“I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash (1972)

If I were forced—say, at gunpoint—to name my top ten favorite songs of all time, this might be one of them. I absolutely adore the sound, the nimble reggae beat, and the Atlantic Records-esque soul vibe. But most of all, I dig the pure, unadulterated joy of this track. If this song doesn’t make you happy—at least for a moment—it’s time to see a professional.

Every once in a while you have some good fortune. Maybe it comes after a long period of drudgery, or regret, or poor health. Sometimes you get some great news that turns everything around. Or maybe it’s more subtle: one morning, you wake up and you feel a little bit better. And you want to celebrate.

It’s time for this track by Mr. Nash.

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright, bright
Sunshiny day!

(Thanks MicroNik95 for the YouTube upload with the great pics)

“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers (1971)

Bill Withers was working in a factory when he wrote this song, and it catapulted him into a new and illustrious career in music. Lucky for us.

I remember hearing this song at a very young age. It’s one of those songs that just invades you and stays with you. Which is good, because you can use it to help you when you’re missing someone, something which, unfortunately, happens much too often in life.

Some people have comfort foods. I have comfort music. And this is savory stuff.

“I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers (1972)

I’m not particularly religious. We’ll have that discussion later. But there’s nothing like a fantastic gospel act, like The Staple Singers. You can’t beat the energy, the power, and the promise of hope and glory that explodes forth from really good gospel music.

This track takes gospel and frames it with a terrific soul/funk/R&B vibe. Everything else is still there. Along with some sharp social commentary, if you can hear it (investigate “smilin’ faces” and “lying to the races,” for a start).

Whatever your religious inclinations, you can still benefit from the wonderful, positive beauty and groove of gospel music.

“Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder (1976)

Just because it’s time for more Stevie.

He wrote this song when his daughter was born. I’m wondering if every parent who has ever heard this song has, at one point, sang the words or hummed the melody to his/her new daughter.

I remember singing it to you, quietly, when you were tiny and bundled in a blanket that seemed to outweigh you.

Does the melody sound awfully familiar to you? It should.

“Tears of a Clown” by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles (1966/1970)

Ah, Smokey Robinson, the “King of Motown,” America’s “poet laureate of love.”  A singer, songwriter, producer, mentor, and executive at Motown Records for a time, Mr. Robinson is a legend.  His songs are direct and beautiful.  You’ve probably already heard many of his songs, often performed by other artists.

“Tears of a Clown” was their biggest single, I think.  Originally recorded in 1966, it was re-released in 1970 and became a huge hit.  Stevie Wonder and his producer wrote the musical track, and Mr. Robinson penned the wonderful lyrics.

I was five-years-old in 1970, and this particular track is one of my earliest musical memories.  I’m glad it was this song.  Heck, maybe it’s the subconscious yardstick by which I measure all other music.

A well-rounded person should always have a Smokey Robinson record close at hand.  Unless you just don’t dig it, which is okay I guess.  But that would be a shame.

BONUS:   The English Beat is one of my first favorite bands.  Yeah, I know, I seem to have a lot of favorite bands.  There’s just a lot of really great music out there, most of which I probably never got the chance to hear.  Anyway, The Beat did a great cover of this song.  So even beyond his own original recording with The Miracles, Mr. Robinson’s song just keeps touching our hearts.

(See that guitar that Dave Wakeling, the singer, is playing?  That’s a Vox Teardrop guitar.  My dream guitar.  Now you know what I want for my birthday….)

“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” performed by Roberta Flack (1972)

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“A thing of beauty is a joy forever; its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness” (John Keats)

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“Try a Little Tenderness” performed by Otis Redding (1966)

Otis Redding was one of the first “soul” artists, blending gospel with rhythm & blues to form a smooth but powerful sound that’s still with us today.  He wrote a lot of his own music, including cowriting hits like “(Sittin’ on the) Dock of the Bay” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” songs that certainly stand the test of time.

While he didn’t write this song, it showcases his amazing range as a singer and performer.  This track starts out as a smooth ballad, then builds into a frenzied end.

Mr. Redding’s music was also some of the first so-called “black music” to crossover into the mainstream (which, in the 1960’s, meant “music for white people,” which was sometimes originally written and recorded by black artists, only to be stolen and neutered by marginally-talented white teen idols).

“Ring of Fire” performed by Ray Charles (1970)

I just have to post some more Ray Charles.  Seriously, sweetheart, if you can feel his music in your bones, you’re set for life.

This is his cover of “Ring of Fire,” and it’s sublime.  “Ring of Fire” was Johnny Cash’s anthem, and only someone like Ray Charles could so successfully explode it into his own direction.

So, indulge me.  A little more Ray.  It’s good for your soul.

“Everyday People” by Sly and the Family Stone (1968)

What’s not to like about this band?  Elements of rock, soul, funk, and even psychedelia fused into a bubbling stew of sonic joy.  You’ve probably heard a lot of their songs in many different places, but I wanted you to really hear the music on its own merits.

At a time when the country was bitterly divided, Sly and the Family Stone ignored boundaries and brought people together.  Their music is overwhelmingly positive, getting the most uptight people up on their feet, if only to clap along.  Even the makeup of the band, a mix of genders and races—almost unheard of back then—ignored boundaries.  This is a revolutionary band with an incredible catalog of empowering and enlightening music.

Sometimes I’m right and I can be wrong
My own beliefs are in my song
The butcher, the banker, the drummer and then
Makes no difference what group I’m in

And who can’t dig the refrains, sung by Sly Stone’s sister Rose, good-naturedly mocking intolerant people:

There is a blue one who can’t accept the green one
For living with a fat one trying to be a skinny one
And different strokes for different folks
And so on and so on and scooby dooby doo-bee

I hope you like it.  I will always love their music.

And I want you to know that you and I are also, in every sense, everyday people.  That’s one of the things we have going for us.

“Where is the Love?” by Black Eyed Peas (2003)

I don’t know too much about the Black Eyed Peas, to be honest, but I was knocked over by this track the first time I heard it.  It’s extremely well done with a great beat and some really intricate parts/samples that just make it glide.

But I really like the words, and I hope you get a chance to hear and reflect on them a bit.  These folks speak the truth.

“People killin’, people dyin’
Children hurt and you hear them cryin’
Can you practice what you preach
And would you turn the other cheek?”