Songs in the Key of Life

So, I am sick for the first time in many years. I never get sick, never...and that has held especially true since the babes came along. Moms just don't get sick, it is an unwritten rule!! I am almost insulted!! The kids are finally in bed and I have finally "punched out" for the day. So, here I am all cuddled up in my bed (feeling miserable) enjoying my umpteenth cup of tea overloaded with honey (not even hungry for my ginger snaps...refer to previous blog...so you know I must not be feeling great) and watching American Idol. I haven't been watching up to this point, but I think tonight is Ellen's debut--she's pretty funny! From what I have seen, it looks like there may be some pretty good talent this year--or perhaps the low grade temp and plugged ears are distorting my hearing! My early prediction...the guy who sang Paula Abdul's Straight Up is going to be the next American Idol...you heard it here first! Well, anyway, I like American Idol, I usually don't watch it this early in the season...I am more of a bandwagon idol watcher and usually catch idol-fever later in the game...like when there are 10 or fewer contestants left (are they contestants? I mean, it is kind of a game show, right?).

So, like that mouse who ate the cookie (if you don't have kids this reference is undoubtedly lost on you...look it up!), watching the show made me think of music and music made me think of my favorite singers, and thinking about my favorite singers made me hum my favorite song, and humming this tune reminded me of one of my all tieme favorite albums--Songs in the Key of Life (follow?). Oh how I love you, Stevie Wonder!! Although ranked #56 on Rolling Stone's top 500 albums of all time, when it was originally released in 1976, RS gave it a mixed review, stating it had no "focus or coherence." I think, perhaps, that is why I love it so much! Every time I listen to it, I discover something new, something different, some lyric or song that I had not fully appreciated before. It is also a very versatile album, and by that I mean you can really listen to it anytime, for any occasion...it is great background music for family dinners or informal gatherings, great to sing to in the car on long drives, or while stretching your vocals in the shower, and my favorite thing of all, it is fabulous to dance around to in the kitchen with the kids on a Sunday morning!

So, true to my little mouse friend, thinking of my favorite album again made me think of my favorite song on the album, and I think my favorite song ever and forever is "As." If you are not familiar with this one, it is a must!!I sing this song all the time to my kids, it was a lullaby when they were little and now they have started to sing along with me. It is at the top of the "most played" list on my ipod and I have been known to belt this one out over and over and over and over and over again when driving in the car (by myself) envisioning that this will be the song I dance to with my boys on their wedding day(s)(some people text and drive, I daydream and drive!). "Just as time knew to move on from the beginning/And the seasons know exactly when to change/Just as kindness knows no shame/Know through all your joy and pain/That I'll be loving you always!" Classic, timeless lyrics! Just chokes me right up every time. Seriously, I dare you to listen to the lyrics of this song, think of your kids or someone that you love dearly, unconditionally (on a good day) and not shed a tear or two...or three. AND it is not a sappy, lovey song, it is upbeat and a great song to dance to, it will no doubt lift you to a higher ground and leave you in a great mood. For all of my yoga friends, I think this might also be a fabulous tune for some sweaty power vinyasa on a Friday morning! (it always leads back to yoga, somehow!)

So, back to the album. Many great tunes to be found here, including, Love's in Need of Love Today, Pastime Paradise, Summer Soft, Village Ghetto Land. I have to agree with India.Arie in her ode to Stevie Wonder, "Wonderful" that SW is definitely the WS (Shakespeare) of our times. His lyrics are eloquent and powerful, his rhythms inspiring and this album sums it all up beautifully.

Things I Like.... Stevie Wonder! and I especially heart Songs in the Key of Life