Venus’s Top Se7en: Songs to Start My Day
1. Sun Goddess - Ramsey Lewis feat. Earth, Wind, & Fire
DIVINE: this is the only word I can think of to describe Sun Goddess; written by the incomparable Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire, this flawless composition is how I imagine Heaven sounding. Known for their eclecticism and spirituality, EWF were kings of wordless, catchy vocals; one of the many reasons I adore Sun Goddess is because the "lyrics" sound like chanting or some sacred language only the divine and ascended masters understand. It's like a prayer or a call to the Creator, and the last long note sung by Philip Bailey is a reaction to His response to us, His children. This song makes me feel like the sun is penetrating and overwhelming me, or it's clothing me in its splendor and glory, much like being in the presence of God Himself.
2. Today - Erykah Badu
Praise our Most High God for Jill Scott and Erykah Badu's VERZUZ "battle" for a multitude of reasons, one of which is that I probably would have died without hearing Badu's Today otherwise. Immediately, I wondered where the hell I was in 2001 when she initially recorded this gem, but then when I didn't see it among the list of songs on any Erykah CDs I did have at the time, I became less hard on myself. Today is very much a vibe; I often lay flat on my back, let my legs and Timberlands hang over my head, and get lost in the imagery. Badu's voice is a morning whisper that welcomes and appeals to familiar and unacquainted ears.
3. SULA (paperback) - Jamila Woods
I've been on the Jamila train ever since discovering her debut album HEAVN; she's a kindred soul, although we don't know each other. I love her ability to speak about historical events and people in an original way; I can't recall which version of Sula I heard first, but there's a softness in my heart for the paperback; the other is known as the hardcover. Initially, Justin Canavan's trickling guitar and Jamila's poetry entwined themselves around me as fervently as the hot honey water I sipped on the many mornings I listen to this song.
Sula [paperback] reminds me of the healing each new day grants us; it reminds me of moving onward in whatever way one must. Although Toni Morrison's novel of the same name inspired Jamila's works, in this case, I have yet to read Sula, and my thoughts on what she means could be mistaken. I do have the book on my shelf; however, one dope, Black author at a time; right now, I am rereading Baldwin. Below, I’ve included both versions of Sula just because.
4. Everybody Loves the Sunshine - Roy Ayers
If I could securely sit on my rooftop, head to toe in yellow, with a stereo and companion at any given moment the sun is out, Everybody Loves the Sunshine would be one of the first songs I'd play. This is a subtle head-nodding, sipping on soda or something heavier, sunflower seed, potato chip, or rib-eating, kickback groove. I’d like to pause for the cause and give the living legend, Roy Ayers, his“bees and thangs and flowers.” I love your music.
5. Feeling Good - Nina Simone
I feel especially fiery when Nina's voice creeps into my ears, as it did one morning after prayer and meditation. Feeling Good often reminds me of a day similar to the iconic tangerine sky book cover for Dr. Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. I envision that I am, in fact, that blackbird on the surface, or free bird, "dipping its wing in the orange sun rays, daring to claim to the sky." An alacrity awakens when I hear this song, and our energies feed off each other; it's like Nina's voice crescendos the entire time and is the sun, and when she rises, so do I. When she's ready, I'm ready, and I can take on anything. In the end, when she says, 'freedom is mine,' and begins to scat and riff, she puts autonomy in her pocket and owns herself without apology, which is empowering, inspiring, and very much my attitude.
6. Tomorrow - The Brothers Johnson
One morning last year, I threw a random playlist together and went for a walk in a sauna suit, as one often does in Florida; eventually, Tomorrow began to play, which I recognized from Quincy Jones's '89 classic album, Back On The Block. However, this original wordless track was written and performed by The Brothers Johnson thirteen years before, and I couldn't believe I wasn't familiar with it until that day. Q produced the original, but his cover consisted of a children's choir and featured vocalist Tevin Campbell, who angelically articulated the exceptional lyrics composed by Siedah Garrett. While Q's Tomorrow is indisputable, I enjoy the original best because it is just as effective at its bare-bones. The nuances are candied and vibrant; the flute is like a friend leading me by the hand to dream in which I experience all of what tomorrow could be, not just for me but for everybody. RIP Thunder Thumbs [Louis Johnson!]
Se7en. I Can See Clearly Now - Johnny Nash
A universal pick, I can't ever recall a time where this song did not lift my heart and spirit; even in the face of cloudy days, I Can See Clearly Now is like a quick shot of serotonin or the wind in my sails that push my arms side to side like branches. It brings tears to my eyes, especially toward the end when Johnny holds that long note, 'nothing but blue skies!' I was sad to learn he died a few months ago; I hope he's encircled by endless bright, sunshiny days and just as much blue sky on the other side.
