Soft Plans (v1) – Alan Lili
Shout out to Maria for recommending this track it fits perfectly with the vibe of this playlist. “Soft Plans (v1)” is a smooth and psychedelic R&B experience from up-and-coming artist Alan Lili.
Mercy – Anthony Hamilton
R&B singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton, assisted by activist Tamika D. Mallory, seeks to empower and atone for the adversity, hardships, injustices, and many wrongs suffered by black men on “Mercy”.
Sweet Life – Frank Ocean
For this week’s picnic track, I am going to shine the spotlight on one of Frank Ocean’s classic songs, “Sweet Life.”
달팽이 (Snail) – Panic
Sometimes the way home takes so long
Sometimes I get so tired and exhausted
As soon as I open the door,
I fall asleep
And when I wake up, No one is there
Guru – Ladi6
“Guru” is a chill r&b song with a dreamy soundscape that is perfect for a picnic on a sunny day. The musical production is very stellar and transports listeners to a different place. The beautiful keyboard melodies and otherworldly synths…
But, Are You? – Heize
The music patterns of R&B, neo-soul, and jazz hip-hop combine into the song to full in calm and melancholic tunes. The voice of the singer-songwriter Heize is gentle, relaxing, but powerful.
CUT EM IN – Anderson .Paak
CUT EM IN is just another hit off the assembly line. Throw in a tight Ricky Rozay verse and you have a track that can’t be played enough.
My Cherie Amour – Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” was released in 1969, so not quite the 70s, but on the cusp of it. Co-written with Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby, it has more of a 70s sound than 60s. It veers away from his R&B popish Motown sound and has more of a straight R&B sound, sans harmonica.
Funky Love – Nate James
I remember hearing this song for the first time in London at Cafe 1001. I hushed my friends so that my phone could hear over the loud voices and espresso machine and tell me what song was sound-tracking everyone’s’ conversations.
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) – Natalie Cole
Don’t tell me it was a difficult one! The lovely Natalie Cole is our track of the week being introduced with that perfect combination of piano, claps with a funny bass and then her voice, big bass, strings and brass section. It’s impossible to not smile to that intro and move your head with the rhythm.
Couldn’t Get it Right – Climax Blues Band
This song is a bonafide stride through the heart of the 70s, cowbell and all. Released in 1976, it hit #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. According to band member Derek Holt, the song is “about being on the road in America.” It definitely is redolent of wind-in-the-hair, open road, and blasting the eight-track while cruising in a convertible.
It Is What it Is – Blood Orange
Blood Orange has been one of my recent favorite artists. His ability to seamlessly blend different styles of music makes for a delightful sound.