’90s Music Nostalgia: R&B Edition

Even when I was a teen, I was always yearning for the return of the classics from my generation and also took to referring to every past event as the “good ‘ol days” even if it was just one day since those good times had passed. Basically, I was born nostalgic. I’m the biggest comeback fan you’ve probably ever met and I will support any worthy artist trying to return to their former glory. With that said, I, as with a majority of people my age, will always refer to the music of my youth as classic no matter how cheesy it was. I mean, it’s music that me and my neighborhood friends grew up jammin’ to in front of the mirror with our makeshift hairbrush microphones in hand. At one point, we even went as far as having a block concert in the square of our apartment complex where each of us were members of a Backstreet Boys and/or Spice Girls cover band. If that doesn’t constitute a song/artist as a generation classic, then I don’t know what will.

Since I live in a perpetual state of nostalgia and have a throwback music day about once a week, I decided to start a series on this here blog titled “’90s Music Nostalgia”, and this week’s edition is R&B. Just as a precursor, some of these songs will be from the early ’00s. since the ’90s R&B style still kind of spilled over into the beginning of the new millennium. In addition, if you’ve been within 20 ft. of BU Central during any of my recent shifts, you’ve probably heard me blast a few of these on our amazing sound system. Without further to do, check out some of my favorite ’90s R&B classics below. If you have any other suggestions of artists that you think should have made this post,  please submit them in the comment box below. Stay tuned for my next ’90s Music Nostalgia post. I’m thinking Hip-Hop or Boy Band Edition.

Peace and love,

Sherelle

If I Ever Fall In Love (Acapella) – Shai

All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo

Where My Girls At – 702

Waterfalls - TLC

You Make Me Wanna - Usher

I Wanna Know - Joe

Too Close - Next

In My Bed - Dru Hill

Don’t Leave Me - Black Street

Stranger in My House - Tamia

Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You -Lauryn Hill

Weak - SWV

I Care 4 U - Aaliyah

End of the Road - Boyz II Men

Where I Wanna Be - Donell Jones

Let’s Get Married - Jagged Edge

The Only Reason To Watch Tonight’s Grammy Awards? The Performances!

This time of year is always exciting for music. The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards air tonight on CBS at 8pm, and while I could always write a post about who deserves to win in each of the major categories, I feel like no one actually watches the show to see who wins. Music is more subjective than any other form of the arts, in my opinion, so I find the nominations kind of pointless. However, artists typically go all out for Grammy performances, and THAT sure is something to get excited about.

In recent years, Lady Gaga made a huge impact with her 2009 spectacle that featured a collaboration with Elton John. Playing a medley of “Poker Face,” “Speechless,” and Elton John classic “Your Song,” Gaga crafted a performance to remember. Will tonight’s debut performance of “Born This Way” live up to ridiculous hype? Only time will tell.

The award show has been in rehearsals for several days now, and rumors surrounding tonight’s performances are spreading like crazy.

As far as performers go, Lady Gaga will be joined by Eminem, Dr. Dre, Bob Dylan, Rihanna, Drake, Muse, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, Justin Bieber, Usher, Barbara Streisand, Mumford and Sons, Arcade Fire, Lady Antebellum, and several other massively successful recording artists on tonight’s telecast. Plus, who knows if the Grammys have any surprise performers up their sleeves. If all those artists performing doesn’t get you hype about the Grammys, I don’t know what will.

BU Central Summer Soundtrack

Welcome to the new BU Central blog! Here is where all of the BU Central staff will bring you into their music world in all different ways. Check back regularly for posts about new bands, catchy songs, killer shows, must have playlists, and of course, to find out what’s going on at BU Central.

For my first post, I thought I would put together a playlist of what we have been listening to all summer in BU Central. As we have been planning events for the fall and putting on orientation dance parties, these five songs make up the soundtrack to our summer.

1. Chiddy Bang – All Things Go

Chiddy Bang easily wins as the most played artist in BU Central. We listen to his mixtape, “The Swelly Life” on repeat, especially on our arts & crafts days. This song samples Sufjan Stevens – Chicago (shout out to you, Rose!).

2. Usher – OMG

This song is insanely catchy and one of our guilty pleasures.

3. Sleigh Bells – Tell ‘Em

There was a point during the summer when this song was played at least five times or more a day. Once we got our new sound system, you better believe we had Tell ‘Em blasting for everyone to hear.

4. Major Lazer – Pon De Floor

At Orientation dance parties, the clip of this song that DJ Case played would get us on that dance floor almost as quick as OMG did. Okay, maybe quicker. Turn it up and dance.

5. Lady GaGa – Bad Romance

Thanks to our lovely friends at Orientation, we learned the dance to Bad Romance, which is why this song deserves to have the video posted as well. Now imagine BU Central packed with Orientation leaders, and of course the BU Central summer staff, all doing this dance. Paws up, little monsters.

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HONORABLE MENTIONS:
1. Far East Movement – Like a G6
2. Foxy Shazam – Oh, Lord!
3. Katy Perry – California Gurls
4. Little Boots – New in Town

… and because this was the inspiration of our themed night.
5. Lady GaGa & Beyonce – Telephone

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It’s been an eventful summer here at BU Central and I can’t wait to share everything that has been going on with all of you! I hope you enjoy (and dance to) these songs as much as we have. Stay tuned for more posts and big BU Central announcements!!

- Amanda

p.s. Share your summer playlists with us!