Soundtrack of My Life

Song: No One
Artist: Alicia Keys
Album: As I Am (2007)

Sarah already knows this, but just so the rest of y'all understand - I love Alicia Keys.

Like, there ain't many women in the world who rank higher than her. The list is pretty much Sarah, Diane Lane, Natalie Portman and P!nk. That's some pretty heady company right there...

As has been the case for a couple of previous Soundtrack pieces, I've decided to pick one song that most exemplifies all the things I love about the artist being featured. At least, when it comes to an artist the caliber of Alicia Keys, the honest truth is that there are a whole list of songs that I could use here without hesitation.

This one is extra special though for somewhat obvious reasons which are heightened this weekend.

Plain and simple, this is an old-fashion love song and with this being Engagement Party Weekend, nothing was more fitting than a song that expresses the thoughts I have for Sarah.

When the rain is pouring down
And my heart is hurting
You will always be around
This I know for certain

You and me together
Through the days and nights
I don't worry 'cause
Everything's gonna to be alright
People keep talking they can say what they like
But all i know is everything's gonna to be alright

No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I'm feeling
No one, no one, no one
Can get in the way of what I feel for you, you, you
Can get in the way of what I feel

Of course, the other kicker is that Ms. Keys is the talent tickling the ivories throughout this track and all the others that make up her albums.

Just to recap, she's an insane musician, pens solid lyrics and is crazy attractive. I honestly don't understand people who don't love Alicia Keys. With all the bullshit Pop Tarts out there today, here is a fierce young woman who does it herself and does it better than almost everyone else.

If you haven't listened to an entire Alicia Keys album yet, I suggest you do so. It doesn't matter which one you pick -they're all outstanding.

Just know that if you do, you're going to get hooked and end up listening to them over and over and over again.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

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The Rundown: Songs For Mama

To tie into the preceding post about the passing of Dr. Dondra West, a woman her son Kanye often spoke of in his songs, I give you the Wednesday Rundown:

Top Five Songs that Remind Me of My Mom - Carol Anne "Faye" Kyte

5. "Hey Mama" - Kanye West, Late Registration
This isn't just a token Kanye shout out. This song is incredible and I am glad to say that even though we've had our differences, Faye is one of my best friends and the words Kanye speaks resonate with me.

4. "Me & Julio" - Paul Simon, Greatest Hits
My mom bought this CD and played it non-stop from the get-go. Every time I hear it I still picture Faye in the kitchen, doing the dishes, bopping to the beat and it makes me smile.

3. "I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston, The Bodyguard OST
Again, purchased and played constantly. As much as I really, really dislike this song and it's building, bellowing, booming climax, Faye loved it... so I like it.

2. All The Songs "Grown Folks" Dance to at Weddings
I've been to a handful of weddings with my mom and she doesn't leave the dance floor. I left the last one before she did. If it's older and got a beat, she'll dance to it and that's pretty cool to me.

1. "A Song for Mama" - Boyz II Men, Evolution
My best friend Francis danced with his mother to this song at his wedding and I'm probably going to steal it from him and do the same. No one song encompasses everything I feel for my mom better than this song.

I love you Faye...

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