The Seven Song Itch - Songs for Jackie

On December 25, 2011 my father passed away from cancer.  After many years of suffering he finally let go and moved on to a better place.  I consider myself fortunate to have made peace with him several months earlier—we didn’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things.  Though we had our issues, he was a simple man that only wanted a ham sandwich, cable television and a comfortable chair.  The one thing that he did give me was my appreciation of music.  Most of the time the radio was my baby sitter while he was off doing what he was doing.  When differences divided us, music united us.  I can’t thank him enough for giving me the ability to be at odds with someone and yet, bond over a song.  I dedicate this collection of “Jackie” songs to my father and hope that he is bonding with other spirits and listening to some great music.

There are a lot of songs that had Jackie in the title.  Some didn’t quite make the list here, but I put them in a playlist on Youtube, which you can get to by clicking here.

1. Sinead O'Connor-"Jackie"

I like the edginess of this song.  It has an intensity of dedication and passion for a sailor named Jackie.  It reminds me of how lucky my father was in his life in his ability to survive a disaster and come out of the experience without a scratch.

2. Van Morrison-“Jackie Wilson Said”

Though I prefer the Dexy’s Midnight Runners version of this song, I figured that my dad would appreciate this one more.  It has a nice swinging rhythm and kind of makes you want to just get up and dance.  When my father was in his late forties, he took up ballroom dancing and spent many years sharing his moves out on the dance floor.

3. John Mellencamp–“Jackie Brown”

My father was absent from my life a majority of the time, which created a lot of tension between us.  I don’t begrudge his decisions, but sometimes when I listen to this song, I can relate to a lot of the difficulties he saw around him.  This song is very special to me, because I can really relate to it, and I suspect that he could as well.

4. Ozark Mountain Daredevils-“Jackie Blue”

When I was growing up, I thought that I was named after this song, but as luck would have it, I was named after my father.  In the years since, I’ve received a lot of mail to Ms. Jackie Jr., (you would think that Jr. would clarify things) which confused the hell out of me.  In this song, I thought that a woman sang it, but as it turns out the male drummer Larry Lee, did the vocal track.  I think we all live in patterns and when something that we think is one way, may actually be something else.  Jackie isn’t just a female’s name, there’s Jackie Chan, Jackie Gleason, and Jackie Mason.

5. Tori Amos-“Jackie’s Strength”

I was in the audience at this show, and have been a fan of Tori for years, but I was not familiar with this song.  I’m not sure if it applies to my father, considering it alludes to a bride on her wedding day as well as Jackie O'nassis.  Though you wouldn’t know it from his appearance, my father was a very strong man, well strong willed.

6. The New Pornographers-“Jackie”

This song is not to be confused with, “Jackie, Dressed up in Cobras,” which is on their Twin Cinema album (2005).  This song is from their debut Mass Republic (2000) record.  I love the lyric in the song that says, “Jackie you yourself said it best when you said:” It appears several times in the song, but I can’t help but laugh when thinking about how assured my father was when he was telling a story, even when we all knew it wasn’t true.  I guess you have to accept people as they are and not who you want them to be.

7. Ramones–“The Return of Jackie and Judy”

I’ve always been a punk rocker, and I like this song.

Bonus Song: Fastball–“The Way”

This song really typifies the attitude that my father had towards life.  He really didn’t know where he was going, and most of the time he made it up along the way, but the road was always calling him.  I’d like to think that I’ve inherited his good luck in some of the chances I’ve taken in life.  God knows I didn’t plan for some of the stuff that happened along the way, but what I learned from my father was to get back up, brush yourself off, and continue to do whatever you want.  I doubt that he had many regrets and I hope that is my legacy as well.

