The 'List: Valentine's Day

Hello, one and all.

My close BFF Calvin (I'm the Hall to his Oates) Cherry has been battling the elements, so this 'list is an all-me 'list and yes, no surprise - it coincides with the big holiday that makes our hearts swoon in the middle of February. Of course, I'm talking about Valentine's Day. Heart-shaped chocolate candy boxes, roses, soft candlelight, romantic dinners, and maybe even a movie date night, followed by - uh, give me a second. Eccchhh!! Ok, just kidding. I really don't care what is done in many billions of bedrooms all across America.

So, a bit of a confession. I'm single and at present, married to my career. But, can a gruff man like myself have a romantic side? Well, the strangest answer to that is a big fat, YES! Much of the best music in my opinion are ballads. There's something soothing and uplifting about a really good love song. I guess we as human beings have the ability to express our love for our spouse, partner, family, friends, children etc. etc. through music. I distinctly remember the late Casey Kasem and his American Top 40 radio program and the segment he called "The Long Distance Dedication" where a listener could dedicate a song (ballad or not) to someone across the country.

The letters would often be intimate and touching; often sad, or even sometimes funny. One said dedication was even dedicated to a pet dog that died and the 1976 folksy, soft rock ballad, "Shannon" by Henry Gross was dedicated (Sidebar story about said dedication at the end of this 'list). Love is the purpose behind these dedications and music is often that bridge that helps us send that message to that loved one. That's precisely why I love ballads. They express what we want to say without having to say it.

This is my love 'list and it could've had more songs, but I figured it would be redundant and overkill. I also want to say that this is by no means a definitive 'list. There are many other songs I wanted to add that I couldn't; but whatever you and your significant other's plans are for the big V-day, feel free to use this 'list as a springboard and then, add your own selections to it.

Ain't love grand?

[My] Cherry Picks

This UK rock/blues band scored a major hit in 1977 with the dance-y rock track, "Couldn't Get It Right." They would score a big hit with this one as well and it went Top 20. The bizarre irony according to published reports and even the aforementioned AT40; the band members hated the song so much, that they refused to perform it in concert. Proof that even love songs don't always bring out the warm and fuzzy feelings of bands and musicians.

This Cresskill, NJ singer/songwriter/producer had already had a smash hit with his debut 1976 single, the synth-pop, psychedelia-laden ballad, "Dream Weaver." It was an almost heavenly miracle that his followup (this one) would go to the exact same position chart-wise (both went to number two).

You would think the one-time member of a band called Spooky Tooth would've had an illustrious career. Nope. Despite many albums and attempts at chart success; he was more of a concert staple and a mostly forgotten 1970s artist. He did have a comeback in 1981 with his hit, "Really Wanna Know You". This song is mostly known for its subtle gospel-tinged feel.

This blond UK rocker made the bicentennial year a memorable one with this sexy love rock ballad that pretty much doubled as "porn rock." It spent a cool seven weeks at the top and it's pretty forward with its lyrical content. Don't believe me? "Spread your wings and let me come inside." Now, with that image in your head, what do think the song is about....really?

The "Material Girl", Madge, her Highness, call her what you wish; the Bay City, MI, phenom had her second number one with this torchy, brooding ballad from a movie now largely forgotten about a high school wrestler. The film, "Vision Quest" may have fallen under the radar, but her Highness did appear in the movie singing this now classic ballad. One of her best and showcased that she was more than just innocuous dance tunes.

Months ago, I profiled this UK/US rock band and even though I forgot where this song was placed in its initial 'list, I was glad to place it on this one. It almost went to "Waiting For a Girl Like You" which was also a superb rock ballad, but for a band to infuse gospel music into the song and its message, its a testament to the power of music moving us all. This is, by the way, the band's one and only number one smash hit.

One of the signature songs by Babs herself. It was the love theme to one of her most popular movies where she was playing of all things—a rock star! It would win the Oscar for Best Original Song. Apparently a new version is being released soon with Bradley Cooper and none other than the new Babs; Lady Gaga.

This Illinois-born country/folk/rock singer/songwriter should have gotten the award for "The Most Sensitive Man on the Face of the Earth", for this earnest, acoustic guitar/strings/horns, tender ballad that I imagine was the mainstay at many weddings and many wedding receptions all throughout North America. He even kidded about the song's massive success, calling it "elevator muzak." Sadly, he passed away in 2007 and if its any indication of the song's lasting power, it's a perennial fixture in my mp3 'list. Moving on to...

Another song has that dubious distinction. This Aussie duo's hot ballad about love lost made many a guy play this song when they knew their girlfriend/wife was about to send them packing. Peaked at number two for the duo and has lead singer Russell Hitchcock holding his iconic last note for at least 15 seconds.

It was tough to find a tender love song from the late Minneapolis master genius of music, but finally I settled on this tender and sweet gem from his 1991 album which bore the same title. It has the unusual distinction of referring to both genders in the chorus when asking if he gave either diamonds and pearls to him/her. Hmmmmm....kinda makes you wonder. Though she never got the credit, NPG member Rosie Gaines is the song's co-singer.

I almost went with then-lead singer Peter Cetera's solo number one hit, "Glory of Love" from The Karate Kid Part II, but then, I remember how much I loved this classic power ballad with his former band, which managed to savor success in the 1980s with a long list of romantic ballads. He left in 1985, but this one is one of my all-time faves and showed he and the band able to still command attention with their music.

One of two cover songs on my 'list. I mean, sure, I could've just posted the original Bryan Adams 1985 smash power ballad. But, the second version, a more relaxed version of this combo of a Spanish and German DJ/producer with a singer from the Netherlands, doing justice and almost usurping the original.

