God, I love the 80s music! I mean, the songs actually said something to you. This amazing cut by former Slave lead singer Steve Arrington was one of those songs. Steve had an unique voices you just don’t find in today’s assembly line rnb voices. Feels So Real was a testimony of Steve’s spiritual change after leaving Slave. But he took that phat Slave sound with him and the song came out as funky as ever. FSR has one those unstoppable grooves and as I said its got that Higher Power element which makes it near divine.

When I used to drive around just enjoying the breeze and crazy people, Feel So Real caught my attention and I sang along cause its nothing like being and feeling real. I’m testifying too, cause Im feeling pretty real right now myself! Hey, come on and get your “real” on!

Lyrics courtesy of lyricsondemand
Feel – feel – feel -I feel so real
I feel so real

I feel so real and I owe it all to you.

Oh
I feel so nice with you here by my side.
If I just do the best
that I can do it seems that’s enough for you.
The little things mean so much
a smile or a joyful touch

That push that keeps me going strong to know that I belong

and I feel so real
I feel so real
. . .

Love is such a wonderful thing
the angels sing and freedom reigns
Freedom from the chains that hold us back from harmony.
I’m right here on my knees to thank you
for the air that I breath.
I thank you for the life that you have saved

That’s why I’ve got to say:
Feel so real
I feel so real
. . .
Feel so real
feel so real
feel so real
Feel so real
feel so real
feel so real.

Read about Steve Arrington  Steve’s Ministry website (that’s right, he’s a preacher now and still funky too.)

I love danceable music with a tight message. With Promised Land, Chicago native the legendary Joe Smooth gave it to us big time. A true club classic, Promised Land was produced with magic touch of housemaster Marshall Jefferson (Ten City) so thats why the smooth deep house sound is instantly recognizable in this cut.

Let’s not forget the vocals of Anthony Thomas. All I can say is when he sings sisters, brothers one day we will be free…I believe him. The lyrics have an embedded euphoria which really inspire you to reach for (and want) freedom not only for yourself, but everyone.

Hey brothers and sisters, one day we will be free. Believe that.

Cant get enough of Joe Smooth? Visit his myspace page and check out more of the smoothness.

Wow, there is so much you can say about Joe Jackson’s 1982 hit Steppin Out. Its got a danceable rhythm to it, but still its so clean and beautiful you just wanna sit and listen to it. The piano riffs and chords really brighten the song and in my interpretation he’s saying that we are just to young, beautiful and sexy to be sitting at home. Ok, I know that’s really shallow, but we are talking 80s here.

I love the warm tone of Jackson’s voice. Its perfect for this song. I remember the first time I heard it on the radio, I just kinda locked into it. I wasnt on my way out, but it became my unofficial theme song, next to Cameo’s “We’re going out tonight”. So you know me, Im about to tell you to get up and go see riding through your favorite part of town and just put Steppin Out on repeat. It’ll be the best night ever. The lights of the city are calling…

Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsfreak.com

Now -
The mist across the window hides the lines
But nothing hides the colour of the lights that shine
Electricity so fine
Look and dry your eyes

We -
So tired of all the darkness in our lives
With no more angry words to say
Can come alive
Get into a car and drive
To the other side

Me babe – steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe – steppin out
Into the night
Into the light

We -
Are young but getting old before our time
Well leave the t.v. and the radio behind
Dont you wonder what well find
Steppin out tonight

You -
dress in pink and blue just like a child
And in a yellow taxi turn to me and smile
Well be there in just a while
If you follow me

Me babe – steppin out
Into the night
Into the light
You babe – steppin out
Into the night
Into the light

Read about Joe Jackson

Lyrics courtesy of LyricsDownload
Never stop me for give in up
Never stop me for give in up
Never stop me for give in up X 2
Givin up feels so good to be together
Spending some time
Makin love
Makin plans to last forever
Stayin true until the end
True oo theres aint a minute of the the day that’s without you
Hoping that you feel it too What you want
What your feelin I am feelin too
Never stop never givin up

Never stop me for give in up
Never stop me for give in up
Never stop me for give in up

never green growin up but fadin never
this is what Id love to gain
free at last
free from all the pain and sorrow
never feel the hurt again

take your time wont you try love
not just think you can but love X 2
never stop never stop

Read about The Brand New Heavies

Singer-songwriter Joyce Sims was arguably one the greatest underrated talents of the 80s. This smooth, yet smoking hot love song was pure magic. I loved it from the very first moment I heard it. Come into my life is an inviting tune with a classic sound and classic vocals that really cant be dated. With help from uber 80s b-boy producers Mantronix, Sims had a trio of club hits which will ALL be featured here. Trust me, they’re just that good. Play this one for that special someone youre trying to convince that you are the one for them. It will work.

Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsandsongs

Come into my life, I got so much love to show you
Come into my life, boy I adore you
Come into my life, I got so much love to show you
Come into my life, boy I adore you

Come into my life, I’ll open the door
If you come into my life, boy I adore you
And I will treat you right
And I’ll show you sweet mellow days that you want and need
For you hold the keys to my life
Good times will flow if you make our love strong and tight
Together as one not two, we’ll shine like diamond ice, uh
And I’ll show you sweet mellow days that you want and need

Because I can brighten up your days
And when you’re feeling bad I’ll put a smile on your face
Can you tell me what price must I pay
To make you see things my way
Don’t wait, don’t wait, ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

Come into my life, I got so much love to show you
Come into my life, boy I adore you
Come into my life, I got so much love to show you
Come into my life, boy I adore you

For you hold the keys to my life
Good times will flow if you make our love strong and tight
Together as one not two, we’ll shine like diamond ice, uh
And I’ll show you sweet mellow days that you want and need

Because I can brighten up your days
And when you’re feeling bad I’ll put a smile on your face, hey hey
Can you tell me what price must I pay
To make you see things my way
Don’t wait, don’t wait
Come to my life, coming down for me

Come into my life, I got so much love to show you
Come into my life, boy I adore you
Come into my life, I got so much love to show you
Come into my life, boy I adore you

Read about Joyce Sims

I was in Tel Aviv, Isreal in 1984 when I first heard Alphaville’s “Big in Japan” while at a club called Ceasars. All I can say is I liked the beat and the lyrics were interesting. I know that sounds a little American Bandstandish. Well what endeared me to the song? I guess it was the notion that we could all be “big in Japan” if we tried really hard to like sushi although we really wanted a cheeseburger and the band was German. And nevermind that Alphaville was big everywhere except in the US.
But, hey what can I say except you gotta love the 80s!

Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsfreak
Winters cityside
Crystal bits of snowflakes all around my head and in the wind
I had no illusions
That Id ever find a glimps of summers heatwaves in your eyes
You did what you did to me, now its history I see
Heres my comeback on the road again
Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight, its easy when your big in japan

When your big in japan, tonight
Big in japan, be tight, big in japan where the eastern seas so blue
Big in japan, alright, pay, then Ill sleep by your side
Things are easy when youre big in japan, when youre big in japan

Neon on my naked skin
Passing silhouettes of strange illuminated mannequins
Shall I stay here at the zoo
Or shall I go and change my point of view for other ugly scenes
You did what you did to me, now its history I see…
Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight, its easy when youre big in japan

Read about Alphaville

I have to admit I’m a sucker for those falsetto riffs. And Byron Stingily, Ten City’s lead singer, screams with the best of ‘em. Especially on this song called “That’s the way Love Is”. The song came out in 1989 and went to #1 on the charts. I bet a cool million if it was remixed and rereleased it would make #1 again. The best thing about the song (besides it being ear candy) was the lyrics. Check em out below. Wow, what ever happened to great lyrics?

At the No Names in Frankfurt, That’s the Way Love Is was a mega crowd pleaser. The thumping house bassline complemented the message of the song in a unique way that made you think about love, messed up love and love you coulda, shoulda, woulda had. And of course, it was house magic.  TWLI has been remixed to high heaven but I can honestly say that every remix I’ve heard is awesome. Turn up the pc speakers and enjoy!

Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsdownload

Two people take a vow to be together
and live and love each other forever.
They promise to love a lifetime
funny thingthen they change their minds.
They both go their seperate ways and love is just a memory.
But a young heart doesn’t stay sad long

another love soon comes along.

That’s the way love is
that’s the way love is

that’s the way love is.

Two people don’t get along
deep down in

both have feelings very strong

They try hard to conceal it.
Their hearts burn ’cause they both know they can feel it.

That’s the way love is
that’s the way love is

that’s the way love is.

Lovers leave without a reason
feelings change just like seasons.
In love nothing’s for certain

There’s no use in pretending what’s behind the curtain.

That’s the way love is
that’s the way love is

that’s the way love is.

