Michael Jackson – Maria (You Were The Only One)

My personal favourite Michael Jackson tune, taken from his debut solo album when MJ was only 13 years old. Unbelievable to think that a 13 year old can sing about a girl (Maria) with so much passion and emotion, but as it proved to be, he was a special talent. Alot of attention in recent years has moved away from Michael’s musical talents, but as a younger man he reached the very height of the Motown movement before crossing over and dominating the pop charts for over 10 years. A great tune, sampled heavily, most notably in my recollection by Fat Joe, and well worth a listen if you’ve never heard of it.

Etta James – I’d Rather Go Blind

So i haven’t known about this song for that long, but when i first heard it a few months ago now, i was absorbed by her voice. So distinctive, powerful, absolutely stunning, i couldn’t believe such a motown classic had never passed my ears before. Etta James (born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938) is an American blues, soul, R&B, rock & roll, gospel and jazz singer and songwriter. James is the winner of four Grammys and seventeen Blues Music Awards, and she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001, and the Grammy Hall of Fame in both 1999 and 2008. Etta has released 27 studio produced albums, and countless live albums, with over 25 singles making it into the US music charts, she truly represents a modern day hero and icon for the music industry. The song ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ was first recorded by Etta James, and done so in 1969, but to this day sever other versions exist, these include efforts by BB King, Clarence Carter, Rod Stewart and Beyonce Knowles. However i think it would be difficult to argue with people that suggest the Etta James version still maintains the highest props. The emotion in the track, provides a raw power that is seldom seem with music in the current generation, whilst the lyrics (written by Ellington Jordan), serve to emphasise James’s voice to perfection. So here it is, hope you enjoy.