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I’ve always liked listening to the radio growing up. I primarily use streaming platforms now, but I still find myself flipping through stations in the car. Because of this, I grew to love music from the 80s and early 2000s. I loved it so much that I created a playlist dedicated to the era. Within that playlist sit a lot of gems, many of which were created by Black artists. Here are a couple of my favorites.
The very first song on the playlist is “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston. Whitney Houston is a notorious Black vocalist and actress known for her pop anthems and soulful vocals. The beginning claps fill me with pure energy and joy every time I hear them. “I Will Always Love You” is another one of her most famous songs, featured in the film “The Bodyguard.” Its poppy beat never gets old, and I always need to sing the chorus at the top of my lungs.
Jumping to the early 2000s, another one of my favorite songs is “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae. Corinne Bailey Rae is a Black singer most recognizable for her R&B sound. The guitar strums paired with her warm and smooth vocals instantly put me at ease. “The Scientist” is also a popular song of hers, featured in the film “Fifty Shades Darker.” The upbeat and encouraging lyrics never fail to make me smile.
To mention some Black bands, “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire is an absolute classic. Earth, Wind & Fire is a very famous Black band known for their jazz, soul, and rock sound. This song makes me wish I were there when disco was alive and well. “September” is an extremely popular song, skyrocketing in plays on Sep. 21 each year. “Let’s Groove” has a captivating, funky and groovy beat that gets me moving every time.
Continuing on with groups, “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters is such a bright and lively song. The Pointer Sisters are a Black singing group of four sisters, most notable for their pop and soul hits. This song is incredibly energetic and catchy, hooking me on the first listen. “Jump” is another of their most famous songs, also full of energy. “I’m So Excited” is another song that makes me want to dance no matter the circumstance.
Lastly on this list is “What’s Love Got to Do With It” by Tina Turner. Tina Turner is a multifaceted Black artist notorious for rock and roll. The song is intensely enthralling with its drum-heavy beat paired with her rich and passionate vocals. Another one of her most famous songs is “The Best,” also known for its rich vocals. I find the premise of “What’s Love Got to Do With It” to be quite original and relatable, on top of the fact that it makes me want to burst into song.
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