The Seven Song Itch - Interpretive Female Covers

Awards season is coming to a close, and I can’t help but get a bit of nostalgia as last year’s music comes back for a reprise.  In their acceptance speeches, artists thank managers, engineers, and other people that are important to them.  Influences are mentioned and then there is the moment in the broadcast where we remember those who have died this past year and reflect upon their contribution of the musical landscape. At these moments, I remember the songs that I’ve grown up with and how they affect my life.  If you ask these artists, some would cite influences that you would have never suspected in the development of their own sound.  The Rolling Stones, as well as AC/DC, cite many blues artists as being essential in their development.  Even Martina McBride did a show on CMT called Crossroads and praised the music of Pat Benetar.  The two divas spent the whole broadcast, mixing it up, by dueting each others music while putting their own spin on the songs.  Seeing Ms. McBride sing, “Promises in The Dark,” a classic rock star anthem, with Ms. Benetar gave me chills.  I thought about how jaded some people get when an contemporary artist covers another artist’s song and that the complaint is that it’s not as good as the original, or that the cover artist is just being uncreative.  There are two schools of thought about covers; one, is it true the original and/or two, does it bring something new to the song?  I tend to go back and forth between these two schools depending upon a myriad of factors and it would take too much time, and a lot of debate, to convey what I really like about a song.  I offer the artists of Motown (The record Label) as a concise example on what other artists, in the same genre, can do with the same song.  Even the Beatles began their career covering other contemporaries in developing their own sound.  So, in lieu of that discussion, I’ve come up with a list of seven songs that I think fall into both camps.  Some take the song into a new direction, which I like, while others are very respectful to the original composition.  And what makes this list all the more interesting is that it that all of these covers are done by female artists, when the originals were sung by males.

Here is a Playlist of the covers, as well as the originals.  Interpretive Female Covers

1. Tina Arena–“Only Women Bleed”

(2009—Original by Alice Cooper, 1975)

The original madman of the seventies, Alice Cooper composed this ballad back in 1975 as a part of his first solo effort, “Welcome To My Nightmare.”  Originally it was listed as, “Only Women,” and did not include the “Bleed” part because it was thought to have been too visceral for audiences at the time.  This is a profound song because it is one of the first that addresses an abusive marriage in music.  Tina’s vocal, as well as the musical arrangement, really pulls at your heart and coveys a more personal view of a woman experiencing marital abuse.  Alice’s version is brutal, but Tina’s interpretation is more intimate—it still gives me chills.

2. The Bird and the Bee-“How Deep Is Your Love” 

(2008—Original by Bee Gees, 1977)

This song hails from seminal movie, “Saturday Night Fever,” back when Disco was king.  Though I’m not really a fan of this genre, I’ve always found The Bee Gees lyrics cut straight to the heart of the matter, with some exceptions of course.   Both versions of this song have a dreamy aspect to the music, but The Bird and the Bee’s version has a pillow talk feel, while the original version has a late night romantic candle light diner vibe.  I don’t know why, it just feels that way.

3. Katie Melua–“Just Like Heaven” 

(2005—Original by The Cure, 1987)

This is a gentile version of The Cure’s gothic love ballad.  Katie’s version has simple and playful nature, which is present in the original version, but doesn’t shout it out from the edge of a cliff.    I love both of these songs equally.  Sometimes you want the world to know that you are in love, and sometimes you just want one person to know.  Either way, this song is truly, Just Like Heaven.

4. No Doubt-“It’s My Life” 

(2003—Original by Talk Talk, 1984)

This song originally came out in the heyday of the New Romantic Movement and contemporaries like Ultravox, Visage, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, ABC and Boy George (of Culture Club).  This music was a staple in the very diverse decade of the 80s.  The both versions of this song sound similar, but No Doubt’s version inspires intrigue.  I always thought that the original song had a kind of self-deprecating sense (no offense), in that it comes across like Mark Hollis is complaining.  Now, I love Mr. Hollis’s voice because it has an angelic aspect, however, with the newer version, Gwen Stefani’s black widow portrayal in this video has all the scandal and none of the crime, well at least for her supposed victims.

5. Sixpence None The Richer–“Don`t Dream It`s Over” 

(2003–Original by Crowded House, 1986)

This was Crowded House’s breakthrough single, but Leigh Nash’s vocal gives it a more bright tone.  Her version doesn’t stray too far from the original, but takes on a different feel with a female voice.  It’s more of a reassuring sentiment rather than I warned you tone.  This may not be the intention of the song, and this is only my opinion, but the song has a profound message about relationships, and I wanted to highlight the lyrics of this song.

