With only six weeks left in my final semester, I have been trying to keep my blinders on. I see the finish line ahead, yet it feels so far away. If anyone else is feeling the same way I am, just know that it’s too late to turn back or quit, so we might as well keep the momentum going and finish the semester strong. I know it’s been a few weeks since my last Hi-Fi Five, but here are some songs that have been keeping me going throughout this gloomy fall weather. Enjoy!
Bobby Caldwell, “My Flame” (1978)
I picked up this gem a few weeks ago during my trip to Indiana over fall break. There’s a magic to Bobby Caldwell’s voice that is unlike any other artist I’ve listened to. Some might call him a one-hit wonder because of his song “What You Won’t Do For Love,” but Caldwell has a rather extensive discography of great hits. This song, from his 1978 self-titled album, reflects on the end of a relationship and the feelings that still linger between lovers.
“I’ve kept your picture on my shelf only there to remind myself I have always cared for you. Do you still love me?”
Ida is unlike any other band you’ll ever hear. The nostalgia of the late 90s and early 00s is very present in their music. If you’ve been looking for a song to go with the cold and overcast weather that we have been experiencing this week, then “Maybelle” is the perfect fit for you. The soft guitar riff that opens the song will make you want to stare out the car window and contemplate all your life choices.
“Look at me. Am I still the one you wanted me to be?
Tavares, “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel” (1976)
Gloomy weather often means sad and depressing music, but every now and then a good up tempo song can get you out of the autumn blues. Enter Tavares. They were among the more popular bands to emerge from the disco era in the 1970s, with multiple hits throughout the decade. Perhaps their most popular song, “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel,” is a dance-inducing record that will put anyone in a good mood.
“There’s a rainbow over my shoulder. When you came, my cup runneth over. You gave me your heavenly love, and if one night you hear crying from above, it’s ’cause heaven must be missing an angel.”
Brenda & The Tabulations, “Everybody’s Fool” (1977)
Anyone who knows me understands that I love a good soul band. Brenda & The Tabulations are the epitome of an underrated soul group. This record was another great find from my Indiana trip a few weeks ago, and I had never come across one of their LPs while digging through records before. Finding this one meant a lot to me as a collector, and I am happy to share this one with you all.
“Falling in love comes much too easy. Throw me a line and I’ll be leaving. Why am I always everybody’s fool?”
Paul McCartney & Wings, “Jet” (1973)
The magic that Wings were able to infuse into their magic will never again be recreated. Through Paul McCartney’s brilliant songwriting and compositions, the band was a huge commercial success throughout the 1970s. “Jet” isn’t even in their top five songs, I’d say, but it stands out for its unique guitar riffs and tempo changes, which McCartney often used throughout his music.
“Jet! With the wind in your hair of a thousand laces, climb on the back and we’ll go for a ride in the sky. And Jet, I thought that the major was a little lady suffragette.”
Thanks for tuning in to another episode of the Hi-Fi Five. I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s selections.
To see previous selections, check out the Hi-Fi Five playlist on Spotify.