No one knows how this feeling goes
it’s hard to believe

Even stranger to conceive.
It’s so gratifying
love’s feeling
ain’t no denying.
Yet it’s so unfair when the feeling’s no longer there.

Read about Ten City

D Train’s hot, hot, hot hit Youre the One for Me is still insane! The track (0rginally released in 1981) had an almost euphoric churchy feel to it with D Train’s strong male power vocals pushing it out the stratosphere. If this song didnt make you to rush the dance floor, you probably didnt have a pulse. Brooklyn really gave it up when D Train hit the scene. The 1985 remix and rerelease featured Paul Hardcastle’s phenonmenal keyboard sounds (which really were unique) all by itself. All and all, this is still the one for me! Oh, and did I mention this song was the straight up bomb!?

Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsandsongs
With the love I have inside of me
We can turn this world around
We can live through all eternity
And we’ll never touch the ground
We’ll take a chance to ride upon a star
To a place that’s far away
The light of love will shine on us
Forever and a day

{Chorus}:
Bustin’ up on a cloud, shout out loud
You’re the one for me
With your love by my side
The world will be mine
You’re the one for me

With this true love I found
Picks my feet up off the ground to fly away
With this true love my dear
Takes away my every fear, don’t go away

You just don’t know what you did to me
But I’m not the same
Since you gave me love
That’s sheltered from the rain
You just don’t know how you make me feel
Your sweet lovin’ girl, is so unreal
I’ve got love, love desire
From your lovin’ my soul’s on fire

{Chorus}

I’m ridin’ on a cloud
Got to shout it out loud, you’re my all
Baby, hold on tight
For the rest of my life, don’t let me fall

{Repeat 1st & 2nd verse} [3x]

You’re the one for me, yeah
You’re the one for me

Read about D Train

As one of the top soul/funk bands of the eighties, Atlanta based Cameo brought the “strange” out in all of us, but in a fun way. Outrageous costumes aside, Cameo’s “We’re Going Out Tonight” is one of my favorites. The song had a smooth melody and flow while Wayne Cooper’s soaring falsetto added that “heavenly” element to it. WGOT was featured on Cameo’s 1980 album Cameosis. Now, go dig in the bottom of your closet and pull your Gucci out, so we can get to steppin!

We’re going out tonight
And I want my friends know
Cause you look just right (awright!)
And my feelings start to show
I owe it all to you
And I’m sure
I’ll do
the things
you want
me too.
You shocked me
Amazed me
You blew me away

As I stand next to you, you make me nervous
I cant see a thing in front of me
for days and days I cant forget cha
My friends ask me why my God you got me high
All the things I want I find them hard to get
but now my luck has changed

We’re going out tonight and we’ll stand out in the crowd
because were dressed real nice
even Gucci would be proud
I don’t mind telling you, you look good
You look so good, so good to me

Your vibrations move me, sensuality grooves me
Im hung up on this lovely girl
Ive never seen eyes like this your teeth as white as pearls
hey baby youre the wonder of my world

When we step out tonight the people will applaud
the girls will say my my, the guys will say oh lord
Im in heaven, heaven  heaven, heaven’s just for me

I thank the Lord for what he’s given me it feels so nice to be
Im in heaven, Im in heaven

Read about Cameo
 

British born Steve Winwood’s 1980 song was pure, timeless magic. It inspires that olympic drive in you. From the opening synths to the vocals to the inspirational lyrics, this song makes you want get up and make it happen. If feels like it was written yesterday and it still makes me hang on every word and note. So, stop waiting to be discovered and discover yourself. Stop hoping for love and go find it. Because its all up to you.

Lyrics courtesy of Songfacts
Stand up in a clear blue morning
Until you see
What can be
Alone in a cold day dawning,
Are you still free?
Can you be?

When some cold tomorrow finds you,
When some sad old dream reminds you
How the endless road unwinds you

While you see a chance take it,
Find romance fake it
Because it’s all on you

Don’t you know by now no one gives you anything
Don’t you wonder how you keep on moving
One more day your way
When there’s no one left to leave you,
Even you don’t quite believe you
That’s when nothing can deceive you

Stand up in a clear blue morning
Until you see
What can be
Alone in a cold day dawning,
Are you still free?
Can you be?

And that old gray wind is blowing
And there’s nothing left worth knowing
And it’s time you should be going.
While you see a chance, take it.
Find Romance,
Fake it.
Because it’s all on you.
While you see a chance, take it.
Find Romance … (Repeat until Fade.)

Read about Steve Winwood