I am a big fan of The Roots. Beyond the fact that they are absolutely amazing musicians, mixing hip hop, soul, jazz, funk, rock, and R&B, I have always appreciated their social mindedness. For over twenty years, the Roots have been putting out super albums that are musically and socially relevant.
2010 was another REALLY strong year for The Roots. The band put out not one, but two great albums, they opened The Rally To Restore Sanity and/or Fear in Washington DC, and they continued their presence as the house band on Jimmy Fallon's Late Night show.
In early 2010 The Roots released the first of the two albums, How I Got Over. From my perspective, this was the better of the two albums, and frankly, I am regretting that I did not include this album as one of my top albums of the year. Everything about this album works. Musically, this album is more restrained and toned down from previous releases, but there is a groove to these songs that I just love. Lyrically, the band has a lot to say. Social theme abound throughout this album as the the band reflects on the end of the Bush administration and the hope of better days ahead under the Obama Presidency. Even if one is not a fan of hip hop or rap, this is a great listen. Now Or Never [Explicit]
In September of 2010 The Roots released Wake Up! with John Legend. Comprised mostly of soul music covers from the 1960's and 1970's, Wake Up! was intended to draw parallels between the social and political issues of the times when these songs were written and today. The selection of songs here are fantastic and I love the way The Roots and Legend have incorporated musical elements that are squarely of today's times, while holding onto the essence of these songs. Listening to this album has made me go back to Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield albums that I have not listened to in years. I forgot just how great and powerful the song writing was for these artists. Compared To What
What I love about music is its power to transport me. Sometimes it’s unexpected, sometimes it’s exactly where I want to be. A single melody can unlock memories I didn’t realize I still carried, while certain chords or lyrics take me to another time or place. Some songs feel like home, offering shelter, while others deliver me to an unknown place or space, stirring emotions I can’t quite name. In this way, music isn’t just sound—it’s a sonic subway, delivering me to a station of refuge or one I never knew existed.
Music has always been an important part of my life. My family and friends knew this well, often asking me what I was listening to and what I liked. It was always humbling to be asked, and eventually, I gathered the courage to create this music blog—to put into words what draws me to certain music and why.
Over the years, my passion for writing has grown, along with my excitement for sharing musical discoveries. I hope your time here sparks excitement and leads you to a musical discovery of your own. More than anything, I hope your visit brings a little joy to your day.
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