Class of ’75 – Blue Lights In The Basement
Shortly after Cupid’s Hunt 2010, I promised some Class of ’75 mixes to celebrate classmates and friends lost and found. I haven’t forgotten. Every once in a while, a playlist forms in my head, only to (poof!) vanish like a puff of smoke. There were so many memorable songs that year (at least, I think so); I wasn’t sure where to start.
So, for Cupid’s Hunt 2012, I’ll focus on some of the love songs that rocked those blue-light-in-the-basement parties brought to mind whenever I hear one played on the radio. Nothing by Smokey (I’m glad I was able to finish his mix); and nothing by the Tempts (I’m working on their mix, too). I probably should have paid special attention to Barry White as well. Working with “Let Me Live My Life Loving You” has given me a few ideas. Also, there’s a little surprise by Solo from 1995. Hearing it the first time reminded me of “Let’s Do It Again”. Their sound it reminiscent of Sam Cooke; and will be featured in a tribute for him later this year.
But for now, pick your spot on the wall.
For Todd Grundy and the Furys, who threw the best basement parties I can remember.
TNS – Cupid’s Hunt – Class of ’75: Blue Lights in the Basement
- Lovin’ You – Minnie Ripperton – Perfect Angel
- TGrundy
- Let Me Live My Life Lovin’ You – Barry White – Just Another Way To Say I Love You
- I Belong To You – Love Unlimited – Best of Love Unlimited
- Let Me Make Love To You – The O’Jays – The Essential O’Jays
- Fave
- Love Won’t Let Me Wait – Major Harris - My Way
- Just A Thing That I Do – Major Harris - My Way
- TGrundy
- Reasons (Live) – Earth, Wind & Fire – Gratititude
- Your Smile – Rufus – Rufusized
- I Can’t Say No – Natalie Cole – Inseperable
- Inseperable – Natalie Cole – Inseperable
- Mr. Fresh
- Remember What I Told You To Forget – Tavares – Anthology
- Sweet Love – The Commodores – Motown Love
- For The Love Of You (Part 1 & 2) – The Isley Brothers – Love Songs
- DarrenKeith
- Let’s Do It Again - The Staple Singers
- Where Do U Want Me To Put It – Solo – Solo
- Hope That We Can Be Together Soon – Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes (feat. Sharon Paige) – To Be True
Tags: Barry White, cupid's hunt, cupid5, cupidshunt, Donna Summer, Earth Wind & Fire, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Love Unlimited, Major Harris, Minnie Ripperton, Motown, Natalie Cole, rhythm & blues, Rufus, Solo, soul, Tavares, The Commodores, The Isley Brothers, The Moments, The O'Jays, The Staple Singers



R&B might be best known as lovers’ music, but that’s not to say that some singers don’t know how to put a high energy song or three out there. As artists like Usher, Beyonce and Ne-Yo have demonstrated over the years, the R&B genre doesn’t always have to live up to the ‘Blues’ portion of its Rhythm & Blues name. In fact, some songs are practically custom made for listening to while burning calories, with Usher’s “OMG,” Destiny’s Child’s “Survivor” and of course, Raphael Saadiq’s “100 Yard Dash” being among the prime examples. And with said, here’s our picks for some of the best R&B songs to listening to while working out at the gym, going out for a run, hiking, or engaging in any other activity that requires high energy and lots of motivation.