6. DJ Sammy–“Heaven” 

(2002–Original by Bryan Adams, 1984)

Ah yes, the power ballads of the 80s make me wanna wave a cigarette lighter among other fans in a stadium.  The original Brian Adams version has this wide-open sound, and there are several versions of the DJ Sammy remake, but I like the ‘candlelight’ mix of this record.  It has a simple arrangement, and sometimes that’s all you need for a great song.

7. Atomic Kitten–“The Tide is High” 

(2002–Original by The Paragons 1967)

Atomic Kitten was first conceived in 1997 by Andy McCluskey of 1980s band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.  The original line-up featured, Liz McClarnon, Kerry Katona and Heidi Range (now in the group Sugababes), but Range decided to quit due to artistic differences, and was replaced by Natasha Hamilton.  Yeah, Blondie did a cover of this song back in 1980, which I love, but the original version was recorded in 1967 and performed by The Paragons.  Atomic Kitten’s version still has the Reggae flavor, but is infused with pop sensibilities that make the song practically gallop.  It’s wonderful how music can cross lines and combine two flavors that may not appear to have something in common and produce something fun.  It’s like when Punk Rock groups started to incorporate Reggae into their sound (Look up The Clash) and in response to this, SKA and other genres of music were born—but that’s another list.

Musical Memorial

When I find myself in times of trouble, I look to music to take me to a place of better times.  It gives me perspective, even if it’s only for three or four minutes.  Whether music is a distraction or dogma—it is the soundtrack of our lives.  With the recent passing of Davy Jones and Whitney Houston, I cannot help but wonder which of my musical mentors will be following.  I grew up listening to the Monkees, and consider them a staple in my listening lexicon.  With Whitney Houston, I’ve found that she is a good education of what it means to be a consummate artist and soulful songstress.  I turn to music continually and believe it is the universal language that we all speak.  Even though I may not know the words of a song (or in some cases, the language), I can sense the conviction in the music and it makes me feel like I’m a part of something greater—especially when I share it with someone.  These two artists gave themselves to us, and in return, we gave them a part of our lives.  It makes me think back of all of the artists that have been lost to the ages, but the good news is that they have left us their music.  I can’t think of a greater gift than their work and what it has done for my life.  More than anything, I keep alive the spirit of the muse and it helps me in the day-to-day aspects of life.  It is the responsibility of new artists to provide new hopes and dreams in the musical landscape.  It reminds me of the song, “Turn, Turn, Turn”

The Byrds-"Turn, Turn, Turn"

Words-adapted from The Bible, book of Ecclesiastes. 

Music-Pete Seeger

Recorded by: The Byrds.

To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones

A time to gather stones together

To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time of war, a time of peace

A time of love, a time of hate

A time you may embrace

A time to refrain from embracing

To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose

A time to rend, a time to sew

A time to love, a time to hate

A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!

The Monkees-“Daydream Believer”

Whitney Houston-“The Greatest Love Of All”

The Seven Song Itch - Neue Deutsche Harte

WARNING…WARNING…WARNING…THESE SONGS ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART.  THIS MUSIC SHOULD BE TAKEN AS ARTISTIC EXPRESSION AND NOT FOR ANTHEMS TO PROMOTE HATE OR VIOLENCE—EVEN IF SOME OF THE LYRICS, AND TONE, SEEM TO HAVE THAT FEEL. MOSTLY, THERE’S IRONY IN THE LYRICS, WHICH SOME JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND.

I posted something on-line on how to come up with a band name (Color of your pants and what you’ve previously eaten) and a friend from high-school, who now lives in Germany, mentioned that her band name would be No French Fires, or in German, Nicht Frittes.  What kind of band would tour without French Fries?  Maybe if Doppelweck (a type of German Bread) and Hackfleisch mit Senf (Hamburger with Mustard) were a part of the package, then there would be French Fries for all to enjoy.  Now, what would they sound like?  My friend’s vision for the band is, “Industrial mixed with Dubstep and an undertone of downtempo. Similar to James Maynard and Puscifer.”  To me, it sounded like a band that would be on tour with Rammstein. With this band in mind, I discovered a new genre (well, new to me anyway) Neue Deutsche Härte.  I’ve included a list of bands at the end of this blog, but this is in no way a complete list.  It includes some of the originators and innovators of the sound, with a couple that don’t emanate from Deutschland or sing in its native tongue.  So put your Jackboots on and head for the mosh-pit, cause these songs are not for wallflowers—Achtung!

