Inspirational, Spiritual, Feel Good Messages: Kirk Franklin, Foreigner, Gloria Estefan, Jaci Velasquez

DAILY MUSIC TRIVIA QUESTION:  What college did Gloria Estefan attend and is still a big supporter?  Yesterday's Answer:   Eddie Van Halen asked Patty to join Van Halen

"STOMP"    KIRK FRANKLIN and GOD'S PROPERTY

"For those of you who think we've gone too far and radical with our message, well I've got news for you, you haven't heard nothing yet!  And if you don't know, NOW you know!"  The first time we all heard this song you had to be amazed.   A Christian Gospel hip hop song with beats and rapping hotter than anything on the radio at the time.   Kirk Franklin made his spiritual message contemporary, accessible, and "cool" to the masses.   Adding Cheryl, "Salt", from Salt N Pepa to the mix, brilliant!   A 90's jam that always brings a smile to my face.

"I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS"   FOREIGNER

Out of all of the arena rock bands from the 70's and 80's, Foreigner is my favorite.   So many classic rock favorites including "Hot Blooded", "Juke Box Hero", and "Feels Like The First Time" although most of my favorites weren't their biggest hits.  The band never hit #1 on the charts (although "Waiting For  A Girl Like You" is the longest running #2 hit of all-time) until "I Want Know What Love Is".  Lou Gramm's one-of-a-kind voice got challenged when they added the New Jersey Mass Choir to their 1984 epic power ballad.   It was the FIRST #1 Billboard Pop hit for Foreigner and the video is equally as inspiring.  

                                                                                     

"HEAVEN'S WHAT I FEEL"    GLORIA ESTEFAN

I had the biggest crush on the young Gloria Estefan.  On her ninth CD, gloria!, she reached for an younger audience and released a dance/disco record.  She promoted the CD with a performance at the famous Studio 54 discotheque.  The song, Oye! hit #1 on the dance charts and "Heaven's What I Feel" got a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Record.  The beat/message is so upbeat and contagious.   The song was also used in the underrated 1998 movie, Dance With Me, starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne.  If you love sexy Latin dancing and a charming love story, check out the film!  

"ON MY KNEES"  JACI VELASQUEZ

I jumped on the bandwagon late for this song.   First time I heard of Jaci, she was starring in a B-Movie called Chasing Papi with Sofia Vergara and Roselyn Sanchez.  Jaci is a Christian singer and regardless of your religious views, you can't deny the sincerity and conviction in this spine-tingling song.   The power of prayer, belief in a higher power, and hope for a better tomorrow, three simple concepts that can improve the world today.

 

A Trio Of Sexy Hidden Treasure Songs: Toby Keith, Foreigner,

"I GOT IT FOR YOU"    TOBY KEITH

One of the sexiest country songs ever!  This comes from Toby's 2011 CD, I love the rock guitar solo prior to the last chorus.  Great visual lyrics: 

Come on baby lay back down
You don’t have to leave right now
Anything you got downtown can wait

I love those high heeled shoes
Everything looks good on you
You make it look brand new everyday

Chorus:
I got it, in a bad way
I wanna kiss your sweet face
And lay like this forever
I need you to need me
Complete my world
I got it for you, girl

Baby, I can hear your breath
Whisper softly on my chest
I can feel your sweat all over me
Sheets stuck to your skin
Give me that 'want to' grin
Baby, I 'want to' again

"GIRL ON THE MOON"    FOREIGNER

From the landmark LP, Foreigner 4, comes this often overlooked gem.   Look past the big hits: "Urgent", "Juke Box Hero", "Waiting For A Girl Like You".....there's track 4:  "Girl On The Moon".  You'll find yourself in a trance as takes your mind drifting to the past, visions of ecstacy, the start of new love, and memories that will never die.

"IN MY EYES"    STEVIE B.

The King Of Freestyle and the Miami dance scene in the late 80's/early 90's, Stevie B was known for his uptempo party anthems.  He changed his image with "In My Eyes" one of his first blends of slow jam R&B lyrics with a soft bouncy beat.    This was released in 1988 and filled club dance floors with partygoers looking for something more intimate.

Angelina Jolie, Action Movie Heroine: Danny Elfman, Lou Gramm, and Thousand Foot Krutch

"THE LITTLE THINGS"   DANNY ELFMAN

Danny Elfman from the 80's band, Oingo Boingo, has been producing and recording soundtracks for years.   But he hasn't released any singles for over a decade.   "Little Things" is from the soundtrack of Angelina Jolie's "Wanted".   It has a nasty guitar lick and a beat perfect for driving fast or opening an action movie!  Angelina has been in a number of action movies now:  Salt, Tomb Raider, Mr & Mrs Smith, Wanted.

"JUST BETWEEN YOU AND ME"  LOU GRAMM
 

Foreigner's Lou Gramm released his first solo CD in 1987.   "Midnight Blue" was the first big hit and the second CD features this pop/rock anthem.   Lou left Foreigner then came back in 1996.   A brain tumor changed Lou's outlook and voice but he has since returned to music and oddly enough released a Christian music CD in 2009 under the name, the Lou Gramm Band.

"LIGHT UP THE SKY"   THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH

One of the hardest of all Christian rock bands, Thousand Foot Krutch is based out of Canada.   Their sound reminds me of Rage Against The Machine on this track.    They have toured with Chevelle and Breaking Benjamin and they are definitely a band ready for a major breakthrough.   "Light Up The Sky" is high energy, a rap/rock mix that deserves full volume.