Once the connection was made, the chemistry, or lack there of begins. In any event, the slow dance was where you can get a sense of a person, decide if you all would exchange numbers, and at the very least, determine if the person had any rhythm!
As subtle as the communication in the previous scenario was painted, the slow dance or "break period" was key to getting to know one another at a social event. Often times hearing"Make it last forever" while whispering sweet honey somethings in ones' ear, was an indication of how you wanted the moment to go on..."forever". At the end of the dance, you eagerly anticipated the next musical soiree, either to dance with your Sir or Madame Charming again or to create a new"after the dance" memory.
"Where is the Love?"
Fast forward(real fast, real forward, light speed if you will) a decade and a half later...the fast dancing is still there, or shall I say the "two step", and the atmosphere is still electric(for those of you who like microwaves), but WHERE ARE THE SLOW SONGS? The innocent and discreet touches mixed with a little conversation that accompanied"Can you stand the rain?" and "Roni" have been replaced by the groping, fondling, and demands that come with "...girl you look good, wont you back that ass up!" and the promises of a "sensual seduction"...all before you know the guy or girls name!
Just as in all happy mediums in life, there is something callled balance. With the 100 degree temperatures of the Atlanta summer come the 35 degree winters of January. In between that , there is the Fall, or the "break period" in which you seek relief from the heat, enjoy the changing of seasons and brace yourself for the impending Winter.
The slow song served that same purpose...it was a welcome break. It didn't last long, but when it came, it allowed a period to get to know someone, run to the restroom to freshen up, or at bare minimum, hear the latest plea from Keith Sweat...all in preperation for when Mr. DJ says, "...all party people to the dance floor!"
Can one person be the spark to start the wildfire? YES! Can one ballad be the "Start of a Romance?" YES!...or at least a "New Edition" to a friendship circle. The next time your out at your favorite night spot, tell the DJ you want to hear "I can't help but wait" or "Falsetto". If you like it old school, request "Come and Talk to me" , "Honey Love" or "If this world were mine". Not only are you contributing to a "Slow Jam" revival, but you are creating an atmosphere for change...and change in this crazy world, is great!
"Holla if you hear me, yell if you don't!"
Peace and Truth,
SahshaJay
6 comments:
The slow jam was never my favorite part of the night. It meant sharing too close a proximity with someone when I was fine dancing with them, without touching. "Freaking" was enough for me. LOL Also the tension was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. The boys and girls look like deers caught in headlights, waiting to dance or waiting for the song to be over. The slow song also indicated the end of the night so you knew the fun was coming to an end. I hope they bring it back just for you, Tia, so you can feel the nostalgia.
The slow jam was an institution that should have never died. The only place you can hear slow jams now are the few and far between "old school" parties. Wackness...
I loved the slow jams! It was a certain feeling that breezed through you when you heard a certain song! OMG! I used to love....what's that silly song again? "Break out the bottle of Asti Spumanti, pop off the top and rock with my posse". Lol. Anyway, times have changed. I miss those days...
Those were the best days though. The music today wouldn't stand a chance back in those days. It seems like today, there aren't any groups left. It's all about the "solo" artist. It's all about "freaking" and "putting you to bed". A lot has changed, and hopefully someone will break the trend.
I recently heard Michael Eric Dyson speak at a college addressing a diverse audience of students (college and high school), as well as elders and young children. The topic: Hip Hop! As expected he so eloquently spoke to each generation about not only hip hop, but music as a whole. As he regurgitated lyrics from hip hop to soul to classic R&B, it was surprising both to see and hear so many young people singing along to all of the classic songs (primarily slow songs). In many cases when you dissect the lyrics of "old skool" R&B they can be just as raunchy as some of our modern songs, with the distinct difference of the way in which they're said/sung. As Sahshajay mentioned, the most important component in life and in music is balance, something that music is highly lacking. Though I must admit that it was a refreshing site, generations singing "Have You Seen Her" and songs alike. It's good to know some of us are still playing the slow jams...
I just wanted to take a moment to say that I appreciated your description. You really took the time to show various aspects of your personailty. In browsing through the profiles, it's always refreshing to find someone who actually took the time to help me see who you really are!!! You get a hand clap
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