Top Ten Romance Tunes (Soul) Aug 26 '02 (Updated Oct 23 '02)    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet Popular Products in Music The Dirtchamber Sessions, Vol. 1 by The Prodigy From $11 Jersey Boys [Original Broadway Cast Recording] by Original Broadway Cast From $8 The Bottom Line For the undercover sentimental romantic in you. So when was the last time you heard a soulful, stirring duet? You know what I mean….The kind of duet that makes you wish you were in love, and if you already are, makes it impossible for you to imagine feeling this good again - ever? Or the kind of sensual seductive serenade that brings to mind the blue lights in the basement, the forbidden parties of your youth, when you stood holding onto him or her, so close your spines could almost touch…and you grinding together, to the music - Hot bothered and full of sexual fantasies that to this day haven’t been realized?(smile), you know. Well, having no CD’s of any note to review - A little too bored with what I’ve heard lately to be objective, I decided to give you my TOP TEN list of “Romance Tunes (Soul). Understand, the list is subjective, the operative word being MY. So, if I don’t include what you believe is a song worthy of this list, then don’t get bent out of shape…Know that it too is probably on my list, just not in my top ten. The songs I have picked are songs that may not feature the best voices, instrumentation or arrangements - But they are songs, which blend each perfectly. So perfectly in fact, that you could never imagine different voices, or a different arrangement sounding any better. These are songs, which are pure magic - Songs we reject when others try to remake them. Each is a song that came along at a time in my life when I could really appreciate it's meaning. I am sure one or two, if not all will strike a similar chord (No pun intended) in your heart and soul. Anyway, here goes: 1. Too Much Too Little Too Late Johnnie Mathis & Deniece Williams ============================================================ Released in 1978, this was the first duet Johnny Mathis ever recorded. It was so successful, they went on to record an album of duets, “That’s What Friends Are For” in 1981, which spawned additional hits. It in effect, bolstered the career of both artists. The smooth texture of both their voices, highlighting strong vibratos, was not a usual match, but proved to be very appealing. 2. You’re All I Need (To get by) Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell ============================================================ Written and produced by Ashford & Simpson this was one of the biggest hits by Marvin and his 3rd duet partner. (The first two being: Mary Wells, and the second, Kim Weston) The song, it is rumored was recorded during Tammi’s illness, and reportedly Valerie Simpson may have overdubbed parts. Tammi Terrell, a former background singer for James Brown prior to coming to Motown in 1965, had already been diagnosed with a brain tumor by the time this song was recorded in 1967. Having failed to make a mark as a solo artist, she was paired with Marvin Gaye. The pairing was pure genius, and never is it more evident than on this song, which smolders with romanticism and sensuality. They are probably the most notable rhythm and blues duo to date. Sadly Tammi passed away in 1970 at the tender age of 25. 3. If this World Were Mine Luther Vandross & Cheryl Lynn ============================================================ I was conflicted as to which version of this song I would place on this list – The version here by Vandross and Lynn, or the original by Marvin and Tammi. I came to the conclusion that the version by Marvin and Tammi is such a classic – It stands alone, separate and apart from any list. It belongs in the duet hall of fame. This song produced by Luther Vandross, which was released in 1982, did a remarkable thing – It took a classic song, gave a little tweak to the arrangements both musical and vocal, and yet remained true to the heart of the song. Their voices on this song blend and compete on an emotional level at the same time. It was an instant hit to R&B fans across the country (peaking at #4), and becoming an instant classic. 4. Endless Love Diana Ross & Lionel Richie ============================================================ Released in 1981 as the theme for the movie of the same name, this Pop/R&B duet stayed an unprecedented 9 weeks at #1 on the Billboard singles charts. It was nominated for an Academy Award, and was the second largest selling single of the year. Both singers, having garnered reputations for sometimes sappy, sentimental romantic music were a perfect match vocally. Ross’ voice never sounded stronger, and Richie showed nuances of his voice, which up until then had not been heard. This duet is undeniably a classic. 5. Nothing Has Felt Quite Like This Rachelle Ferrell & Will Downing ============================================================ This song written by Ms. Ferrell was featured on her self-titled 1992 debut album. The pairing of these two is almost kismet. Both are highly jazz influenced vocalists with powerhouse voices. One would think they would clash, but quite the opposite is true. The vocals are lush; the instrumentation can only be described as “blue lights in the basement”, body-to-body, so close you can feel each other’s heartbeat kind of music. This is a well done duet, and a must have for anyone who has a soft spot in his/her heart for romantic duets. 6. Can’t We Fall In Love Again Phyllis Hyman & Michael Henderson ============================================================ 1981 release from this pop/jazz diva, with a little assistance from drummer/songwriter/vocalist Michael Henderson, was one of several duets by the duo that sparked the public’s interest. While Phyllis obviously is vocally superior, the voices blend and compliment each other well. 7. On My Own Patti Labelle & Michael McDonald ============================================================ Penned by Burt Bacharach for her debut disc on MCA in 1986, “The Winner In You", this duet was so powerful it propelled the album to platinum status. It was an inspired pairing of this soul diva, and the Doobie Brothers former lead singer. The song is mournful and heart tugging. It is also one of Ms. Labelle’s most restrained performances. She gives just enough without overpowering McDonald. Michael’s velvety gruff vocals are a perfect contrast for Ms. Labelle’s wailing and soaring gospel falsetto. 8. Love Breaks Your Heart Vanessa Williams & Brian McKnight ============================================================ Featured on the hit television show Beverly Hills 90210 peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts. What can I say? This song is lyrically and musically "pretty". 9. Spend My Life Eric Benet & Tamia ============================================================ Funky, yet smooth is how I describe this Eric Benet tune, which he co-wrote. Eric is in good form, and Tamia gets a chance to stretch vocally - The result is very touching. It made me recall a time when I was in love, and was so sure the object of my affection would be with me always…Oh naiveté where did you go? 10. The Closer I Get To You Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway ============================================================ Former Howard University classmates, these two, who had successful recording careers as solo artists, teamed together in the early 70’s to produce some of the best duets in pop history: Where is The Love, You’ve Got a Friend, You Are My Heaven, Back Together Again, and of course, The Closer I Get To You. Sadly, any chance for addition duets from this duo was cut short in 1979 when Donny committed suicide at the age of 33. Like Marvin and Tammi, these two seemed destined to sing together. The production on this song is full of rich strings, and memorable piano parts. (Donny’s instrument) I hope you enjoyed your trip down memory lane, as much as I enjoyed sponsoring the journey. This was a very difficult list to create. There were so many other songs that deserve a place on this list, but I promised myself at the outset, that I would limit myself to ten. If you are not familiar with one or any of these songs, (perhaps you have been stranded on some remote desert island in the Pacific, or in a coma for the past 30 years.) and are a sucker like I am, for a good heart-wrenching romantic duet, then pick up one or all on your next trip to the music store – You will not be disappointed.

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