Black Music Is Love: Ballads Through the Ages to Bump for Black History Month
A 10-song playlist is not nearly enough to encompass the complex, multi-faceted world of Black music, but this short list serves to provide a mini time-capsule of what it means to be Black and in love.
Written by Angelica Arinze
Illustrated by Darrina Green
From rock and roll and blues to R&B and hip-hop, Black artists have made a remarkable impact on the music industry. But these musicians have gone without their flowers for too long, often playing an underappreciated role in the development of many popular genres that we know and love to this day.
To wrap up February, a month known for celebrating love and Black history, here’s a pensive glimpse through a few of the most iconic love ballads by Black artists over the decades.
“At Last” - Etta James (1960)
If this playlist was a road trip, Etta James’ 1960 classic “At Last'' would be the ignition that jumpstarts the journey. The song is one of the most famous and adored love ballads of all time — even Beyoncé performed it at former president Barack Obama’s Inaugural Ball. The orchestra’s enveloping crescendo and James’ intoxicating voice in the track create a sound that is unmistakably her own. This rich, high-charting number is sure to flood any surrounding atmosphere with pure warmth and intimacy.
“My Girl” - The Temptations (1964)
The iconic soul group starts its 1964 hit with simple yet steady, uplifting guitar licks that immediately precede David Ruffian’s lead vocals. Throughout the track, the quintet’s harmonic, peppy lyricism captures its members’ soft side, as they tenderly describe their “sunshine on a cloudy day.” The memorable riffs and harmonies of “My Girl” set it apart from any other love song, making it a timeless classic to uplift a lovebird or two.
“Bound” - Ponderosa Twins Plus One (1971)
So influential that numerous artists like Kanye West and Tyler, the Creator have sampled it, Ponderosa Twins Plus One’s 1971 hit “Bound” is the musical embodiment of sugar-sweet, ardent puppy love. From crooning about rare personalities to dreaming about zodiac sign compatibility, the soul group captures the essence of what it means to be inevitably swept up in love and “bound” to your lover.
“Saving All My Love for You” - Whitney Houston (1985)
If you wanna know what it feels like to hopelessly fall in love in the 1980s, look no further than Whitney Houston’s 1985 ballad “Saving All My Love for You.” Marrying soul and R&B together, the song has a slow and steady 84 bpm trance that features an enchanting saxophone solo. If you want to bewitch that special someone into becoming your soulmate, this song is truly a slow dance go-to.
“All My Life” - K-Ci & JoJo (1997)
You may have heard this soulful, atmospheric ballad at a wedding, or even in a commercial or two. The American R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo topped the Billboard Hot 100 for several weeks with their 1997 hit “All My Life,” which is the pair’s most successful song to date. According to JoJo, the duo penned the song as a personal tribute to his daughter Kayla, but the record’s heartfelt crooning and tender instrumentals easily make it a universal love anthem.
“If I Ain't Got You” - Alicia Keys (2003)
This warm and evocative record is undeniably one of Keys’ best-known singles from her 2003 sophomore album, The Diary of Alicia Keys. The sultry track showcases Keys’ pensive and vulnerable side, reflecting on how materialistic things don't feed the soul, and love and companionship are the mainstay to show for at the end of the day. Keys’ stunning and heart-tugging lyricism is well reflected in this ballad, as she croons that “everything means nothing” if she doesn’t have her lover, even if you hand her the world on a silver platter.
“I’m Sprung” - T-Pain (2005)
In the catchy, mid-tempo “I’m Sprung,” Florida-based rapper T-Pain shows love will make you do just about anything to please your beloved, whether it’s doing the dishes or cooking meals. T-Pain eases into the track with simple, yet melodic vocalizing on a lucious harp instrumental before gently bellowing about being sprung on unrequited love. T-Pain’s sappy, sentimental love lyrics and iconic autotuned beat cemented the song as one of his classic hits, making it the perfect jam to dance to in the club while in a lovestruck trance.
“Adorn” - Miguel (2012)
A melodic, instinctive ballad about bestowing your love on someone seems to be exactly what Miguel was going for in his 2012 single “Adorn.” The lyricism and sonic components create a striking balance between the softhearted and sensual, painting a picture about themes of devotion, protection and love. With lips that can’t wait to kiss your skin and eyes that can’t wait to see your grin, Miguel sets the scene for eager, reminiscent love. The simplicity and sensuality of Miguel’s “Adorn” sets the mood for crooning your devotion to your longtime lover.
“LOVE.” - Kendrick Lamar (2017)
Love is a spectrum, and Kendrick Lamar embodies this idea in his inquisitive and perceptive “LOVE.” off his 2017 record, DAMN. Assisted with singer Zacari’s high-octave vocals, Lamar reveals a softer, more vulnerable side to him. He asks his significant other how deep their love runs, whether it’s through car troubles or money-related woes. With a catchy beat and soothing, fluttering bird sounds, “LOVE.” is an artfully composed blossom to present to your sweetheart.
“Yo Love” - Vince Staples, 6LACK, Mereba (2019)
Vince Staples teams up with 6LACK and Mereba for “Yo Love,” a breezy, affectionate love letter that resonates with the sharply intense devotion and sugar highs and crashes of early relationships. Featured on the soundtrack for the 2019 film “Queen and Slim,” the reflective tune captures the listener’s ear and heart with lyricism about the fiery, protective nature of devotion and loyalty. The jazzy, soothing guitar notes and laidback beat complement tender vocals about stealing hearts and swinging knives in the name of love.
There’s so many swoon-worthy ballads worth noting, but it’s clear that Black artists find meaningful and beautiful ways to express the act of love and what it means to be engulfed in it. This Black History month, we hope listening to these songs and many more from Black artists will help you explore that meaning as well.