Here is a playlist of these bands and other’s Neue Deutsche Harte

1. Die Krupps – Fatherland (1993)

The origin’s of Neue Deutsche Härte can be traced to this group, as well as Nitzer Ebb, and developed out of the Industrial sound that came out in the nineties.  The band is actively anti-Nazi and may have chosen this name to highlight the role of the Krupps in arming the Nazis during World War II.  This is a pinnacle song in considering the consequences of your actions.  The vocalist has a sound that reminds me of Ian Astbury from the Cult, with Metallica Tendencies.

2. Rammstein - Du hast (1996)

The first time I heard this song, I thought that I was listening to a remix of Ministry’s “Just One Fix” because the guitar riff is very similar.  Also, I thought the song’s title, in English, was ‘you hate me,’ but what they are really saying is ‘you have me.’  This band is one of the innovators of the Neue Deutsche Härte sound and to fully appreciate this band, you have to have a sense of humor and be familiar with East German culture—with a little melodrama thrown into the grinder.

3. Emigrate – My World (2007)

When Rammstein decided to take a break in 2007, this was a side project that lead guitarist Richard Zven Kruspe developed.  His sound has a more driving rhythm with a little of thrash metal beaten into the mix. Though technically not a part of the Neue Deutsche Härte scene, it shows a progression of the genre. Upon the reformation of Rammstein, he dissolved Emigrate to focus on his core band, but that does not mean that this side project is gone forever.  There are defiantly Industrial tendencies present in this song and maybe a nod to the group the Butthole Surfers.

4. Oomph! – Labyrinth (2008)

Oomph! is considered to be the original Neue Deutsche Härte musical group and is a direct influence on Rammstein. In the 22-year history of the band, there have been no line-up changes—an anomaly with most bands. This is one of my favorite songs on this list—it has a rip-roaring feel that is relentless in its edgy depiction of being trapped.  They do have English versions of their songs, but the punch is lost in the translation.

5. Omega Lithium - Stigmata (2009)

You didn’t think that all of these band were going to be male fronted—did you?  Well here comes Omega Lithium.  Technically they are from Croatia, and sing in English, but are considered to be a part of Neue Deutsche Härte.  The cool crisp vocals are there, but now there’s beauty in this beastly sound.  They have a gothic sound like Lacuna Coil and Evanescence, but have a style all their own.  They hold the record for the most Youtube views for a debut song in this genre.

6. Megaherz – Jagdzeit (2011)

Formed in 1993, this band attained success with their original Lead singer Alexander "Alexx" Wesselsky, but in 2003 he left the band citing creative differences.  Matthias "Jablonski" Elsholz stepped in for a few years, but left the band in 2005 wanting to devote more time to his family.   Finally In 2007, Lex Wohnhaas, from the band Seelenbrand, was announced as the new singer, and catapulted the band’s sound toward a more stylized Industrial Metal direction, but still manages to still keep a bounce to the group.

7. Eisbrecher – Verrückt (2012)

Alexander "Alexx" Wesselsky left Megaherz in 2003 and formed the group Eisbrecher with another former member, Noel Pix. There is a nice female presence in this song, which gives it a nice contrast in the mist of brutal guitars and beastly vocals.  Maybe some more lady vocalists (Mina Harker and Omega Lithium) will start to bring the news of Neue Deutsche Härte? 

