That’s My Jam: The Best Songs For Any And Every Occasion

Family Barbecues, Reunions and Picnics: “Love and Happiness” by Al Green

I don’t care what else you play, but if I don’t hear these exact words come out of someone’s old-school CD speaker or through someone’s iPod, than the party isn’t a real party: “Love and happiness…something that can make you do wrong, make you do right…mmhmmmmm!” Sure it’s a love song, but for some reason, it just plays like a feel good jam that anyone can enjoy. I can see the burgers sizzling on the grill and the many bad nieces, nephews and cousins scurrying all about. Good times…

Runner Up: “Before I Let Go” Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly

Somebody’s Anniversary: “Anniversary” Tony! Toni! Tone!

Uh, hello!? This song was made especially for that special day, hence the name. I love the way it teases you and gives the impression that nothing else matters. Why? Because it’s your mutha-lovin anniversary girl! That’s why. In Chicago, we would step to something like this, but for everyone else, get up real close to the one you love and groove. Because as Raphael says in the track (cause you know none of their names were actually Tony right?), “Victoria will be no secret at the end of the day, it’s our anniversary!”

Runner Up: “Never Felt This Way” Brian McKnight

Running Around the Christmas Tree: “This Christmas” Donny Hathaway

OMG, just thinking about this song now gets me so excited about the holidays!!!! Sorry, I’m a weirdo like that. But this has to be one of the greatest Christmas songs ever recorded. It’s so jubilant and smooth with Donny’s voice, piano, the strings and those horns. I could be pissed about a run in with horrible customer service while Christmas shopping, but if I get in the car and hear this, it’s a wrap on the negative. “We’re CAROLING through the niiiiiiiiight!” Love, love, love it. Can’t say it enough. Sorry Bing, “White Christmas” is cool, but this is THE jam.

Runner Up: “Silent Night” The Temptations

Fright Night – Halloween: “Thriller”

At my last job, in the building we worked in, the staff played “Thriller” on Halloween while a slideshow played of employees who dressed up for the occasion. It was cute at first…but they played the song over, and over, and over, all day! While I was irritated then, when I think of it now, could anything else have been so perfect to play? It was fun to hear and everytime I went for a restroom break in the building I wanted to do the zombie dance. There are probably dozens of other songs that could work on Halloween, but this one about monsters and frightening freaks is the best. They just don’t make music like this anymore.

Runner Up: “Freaks Come Out at Night” Whodini/”Mind is Playing Tricks on Me” Geto Boyz

Friday, Oh Glorious Friday: “Just Got Paid” Johnny Kemp

This song isn’t even all that good, yet and still, it’s so fitting for the way a person feels on Friday–especially a person with a job. Friday for a lot of people is pay-day so being reminded that you’ve got money in your bank account again through song is excellent. You can get by without knowing all the words, just jam to the chorus and make sure you get yourself some plans so you’re not just singing it on the way to the bed early.

Runner Up: “This is How We Do It” Montell Jordan

Bad Break Up Sulking Jam: “I’m Going Down” Mary J. Blige

“Said I’ll be going down…” If your man is gone, then hell yeah, you’ve probably got a good amount of time on your hands right now. Real talk, any Mary song from the early ’90s could be good for reminiscing over a lost relationship, but “I’m Going Down” is the song for it. It’s sad as all get out and the way she sings with so much pain and strain in her voice, I can just see someones distressed, disheveled and drunk behind blasting this while sitting in bed crying. Hey, happens to the best of us. Not me though…(*side eye*)

Runner Up: “Stranger in My House” Tamia

Mommy’s Day: “Dear Mama” 2Pac

This song is actually a little depressing at times, but it’s one of those jams that always makes people think about the awesome-ness that is their mom. Turn on a radio to a black station in any city and somebody’s behind is going to be blasting “Dear Mama.” And for good reason. It’s a powerful piece of music and really stirs up some emotions. “You are appreciated.”

Runner Up: “A Song For Mama” Boyz II Men

Wedding Reception Jams: “Spend My Life With You” Eric Benet & Tamia

I’m sure you’ll have your playlist all ready to go when the big day comes, but I know one song that is a must at wedding ceremonies. I’m not even a slow song person because I like to JAM on the dance floor. But I love watching newlywed boos dance to this song. It’s beautiful and such a joyful hit. Black love is wonderful, so watching people twirl around to this song like no one else is there damn near brings a tear to my eye…Love it!

Runner Up: “I Can’t Stop Loving You” Kem

When You’re in the Mood for Love: “Til the Cops Come Knockin'”Maxwell

Geez, there are so many cuts you can choose from for this very intimate time, but I personally am a fan of something smooth, not rough songs that are way too direct. That’s why I choose Maxwell’s “‘Til the Cops Come Knockin.” It’s so ’90s in its approach with the heavy keyboard use and sound effects, but it’s just right too. Especially with that voice! I look it as the classy boot-knockin jam for the grown and Hot. But what would you prefer to play?

Runners Up: “Say Yes” Floetry

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