This Texas-bred pop/blue-eyed soul singer had always had me with this sweet soul ballad from a John Travolta movie called "Urban Cowboy", which was basically a country and western version of his iconic "Saturday Night Fever", but instead of discos, was set in honkeytonk bars. His vocal delivery is spot on and yes, I always thought the man was Afro-American, due to his deep, soulful bravado. Try his 1976 disco/soul hit "Lowdown" and see what I mean.

Not many songs from the 00s decade made my arrow-to-the-heart 'list, but this New Zealand-born/UK-reared singer/songwriter made this cut with his killer, brooding rumination about unrequited love (something we can all relate to).

Or...and this is just spitballing; it may be about a breakup, due to the ill-timing of a marriage proposal. Who knows? It stuck and god-fucking-damn! That falsetto! He is the brother of Natasha Bedingfield who also enjoyed a successful singing career in the 00s decade.

If anything can be said about this killer cover of Dolly Parton's composition is that it is the epitome of the word: perfect. Many have used the song in weddings erroneously without discerning the song's "breakup" lyrics. The Newark, NJ icon, who sadly left us mourning since 2012 will always have a place in our hearts for this one masterpiece. From her 1992 movie with Kevin Costner: The Bodyguard. Believed to have almost never been considered for the film's soundtrack.

Funny thing about 'lists is that the next song has to be perfect. Another song was listed and then, I remembered how much I still love this potent, heart-wrenching ballad by this Canadian country singer/songwriter, which I also imagine, had to be the most requested song for weddings, proms, slow-dances, and...just because and because. So, I changed it to this one. What was the other song? Eh! Does it even matter now?

Strange choice here. It's a bluesy rock ballad about love spurned and delineating who is the one that loves who. But, I made this selection for all of us LGBTQ people who listen to music - granted made only for straight people. This KS rocker came out and she made us all believe that even sexual orientation is not a hindrance to follow your heart and your dreams. Bravo! The record is also a killer one! There you have it...! A rainbow pick for us queer folk.

There were two previous versions of this torchy ballad; three if you count Air Supply (pronoun change of course). Singer Jennifer Rush wrote it and sang it. The late Laura Branigan had a brief hit with it, but this iconic Quebecian singer with the killer pipes, took it all the way to number one in the early 90s.

She is obviously the poster woman for the "power love ballad". Proof of it was three years later when she sang the Oscar-winning love theme to the James Cameron disaster/romantic epic: Titanic, "My Heart Will Go On". Hankies anyone?

I was never really a fan of this blue-eyed soul/pop singer whose romantic ballad catalog dominated the charts in the 90s. Too many of his hits were honestly repetitive and I found them quite annoying. Then, in 1993, he defied me to listen to this torchy ballad, and demanded that I like it. Well, suffice it to say, this New Haven, CT native has had the last laugh ever since. It's the only song of his I ever listen to. Damn him!

This iconic song by this UK/US trio is put here for a reason. DO NOT ever dedicate this song to your husband/wife/spouse - EVER! Even lead singer, Sting, was baffled as to the hyper-smash success the song had on the entire planet! The song is not a love song. Not by any stretch. It's an anti-love song. Possession, obsession, anger and rage are the song's themes. It's essentially...a stalker song! Seriously! So...in summation; consider your relationship over if you so much as dedicate this song! Not all ballads are heartwarming and sweet. Some are somber, brooding and hateful.

Consider this sexy, torch ballad a first. The first ballad that was the theme to a popular James Bond 007 thriller (the title is the dead giveaway). Why is it on my 'list? This sexy Scottish singer with the killer high-octave voice (and a one-time Prince protege, despite already being established both here and the UK) simply nails it! That's it! Now, where's my martini?

This is my just because choice. This 1970 lilting ballad brought the brother/sister duo from CA into our consciousness and have never left. Karen and Richard did the unthinkable - take an orphan song; made it their own and made us love it despite ourselves. The end...

Okay, so...not quite. The Who's lead singer had his first solo hit go top ten at the start of the 80s decade. Forgoing his progressive sound for a 60s bop/new wave sound and still keeping it under three minutes, this overused classic has been heard in countless television shows, movies (Look Who's Talking, anyone?) and commercials and yet, I never tire of hearing it. Proof also that a love song can be fast, beat-heavy and even dance-y.

My buddy, Oates, is a self-admitted EJ junkie! I think he'd be proud that I included this iconic debut single that put The Rocket Man or Captain Fantastic on the map and we've been thankful that he did ever since.

This Hawaiian-born singer/entertainer/comedienne had me at "Some say love..." the second she begins singing after the now seminal piano opening. It was the unsanctioned theme to her 1979 musical drama movie debut that made us look at her as more than performer who could be a knockout in a mermaid costume. This iconic song has always been a favorite of mine. Out of the darkness, rises rebirth. And finally...

This superstar Supreme/Commodore duet was all the rage in the summer of '81 and for good reason. It's that good! Although it was the theme to a hardly-seen-and-cared-for teenage romance drama movie that starred, but did not miraculously kill her career, Brooke Shields; the song was and is etched into our love consciousness and will be until the Man Upstairs finally pushes the "time to nuke the world" button.

Why is this one my last choice? If you listen to the song, the hook is its sense of finality. Think of this song as what Romeo and Juliet may have sung to each other before they ended it. This is the hands-down winner of my V-day love 'list!

Hope you enjoy your Valentine's Day, one and all.

Final Thought: The Casey Kasem "Shannon" dedication was also the subject of a profanity-laced tirade the late DJ had off the air. I suppose not all dedications were greeted with hugs and kisses and sweet nothings. A fact, do with it what you wish.

Next 'List Pending.