List of Bands Source: Neue Deutsche Härte

ASP, Dementi, die!, Die Allergie, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter, Die Krupps, Eisbrecher, Emigrate, Fleischmann, Hämatom, In Extremo, Janus, Leichenwetter, Mina Harker, Maerzfeld, Megaherz, Metallspürhunde, Nachtmahr, Omega Lithium, Oomph!, Persefone, Project Silence, Rammstein, Riefenstahl, Rinderwahnsinn, Samsas Traum, Schwarzer Engel, Schweisser, Seelenzorn, Siechtum, Silber, Stahlhammer, Stahlmann, Staubkind, Straftanz, Stendal Blast, Tanzwut, Teufelskreis, Treibhaus, Übermutter, Umbra et Imago, Unheilig, Weissglut, Weisses Blut, Weto.

The Seven Song Itch - Bruce Hornsby Piano

One night, not too long ago, I was listening to an album track “Without A Sound,” from the group SheDaisy. I marveled at its simplicity and sensed a familiarity in the piano accompaniment. The sound of that song reminded me of “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” by Bonnie Raitt. Though I do not know who played the piano on the SheDaisy song, I can attest that one of my favorite musicians played on the Raitt track—Bruce Hornsby. He has worked with a myriad of artists, which includes: Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, Cowboy Junkies, Bela Fleck, and even the Grateful Dead. Bruce is consistent in his piano work, but brings something new to each composition. Even though he may not be directly credited with a song, here is a list of seven songs that showcase his sound.

1. SheDaisy–“Without A Sound” (2004)

Sometimes you don’t need a full band of musicians to make a song great. Someone once told me that Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) became a great guitarist because he knows how to “play the pauses.” The simple piano in this song conveys an emotional Niagara Falls of sadness in its quiet melody. It also has a sound like Amy Grant’s “If These Walls Could Speak,” but that’s another set of songs.

2. Bonnie Raitt–“I Can’t Make You Love Me” (1991)

Although Bruce Hornsby provided fills and interpolations on this song, he is not credited for writing it. His piano part on the track has become associated with this Ballad, though he did record his own version later on.

3. Cowboy Junkies–“Rock And Bird” (1990)

This spooky song has haunting lyrics of being caught between the sky and the ground. Bruce gives the foundation to Margo Timmins’s ethereal voice in what I feel is an under appreciated song. This track was on The Caution Horses record, but was overshadowed by the previous successful release, so I don’t believe it was given popper consideration. I still grapple with the song’s meaning, but revel in the vocal and musical dichotomy and find it brilliant.

4. Don Henley–“End Of The Innocence” (1989)

This one Bruce gets a writing credit in a wonderfully introspective composition that appears on Don’s third solo album named for the song. Nostalgia saturates this pensive selection about entering into middle age.  The song is more than a flashback of someone’s recollections; it also has political sub tones that aren’t just banged out on the keyboard.

5. Stevie Nicks & Bruce Hornsby–“Two Kinds Of Love” (1989)

Stevie’s Fleetwood Mac roots can still be heard—stemming from her duets with Lindsey Buckingham.  In her solo work, she had hit duets with Tom Petty (Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around) and Don Henley (Leather and Lace), but in this instance it is Bruce Hornsby.  The song appears on Stevie’s Other Side of the Mirror record, but the single failed to chart.  I think it is another haunting melody with a good collaboration between these two great artists.  It also includes some sax work from Kenny G.

6. Bruce Hornsby & Bela Fleck–“Tangled Up In Blue”

Though Bob Dylan is the author of this one, Bela and Bruce gave their spin on this record. This is around the time that Bruce started to expand from just pop hits into a more improvisational jazz artist. You really can see the evolution in his playing on this classic record.

7. Bruce Hornsby and the Range–“Mandolin Rain” (1986)

This is a classic Hornsby tune. It is, in my opinion, the benchmark of Bruce’s sound. Several years after this song, he broke up the band and started composing and playing more elaborate pieces. He continues to delight listeners by sprinkling his magic on a select few projects.

The Seven Song Itch - My Grammy Moments

Previously know as the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (N.A.R.A.S., or the Academy), the Grammys is a one of the oldest and most established awards ceremony, but who are the members of the Academy anyway?  The Academy is comprised of vocalists, conductors, songwriters, composers, engineers, producers, instrumentalists, arrangers, art directors, album notes writers, narrators, and music video artists and technicians.  Record companies do not vote, so it’s the individuals, and not the labels, that give the recognition.

