Golden Oldies 6

 

It is long overdue, but it is here now – the sixth golden oldie. We have heard it sung by Foreigner in 1982, followed by Tina Arena who did her own rendition back in 1998. Now it’s back, in true R&B and Mariah Carey style, 2009.

I want to know what love is was written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm. The version for Foreigner was produced by Alex Sadkin. Tina’s version was produced by Mick Jones, who is also a band member of Foreigner. This version sounded similar to the original version, although Tina did make it her own.

Mariah Carey’s version was co-produced by C. “Tricky” Stewart, James “Big Jim” Wright and herself. Like any other cover she has sung, Mariah Carey truly sings this in her own style. It starts off very gently with a piano. The whispered vocals, the trills and embellishments, and finally, her world-renowned whistle register are the ingredients she uses to make this song spectacular. All this done with a beautiful gospel choir backing her up.

This is what Mick Jones said of her version:

I think she’s actually retained the integrity of the song. You know, the arrangement is very similar to the original. They haven’t tampered with the song too much. She’s captured a certain emotional thing, a feeling. And you know, it’s always flattering to have people cover your songs. Well, sometimes not so flattering (laughs) depending on who it is. But I think she’s put a lot of emotion into it. You can feel that she’s gotten inside of the song.

You can find the entire interview at Songfacts.

Here is Mariah Carey’s rendition of I want to know what love is.

Pleasant Surprises

Album Cover

After a mere 4 hours of sleep last night, I woke up this morning at 5 ante meridiem to start packing for my birthday weekend in Seattle. I don’t know why I didn’t pack the night before. That’s a lie. I do know; I was too lazy to sort everything out. My host mom took me to the airport, I checked in (even though I’d done the whole online check-in thingie) and I went shopping with only 25 minutes left before departure.

I finally made it onto the plane after the terribly long lines, we taxied and waited in another long line of departing planes. Now here I am sitting on the plane on my way to Seattle to see my friends and family.

I must admit that I am looking forward to tomorrow (August 7th) because everything leading up to this day has been so sincere and profound. I received my first birthday gift about 3 weeks ago. My host mom purchased a ticket for me to Seattle – until this morning I didn’t realise that it was first a First Class Ticket!

Yesterday (August 5th), my friends gave me an early birthday surprise. I also thought I had to work but I didn’t. My very good friend Josefin, invited me for our usual walk together and we detoured – I didn’t think much of it and the next thing I knew I had people screaming and scaring the heck out me! The signs were all there but I failed to pay attention to them and put four and three together. I was no longer a surprise party virgin. I am very grateful to my friends for everything – it meant more than you could imagine.

It doesn’t end there; Dianne and I met a South African family last year and I am very fond of them. Last night, their oldest son, and my new friend, called and asked me to pop by before leaving, regardless of the time. So at 10:35 post meridiem I head on over and I introduce him to two of my friends. He leads us to the garage and points to the bike and says Happy Birthday. I didn’t know what to say. I know I probably sound like an excited 4 year old what with getting a new bike and all, but I was really excited. Still am.

In the spirit of celebration and excitement and happiness, I am very pleased to announce that Ngqibs – Let Me Be: Recharged will be available for purchase through CD Baby from the 27th of August. It doesn’t end there either; Hope,the first song from the almost-ready 5-track EP will be also be available at most major digital music stores.

New song from Ngqibs upcoming EP

I chose this day for release because it is my sister’s birthday. I am very excited to hear your thoughts on the song – you can listen to it on my Facebook Page.

So now I hope you can understand the anticipation of my big day. Turning 21, seeing Seattle and my friends again is going to be great. The only thing that would make my birthday perfect would be seeing my family again, but that won’t happen (or will it??? pleeeeze ), I will settle for a phone call. I miss and love you all.

Yours in Singing

Ngqibs

Golden Oldies 3

Did I mention in the previous entries that I am a sucker for love some love songs? Well, in case you didn’t know, I am.

My sister and I have been emailing frequently these past couple of weeks and I remembered a song I had heard from one of her many CDs. It was in Zwide Township (the dusty area at which we enjoyed spending time), at my grandmother’s house, when I heard this song and took note.

The Golden Oldie in question is Power of Love/Love Power. It is a medley actually of the two songs respectively. Power of Love was co-written by Luther Vandross, Teddy Vann and Marcus Miller.

Love Power is a song that was done by The Sandpebbles and was a small hit in the late ’60s. With the addition of Lisa Fischer, Cissy Houston and Darlene Love to the backing vocals, Luther added his rendition to his song and made one of biggest solo hits of his career.

“When we walk, down the street, we don’t care who we see or who we meet.”

Here is the original version of Love Power by none other than The Sandpebbles themselves.

Find out for yourself why this song has so much power.