Reading & Listening

I love scanning the radio dial and stumbling across wonderful songs I haven't heard for awhile. This morning I heard Alexander O'Neal's 1985 love song, "If You Were Here Tonight".

It sounds as fresh now as it did when I was back in college. Hmm...it sounds as fresh as it did when I was back in high school at the occasional dance at the local YMCA. His voice engages you with a smoothness that testifies to his Natchez, Mississippi roots. He could teach some of todays supposed R&B kings a thing or two.

O'Neal always came across to me as a "real man" in his songs, especially since real men in my book aren't afraid to express their emotions. He sings:

"As the night moves in
Love takes on a new meaning
If you were here
You would know what I mean to say
The circumstance leaves me only waiting
For the chance
I only want to love you more ... more."

What woman doesn't want to have a man sing that to her? Most women I know would melt to the floor if the man they love sang that.

You can click here to watch the original music video and hear the song. The video is a bit cheesy. It's very early 1980's. Just let the screensaver come on, turn up the volume, close your eyes and listen.