Unlike other award shows, the Grammys commits to several initiatives.  With programs like the GRAMMYs on the Hill, GRAMMY U, MusiCares, and GRAMMY in the Schools, the Academy gives back and supports great music in many genres.  There are currently 29 fields (Pop, Gospel, Classical, etc.) and 78 categories within those fields.

I’ve been asked, on many occasions, what is the difference between Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.  According to the Grammys web page, in the FAQ section (http://www.grammy.org/grammy-awards/voting/faqs), the “The Record Of The Year category recognizes the artist’s performance as well as the overall contributions of the producer(s), recording engineer(s) and/or mixer(s) if other than the artist. The Song Of The Year category recognizes the songwriter(s).”

As a writer, I am more sympathetic to the Song of the Year category, although I acknowledge that the whole process of producing a record is crucial to the success of a song.  Now, more than ever, in this age of name recognition of producers, recording studios, and engineers, a lot of the great music that we hear would not be possible if it weren’t for them.

With this Seven Song Itch, I am looking back at the last six Song of the Year awards with my current prediction for this year’s award.  Here are the live versions from previous broadcasts and other live performances. 

1. U2-"Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own", Songwriters: Lyrics by Bono, Music by U2—48^th Grammy Awards

2. Dixie Chicks-"Not Ready to Make Nice", Songwriters: Martie Maguire, Natalie Maines, Emily Robison & Dan Wilson—49^th Grammy Awards

3. Amy Winehouse "Rehab", Songwriter: Amy Winehouse—50^th Grammy Awards

4. Coldplay-"Viva la Vida", Songwriters: Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Will Champion & Chris Martin—51^st Grammy Awards

5. Beyoncé -"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", Songwriters: Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart—52^nd Grammy Awards

6. Lady Antebellum-"Need You Now", Songwriters: Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley & Hillary Scott– 53^rd Grammy Awards

7. Adele-"Rolling in the Deep", Songwriters: Adele & Paul Epworth – 54^th Grammy Awards (my prediction)

The Seven Song Itch - New Jack Swing

This genre evolved out of Old School Rap in the eighties, which transitioned into the nineties. New Jack Swing reigned supreme from 1986-1994 with over 160 artists that slid into this category.  Beginning with Club Nouveau’s “Lean On Me” (1987) to Madonna’s “Erotica.”(1992), there are way too many artists to cover the music with just seven songs. Even narrowing it down to one particular year (1991) was difficult, but this selection of songs have an upbeat and playful tone that I like to remember.  This was the heyday of these artists as they bring the sound of Motown, Atlantic, and Philly Soul to the mix—with a little Hip Hop shaken in for good measure.  For some of these artists, this style was an aspect of their career, for others, it was their entire career.  After this wave of music, there was a backlash, and the age of Gangsta Rap started to make its presence known, but that’s another playlist.

If you want to go directly to the YouTube Link of the video playlist click the link below.

NEWJACK SWING

1. Luther Vandross-“Power of Love/Love Power”(1991)

I've always been a Luther fan, but in the nineties, he was at the top of his game.  To me, he was known as the man of Love, because it was in most of his hit songs.  The music world lost this great voice in 2005, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of us all.

2. Shanice-“I Love Your Smile”(1991)

Babyface, among his other projects, produced this young ingénue.  The playful element of the song even has Babyface laughing at the end of the track.  Shanice bounced around with a couple of hits in the nineties, but then disappeared.  Rumor has it that she will be back with an album soon. 

3. TLC-“Baby Baby Baby”(1991)

This is another Babyface project that has a chilled out groove.  At the time, this was TLC's biggest hit, but they would go on to record the smash, "Waterfalls" just a few years later.  They were billed by Entertainment Weekly as "the perfect pop group" during this era.

4. Lisa Stansfield-“Change” (1991)

Lisa came to the party with her classic debut, "All Around The World" some years before, but with her album Real Love, which this track is taken from, she really hits her stride in having a soulful song that makes you wanna dance around. I Gotta have my English soul sister in this mix.

5. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince-“Summertime”(1991)

The song's music is a replay of "Summer Madness", a popular hit released by Kool & the Gang in 1974. In 1990 however, Will Smith (The Fresh Prince), was on the verge of bankruptcy, but then an oppertunity to have his own show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on NBC, pulled him back into the spotlight. During this time, he rebooted his musical career, and then parlayed that success into movie roles. Not bad from a prince that thinks his, "Parents Just Don't Understand." (1989)

6. Boyz II Men-"Motownphilly"(1991)

Back in the Eighties, New Edition was the flavor of the decade and spawned many solo/group projects--one of them was Bell Biv DeVoe.  They, in turn, discovered a few more groups, which included Another Bad Creation and well as the seminal band Boyz II Men.  They incorporated several styles, including New Jack Swing, as well as being respectful to their Motown and Philly Soul roots.

7. Prince–“Cream”(1991)

This was just after the dissolution of his previous back up band The Revolution and the creation of The New Power Generation. Later on he would go on to change his name to the unpronounceable symbol, but for now, he rises to the top again with this sassy track.

Just for kicks, here is a partial list (In Alphabetical order) of groups that have the New Jack Swing sound (Source Wikipedia)

1-900, 7669, Aaliyah, Aaron Hall, After 7, Al B. Sure!, Alexander O'Neal, Alyson Williams, Another Bad Creation, B Angie B, B.Brown Posse, Babyface, Basic Black, Bell Biv Devoe, Bingoboys, Blackgirl, BLACKstreet, Bobby Brown, Boyz II Men, Brandy, Brian McKnight, CeCe Peniston, Chante Moore, Charlie Wilson, Chris Bender, Christopher Williams, Chuckii Booker, Color Me Badd, Coming of Age, D.R.S., Damian Dame, David Peaston, Don Newkirk, Donna Summer, Earth, Wind & Fire, En Vogue, Entouch, Eric Gable, Father MC, Foster & McElroy, Full Force, General Kane, Georgio, Good 2 Go, Guy, Guys Next Door, Heavy D & The Boyz, Hi-Five, H-Town, II D Extreme, Immature, Intro, Jade, James Ingram, Jamie Foxx, Janet Jackson, Jasmine Guy, Jeff Redd, Jeremy Jordan, Jodeci, Jody Watley, Joe, Joe Public, Joey Lawrence, Johnny Gill, Johnny Kemp, Karyn White, Keisha Jackson, Keith Sweat, Kid n Play, Kool Moe Dee, Kris Kross, Kulcha, Kwame, LeVert, Lisa Stansfield, Little Shawn, LL Cool J, Lo-Key, Luther Vandross, Maestro Fresh Wes, Marc Nelson, Mary J. Blige, MC Brains, MC Hammer, MC Lyte, MC Trouble, Me-2-U, Men At Large, Michael Cooper, Michael Jackson, Michel'le, Mint Condition, MN8, Monica, Montell Jordan, New Edition, New Kids on the Block, Nice & Smooth, Nona Gaye, P.O.V., Paula Abdul, Paulina Rubio, Pebbles, Perfect Gentlemen, Portrait, Pretty In Pink, Prince & The New Power Generation, Quincy Jones, R. Kelly, Ralph Tresvant, Ready for the World, Redhead Kingpin and the F.B.I., Remedy, Riff, Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock, Salt 'N' Pepa, Samuelle, Seo Taiji, Shai, Shanice, Silk, Simple Pleasure, Small Change, Snap!, Soul for Real, Soul II Soul, Sounds of Blackness, Special Generation, Stephanie Mills, Steven Randall Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Subway, SWV, Tara Kemp, Terri & Monica, Tevin Campbell, The Boys, The Gap Band, The Good Girls, The Honeys, The Mac Band, The Party, The Rude Boys, The U-Krew, Tim Owens, Tisha Campbell, TLC, Today, Tony Terry, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Tracie Spencer, Trey Lorenz, Troop, Tyler Collins, U.N.V., Usher Raymond, Vanessa Williams, Voices, Wooten Brothers, Wreckx-N-Effect, Zhané.