For those that are unfamiliar with the Book of Lionel, listen up.
If you were alive and functioning in the early 80s, then I don’t have to go into how Lionel Richie was a literal lion of soul and popular music.
I don’t need to go into his days with the Commodores and how his signature vocals were included on classics tracks such as “Brick House”, “Easy” and “Zoom”.
I don’t need to rattle off his solo hits like “Truly”, “You Are” and “My Love”.
But for those that are unfamiliar with the Book of Lionel, listen up.
From a funk jammy jam to a soothing night’s drive with that favorite someone. Right on down to cleaning the house on a Sunday morning, Lionel Richie’s music dominated my childhood and early teens due to the fact that my mother loved me and she was his biggest fan
Indeed, the multiple Grammy Award-winning artist would have dominated pop music and love ballads throughout the 80s if it weren’t for Michael Jackson. Please don’t give me the screwface, just check the stats.
So, in celebration of his 70th birthday here are five Richie cuts that slap harder than Sister Mary Susan’s yardstick.
Love With Find A Way
Lionel Ritchie – Love Will Find A Way
Fantastic Song by Lionel Ritchie. Let the groove take you. Turn the volume up and feel the smooooooth.
Anyone who does not have this one on their Quiet Storm playlist is slackin’.
Zoom by The Commodores
Zoom – Commodores
This song is off their self titled album “Commodores”
One of life’s great joys is being on a plane to paradise with this bumping in your earbuds.
Hello
Lionel Richie – Hello
“Hello” is a song by Lionel Richie. Taken as the third single from Richie’s multi-platinum album Can’t Slow Down, the song was released in 1984 and reached number one on three Billboard music charts. The song also went to number one in the United Kingdom. It is considered by some to be Richie’s signature song.
This song was very sentimental to many people, and I’ve been to at least three weddings where this got major spin.
However, as a 12-year-old, I couldn’t help but notice how fine the “blind” woman in the video was. (Elmo shrug).
You Are
Lionel Richie – You Are
Lyrics: Baby you’ll find There’s only one love Yours and mine I’ve got so much love And needing you so My love for you I’ll never let go I’ve got so much love All I want is to hold you Let me show how much I love you baby (show
A very upbeat dance track that was also heavy in the soul category thanks to Richie himself, but this one is here simply because my Momma played the sh*t out of this song.
Truly
Lionel Richie – Truly [Live]
Lionel Richie – Truly Song written by Lionel Richie Album: Lionel Richie [1982]
It wasn’t the 80’s if you couldn’t flex behind a white piano.
