Category Archives: R&B

Catalog: Rufus with Chaka Khan

Posted on April 5, 2020 by thomasinskeep

New feature/format/whatever: looking at an artist’s entire ouevre, à la the Rolling Stone Record Guide. Only I’m not looking at that, I’m doing my own grading. Starting with one of the greatest soul groups of the 1970s, Rufus. I’m only … Continue reading →

Posted in 1970s, 1980s, catalog, R&B | Comments Off on Catalog: Rufus with Chaka Khan

And on and on: more on Janet Jackson

Posted on September 29, 2019 by thomasinskeep

Sure, I recently had some things to say about a handful of my favorite Janet Jackson songs — but when it comes to Miss Janet Privacy Control, there’s always more to be said. I especially want to spotlight some of … Continue reading →

Posted in 1980s, 1990s, 2010s, R&B | Comments Off on And on and on: more on Janet Jackson

Radio Romance: WJLB FM98, Detroit, 2/13/84

Posted on September 28, 2019 by thomasinskeep

Now, this is a radio station I wish I could go back and hear, as the early ’80s became the mid-’80s. Detroit is known for progressive Black radio — it was one of the first markets to really take to … Continue reading →

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Gimme a beat: on Janet Jackson

Posted on September 23, 2019 by thomasinskeep

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the release of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814, we did a career-spanning review of Janet records over at The Singles Jukebox. I highly recommend you read all of it, because it’s full of … Continue reading →

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Radio Romance: V100 Milwaukee, April 1995

Posted on September 15, 2019 by thomasinskeep

In the spring of 1995, I was in my first long-distance relationship, that long distance being between North Manchester, IN (my hometown, where I was in my junior year at Manchester College, my alma mater) and Milwaukee, WI (hometown of … Continue reading →

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My favorite songs: “I Could Use A Little Love (Right Now),” Freddie Jackson

Posted on September 8, 2019 by thomasinskeep

Freddie Jackson’s chart stats are something else: from 1985 to 1992, he hit the R&B top 10, 18 times. Of those 18 hits, 10 made it to #1, with another three stopping at #2 — who wouldn’t want that batting … Continue reading →

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My favorite songs: “There’s Nothing Better Than Love,” Luther Vandross with Gregory Hines

Posted on August 12, 2019 by thomasinskeep

The follow-up to Vandross’s R&B #1 “Stop to Love,” this lighter-than-air midtempo R&B number duly followed it to the top in early May ’87. (Not surprisingly, it stopped at #50 on the Hot 100.) It might feel like a bit … Continue reading →

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The long-running #2s: do they try harder?

Posted on August 11, 2019 by thomasinskeep

With Billie Eilish’s hit spending its 8th week stuck at #2 behind “Old Town Road,” Billboard saw fit to survey the 10 songs which were forever Hot 100 bridesmaids and never brides for eight weeks or longer. (The all-time record … Continue reading →

Posted in 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, charts, hip hop, pop, R&B, rock | Comments Off on The long-running #2s: do they try harder?

Pop top 40 summer nights super-special: 7/21/79

Posted on July 20, 2019 by thomasinskeep

Not just the pop top 40 from this week 40 years ago, but the country top 10, too, because just look at it. All but two of these are in the accompanying playlist. Hot 100:1 1 BAD GIRLS –•– Donna … Continue reading →

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Pop top 40 summer nights special: 7/20/74

Posted on July 17, 2019 by thomasinskeep

Continuing a series of looks back at the pop charts in summer, ergo the title change. This chart from 45 years ago is an interesting one; more interesting than I expected, definitely. Songs not in the accompanying Spotify playlist are … Continue reading →

Posted in 1970s, charts, pop, R&B, rock | Comments Off on Pop top 40 summer nights special: 7/20/74