From 2Pac appreciating his mother to Danzig belting "Mother" at a full-throated, hard-rock howl, there are plenty of ways to toast the women who gave us life on Mother's Day. Raise a glass this Mother's Day, and let these songs be your soundtrack.
"Dear Mama"
2Pac
In the late, great 2Pac's tribute to his mama, Afeni Shakur -- who gave birth to him a month after being released from jail -- the late rap icon says the words that every mother wants to hear: "You are appreciated."
"Mama"
The-Dream
On his 2007 debut album, "Lovehate," The-Dream mourns the passing of his mother in "Mama," a heart-filled, melodic and auto-tuned dedication to her. Reminiscing on loving memories, the "Radio Killa" dreams of bringing his mother back to life.
"The Perfect Fan"
The Backstreet Boys
In this soft rock piano medley, the Backstreet Boys declare their love and appreciation for their mothers. With lyrics like "You showed me when I was young just how to grow," Hallmark could learn a thing or two from these gentlemen. When the song debuted in 1999, fans and mothers everywhere swooned.
"Look What You've Done"
Drake
In candid disclosure of the hardships he went through with his mother and family, Drake gratefully thanks them for helping him become the man he is today on 2011's "Look What You've Done." Ending with a recording of a loving voicemail from his grandmother, this "Take Care" track sentimentally greets "Happy Mother's Day."
"(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You"
'N Sync
'N Sync's pop ballad "God Must Have Spent (A Little More Time On You)" could be written about any woman in the boys' lives, but they dedicated it to their moms. The video features a mother and child, from birth to adulthood, growing and making memories while the boys croon in white suits.
Text by Monica Herrera, Connor McKnight, Khalila Douze, Sarah Maloy and Maria Sherman.
"Motherlover"
Lonely Island
Years after Justin Timberlake sang a tribute to his mom with 'N Sync, the pop star-turned-actor joined Lonely Island in celebrating their Oedipal complexes in the comedy single (and corresponding music video), "Motherlover." The comedic group, comprised of Kiv Schaffer, Jorm Taccone and Andy Samberg, also has a second, less sexualized Mother's Day song, "Mama."
"Oh Mother"
Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera is celebrating her third Mother's Day as a Mom with three-year-old Max, but this 2006 single addresses her own early childhood, as she thanks her mother for leaving her abusive father.
"Mother"
Danzig
Danzig's 1991 breakthrough hit isn't really about mothers, but like them, it rocks.
"Hey Mama"
Kanye West
Kanye West owes a lot to his mother Donda West, who retired from her job as an English professor to manage her son's career. This performance, filmed before Donda passed away unexpectedly in 2007, is a testament to their close bond.
"Mama I'm Coming Home"
Ozzy Osbourne
This 1991 track was actually written for Ozzy's wife and manager Sharon Osbourne, whom the hard-rocker refers to as "Mama."
"Mother's Little Helper"
The Rolling Stones
This Rolling Stones classic seems harmless, but a deeper listen actually reveals that the title is a reference to prescription drugs used by lonely housewives.
"Mama"
Crystal Bowersox
Dubbed "Mama Sox" by her fellow season 9 "American Idol" contestants, Bowersox recorded "Mama," an acoustic ballad saying farewell rather than giving thanks. As a young mother herself, Crystal sings passionately and from the heart.
"Mother"
Pink Floyd
On this song from its classic 1971 album "The Wall," Pink Floyd asks, "Mother, do you think they'll like this song?" They certainly did.
"Mama Said Knock You Out"
LL Cool J
While we're pretty sure Mama wouldn't approve of violence or forgetting to take out the garbage, she's bound to appreciate an LL classic that samples James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone.
"Hot Mama"
Trace Adkins
Trace Adkins tips his cowboy hat to all the "Hot Mamas" of the world: "You worry about your hips, and you worry about your age/Meanwhile I'm tryin' to catch the breath you take away." Aw.
"Mama's Pearl"
The Jackson 5
Recorded by the Jackson 5 in 1971, "Mama's Pearl" was reportedly called "Guess Who's Making Woopie (With Your Girlfriend)" until the lyrics and title were changed to fit 13-year-old Michael.
"Mother"
John Lennon
John Lennon's song "Mother" is actually a song written for both his parents -- his father left when Lennon was only an infant, and his mother was killed in a car crash when he was 17.
"A Song for Mama"
Boyz II Men
A staple of any Mother's Day playlist, this Boyz II Men ballad is about a family held together by a mother's traditions.
"Mama Liked The Roses"
Elvis Presley
Released in 1970 as a B-side to his classic single "The Wonder of You," Presley's song is in memory of mothers who can't be with their children on the holiday.
"Mama"
Spice Girls
The idea for this Spice Girls ballad arose in 1997, when Melanie "Scary Spice" Brown thought it would be a good idea to write a tribute for the mamas of the group.
Find us on Google+
0 comments:
Post a Comment