When I was younger, I thought my taste in music was the end all be all. I mean who could be better than A*teens and S Club 7? However, my mom was having none of my pop bullcrap in her car. It was all her music, all the time. As a kid, I didn’t really appreciate her musical taste, but now I’m glad I didn’t miss out. Halftime presents: The Weekly List: Songs My Mom Made Me Listen To.
“Diary”- Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ MTV Unplugged album is without a doubt her best work. Before we got the sleek Alicia that we now know, there was the soulful, cornrowed young woman coming off her debut album. “Diary” combines the powerful singing, live band, and masterful piano playing that makes this album so electric.
“To Zion” – Lauryn Hill
I can clearly remember my mom belting to this song on a regular basis. With beautiful guitar played by Carlos Santana and Hill’s unique tone, “To Zion” is the perfect laid back Sunday morning song. I now appreciate Lauryn Hill as an amazing artist, and I firmly believe that it’s one of the tragedies of the music world that she has only come out with one album.
“Tyrone” – Erykah Badu
I don’t know how my mom got away with playing this song when we were younger but I’m glad she did. Her blunt take on relationship issues is not exactly kid friendly. As the only recorded performance of this song, Badu’s slow, jazzy lament about a terrible boyfriend is memorable because of the humor she injects into the track. “You better call Tyrone” will always be in the vocabulary of disgruntled girlfriends everywhere.
“Poison” – Bel Biv Devoe
This work is quintessential late 80’s/early 90’s music. With an instantly recognizable beat, “Poison” challenges you not to dance and sing along. That last note by Bobbi Brown is the cherry on top of what is already considered an iconic song.
“U Know What’s Up” – Donell Jones
Most famous for being featured in the Julia Stiles movie Save the Last Dance, “U Know What’s Up” is a perfect cruising song. The smooth sound just reminds me of warm summer days in the car with my mom.
“No Scrubs” – TLC
“No Scrubs” is more than a song; it’s an anthem. It’s a great to listen to when you need to remind yourself that you deserve more than a scrub. The song and the group just scream girl power.
“Too Close” – Next
This is another song I don’t understand how, or why my mom played around us. Subject matter aside, play this at a party and I will immediately start dancing.
“Dangerous” – Michael Jackson
I would be remiss to not include Michael Jackson on this list. A hit machine and without a doubt my mom’s favorite artist, Jackson permeated my childhood. From “Thriller” to “Jam” my mom was a fan every step of the way.
That’s it for this edition of the Week List! Halftime hopes you enjoyed our selections, and remember to listen when your parents have control of the radio.
