Some songs never seem to get old, while others sound dated from the moment they blare from the speaker. My friends and I sat around the other night debating 80’s and 90’s tunes that made us pause in the present day, the only thing we agreed upon is that we’re tired of people reverbing off Micheal’s back catalog. Surprisingly here are some old school joints that made the cut.
Artist: Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam “Head to Toe”
Remade By: Danity Kane or Cherish
» For a moment in the late 80’s, it was pretty hard to tune into a radio station (pop or urban) without this infectious little ditty screaming out. Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam’s Spanish Fly spawned a number of hit’s but this one seems like the most timeless of the bunch. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a re-incarnation of this joint by funky haired D. Woods and the girls - since it was parked on billboard at #1 for two weeks in 1987, it may give them that international appeal they crave so.
Artist: Usher “My Way”
Remade By: Chris Brown
» If I remember correctly, this was the joint that made me take Usher seriously as a dancer/performer. He was still very much a kid around this time, but it seemed as if he had some major adult plans in the works - sort of like young Chris. I’m sure Usher wouldn’t clear it, but it’d be cool to see what type of stank CB would put over this simple arrangement. And I could only imagine the type of acrobatics the video would contain - they could even do a dance off.
Artist: New Edition “If It Isn’t Love”
Remade By: Day 26
» The storyline alone in this classic New Edition video alone screams last season’s Making the Band, but it doesn’t help that it also peaked at #7 on the pop charts back in 1988. The clip starts with their manager berating them to get it together for the show, meanwhile he tortures the band the rest of the video until they get it right - sound familiar. A remake of this Jimmy Jam/Terry Lewis cut is also primed for the perfect Puffy cameo, and let’s be honest, isn’t that what Puff really want in a band.
Artist: Pat Benatar “Love Is A Battlefield”
Remade By: P!nk or Keyshia Cole
» In 1983 while waiting for “Beat It” to appear on MTv, I had to settle for this Pat Benatar clip - who knew she’d turn me out. Although the gritty styled clothes and dancing seems as dated as a calculator watch, the soul of the song translates effortlessly. A predictable remake would include P!nk, a lot of outfit changes and a couple of smirks, but wouldn’t it also be dope to hear Keyshia Cole slowing it down, and stripping it into one of her torch ballads - well, stranger things have happened.
Artist: Whitney Houston “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
Remade By: Rihanna
» Before you send a rude email you’ll probably regret later, hear me out. I know Rihanna shouldn’t actually touch anything Whitney Houston put on wax, but isn’t this one of her easier tracks. A DJ friend of mine sampled it last year over Ciara’s “Get Up” beat - it rocked. Surprisingly, it sounded like it could be released tomorrow. And if there is anyone in the industry with creative producers to fill in the trouble spots it’s Rihanna - now do you see the vision?
What songs do you think need an upgrade?
WHAT NOW?