Elliot: “Boys, boys, all type of boys. Black, white, Puerto Rican, Chinese boys.” Oh yeah, and I like to pretend that I look like a Halle Berry poster as well.
Sugerland, “Stuck Like Glue”
Ok, just so y’all don’t think I’ve become too single-minded and jaded, I’ll throw this little sweet diddy in. Love this track. So fun and happy. It’s a love song! Imagine that!
Carolina Chocolate Drops, “Hit ‘Em Up Style”
And… we’re back to jaded. But really, this is the bomb. It kicks Blu Cantrell’s version in the teeth. Thanks, Emma, for turning me on to this band!
Much, much more good stuff after the jump, y’all! =>
Melanie Fiona, “Give It To Me Right”
Ok, I am not usually a fan of heavy sampling. Particularly if the sample is from one of Elleen’s Essential tunes. But in this case, Melanie KILLED it! One of my favorite songs of the summer!
Amy Winehouse, “Mr. Magic”
I’ve been listening a lot to Amy Winehouse’s first album, which is way more brilliant to “Back to Black,” in my opinion. This one’s my jam. It’s the perfect warm weather groove. And it’s 100 percent crack-free!
John Legend, “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing”
A friend of mine who went through a similar tough time a few years back once told me that Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry…” helped get her through it. So I took a page from her book, with a slightly different version. Because imagining John Legend looking hot while singing it works even better.
Marvin Gaye, “Sexual Healing”
Once of the greatest tracks ever recorded. A timeless classic.
Corinne Bailey Rae, “Closer”
I think this may be the best modern version of “Sexual Healing.” Well done, CBR.
TLC, “No Scrubs”
Isn’t it funny how some things never change? This track is as true as the day it was released.
