Monday, May 7, 2018

Old School R And B Slow Jams Are A Wedding Staple

By Andrew Peterson


Although the music of today is fun, quirky, or thought provoking, there are times when a music listener wants to create their own tranquil space. While there are many musical genres from which to choose, a lot of people like to go back to a time when things were simpler. Most people find Old School R and B Slow Jams the best way to relax at home or with someone special.

Many songs of the past not only sound sweet to the ear but sometimes tell a story that many listeners can relate to. Some of these lyrics are poetic, romantic, or depict events that happen to everyone at one time or another. Falling in and out of love, getting over a broken heart, and finding the person worth spending a lifetime with are common themes put to music.

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.

A slow jam classic that is becoming a favorite at wedding ceremonies is Dance with my Father by Luther Vandross. While the lyrics may not be a complete match for the occasion, it does celebrate the love and caring between a father and child. No matter the age of the child, this feeling never goes away and may bring back memories of their childhood.

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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