This week on v/m, we celebrate both Black History Month and the day of Love. The sheer number of unforgettable, sensual, adoring songs dedicated to Love and Lovers made by Black artists is honestly inexhaustible. These are infectious tunes that have cemented themselves in our hearts, shaped our very notions of Love and romance and what it means and feels like to be in love.
One wouldn’t need to listen to any other catalogue. Left on an island with nothing else, this catalog would suffice. The vast range of depth, emotion and self-understanding dedicated to the theme of love is extraordinary. These are compassionate musings of one of the greatest feelings we can experience in our lives. And they have helped keep us sane and taught us the true answer of the universe: Love is the always the way.
Let’s get it on.
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v/m is a newsletter designed around themed playlists & short-form writing.
We gather five songs and organize them to mirror the progression of a day: morning, noon, afternoon, evening, and late night.
We provide background and lyrical insights to enhance your listening experience and highlight moments that can be elevated with the music.
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Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)
Maxwell
Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite (1996)
Begin your day by floating down Love Lane. The breeze will carry to pleasures unknown. Open your eyes to the sunshine that greets you. Maxwell’s croon shall awake you.
There’s often a feeling of unworthiness in love, then subsequently a realization of appreciation regardless of your worth. Maxwell prostrates at the feet of his lover.
“‘Cause I can’t live my life / Without you by my side”
Halfway through we are given license to funk as the melting guitar notes slide over the funky bass and drums. Before you know it you’ll be singing and dancing along.
A native of Brooklyn, and coming from Puerto Rican and Haitian roots, we begin our journey with this mystical and loving track.
Shhh (Break It Down)
Tevin Campbell
I’m Ready (1993)
This tune, originally written and performed by Prince, is the sexiest one of the bunch by miles. Sexy, sensual and seductive this tune will put that fire in your loins for both you and your partner. One of the best uses of moaning in music.
Interspersed with a levity and humor that is sure to get anyone in the mood.
“I’d rather do you after school like some homework”
Tevin Campbell lays the groundwork for a special meeting of love. He doesn’t need anything else but his lover. Everything else would spoil the fun.
“Candlelight? No, I don’t think so / The crackle of the flame will just spoil the flow”
This reminds us of our earliest loves. The whispers of love, the beautiful sneaking around, the passionate waiting.
In honor of both these great artists, we’ve included Tevin’s track and a live performance by Paisley Park aka Prince from a show in Paris from 2011. Hear him as he nearly makes love with that guitar.
Head Title aka Distant Lover - Demo Version
Marvin Gaye
What’s Going On - 40th Anniversary [Super Deluxe] (1971)
An early demo of a classic Marvin Gaye track, here we’re able to listen as the artist composes while improvising to discover the true song hidden behind the music.
Sometimes in love, we are in the discovery phase. Sometimes we are apart. The longing for more is what keeps us going. And sometimes we must reclaim a love that is ever changing and growing distant.
Slower and more tender than the album version, here Marvin Gaye bares all to truly find the meaning of love, even if its just to say “I love you” one last time.
The lover’s response is one of honesty, maybe the distance was too large to mend.
“I don’t love you anymore, really, it’s not funny. Can’t we be friends?”
Nearing the middle of the day, we reflect on the love that didn’t make it, a love lost and unreciprocated.
Just The Way You Are
Barry White
The Man (1978)
The man, the voice.
Growing into the later part of the day, we enjoy the LP version of this track which includes a lot more of the soft spoken Barry White. Originally a Billy Joel number, White transforms this folk piano ballad into a soulful retelling of the ways he loves his partner.
Often we might not know the exact reason why we love someone, but one thing we do know for sure is that we love that person just the way they are. An honest, pure provocation of love, this sweet and mellow tune puts us in the mood to just come home.
“You have my unspoken passion / Although I might not seem to care”
Tell someone you love them this week, it can be anybody. Tell them that you love them just the way they are. Then do the same for yourself. We want you just the way you are.
‘Cause I Love You
Lenny Williams
Spark of Love (1978)
Blind love. Lost in love. These are ways to describe a love that is without measure, perhaps without reason.
We’ve come to the end of the night. As you lay there all you can think of giving your love and all of yourself. Baring the imperfections of your being, yet this love feels so perfect.
“Maybe you’ve never been in love like I’ve been in love”
Finish up the day with a love song that will surely burst your heart and “fill up the wells of [your] eyes”
Lenny sings this tune like he’s crying: “Oh, Ohh, Ohhh, I-I-I”
Broken down, the most honest thing you can say is “I Love You”.
Thanks for reading & listening!
We appreciate you taking the time to listen, read, and explore with us. Music is a journey, and we’re glad to have you along for the ride. We hope today’s playlist not only adds a little rhythm to your day but also sparks a few new discoveries along the way.
Keep your mind and ears open and that curiosity alive.
With a paid subscription you get access to ExtendedPlay, our deep cut playlist. Each EP edition contains handpicked tracks that go beyond the chosen theme for hours of immersive listening.
