Humble Recommendations: 5 Songs by Black Artists to Explore

It is undeniable that Black culture has contributed substantially to modern music as we know it. Many innovative styles of music have been greatly influenced by, if not pioneered by black visionaries of sound. The influence of Black musicians carries on, from R&B to Avant-jazz and everything in between. In honor of February being Black History Month, here are five inspired, distinct, and splendid pieces of music created by black artists to explore. Headphones are always recommended!

1. Journey in Satchidananda — Alice Coltrane

Alice Coltrane was a jazz composer and musician whose work often featured a majestic melting pot of influences. In her piece titled “Journey in Satchidananda,” Coltrane draws inspiration from Indian classical music, featuring the sound of a tanpura (a droning stringed instrument) firmly rooting itself underneath a shimmering layer of jingling percussion and steady upright bass. Coltrane’s harp possesses a fresh, dynamic timbre that transports listeners to a nearly celestial realm of sonic embodiment. The ebb and flow of this piece are complemented by the saxophone work of jazz aficionado Pharaoh Sanders. The eclectic amalgamation of sounds and textures on this piece offers listeners an enchanting take on exploratory jazz. 

2. Talkin’ Bout a Revolution — Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman’s “Talkin’ Bout a A Revolution” channels an air of hope for progress and change. Chapman’s rich, instantly recognizable voice carries an unaffected sincerity as she sings of “tables starting to turn” and the sound of a revolution being “a whisper.” Chapman relates to everyday audiences by referencing the mundanity and bleakness of a corporate, capitalistic society, with mentions of “waiting for a promotion” and “wasting time in the unemployment lines.” She is accompanied by the bright, simplistic yet expressive chords of an acoustic guitar— an additional sonic reflection of a sanguine approach to contemporary folk-pop. This tune is undeniably inspiring and especially relevant in the midst of 21st-century chaos and advancement. 

3. What’s Going On — Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye, commonly known as the “Prince of Motown” was an undoubtedly huge figure in music during his time, penning and delivering thoughtful, captivating music to the world in a time of continuous social change and unrest. In “What’s Going On,” Gaye explores themes of cruelty, bias, and injustice, singing “…everybody thinks we’re wrong… but who are they to judge us simply ’cause our hair is long.” He addresses the positive impact of communication and mutual understanding with lines like “…talk to me so you can see what’s going on…” and “…you know we’ve got to find a way to bring some understanding here today….” Gaye’s vocal performance in this song is passionate and tuneful, as he alternates between scatting and singing. “What’s Going On” begins with chattering voices that eventually fade out and let the melodic instrumentals and vocals take over, only to rise back up again as the song progresses. I imagine the voices are omnipresent, and that they return every now and then to remind listeners that the voices of many individuals who speak for justice still tirelessly stand and advocate even when others aren’t listening to them. 

4. Black Qualls — Thundercat

Stephen Lee Bruner, or Thundercat’s “Black Qualls” is a song that captures the magic of multiple artists’ creative input. It features songwriting and performance contributions from Steve Lacy, Steve Arrington, and Childish Gambino. The lyrics focus on the themes of progression, paranoia, and pursuit of satisfaction that accompany adulthood, with lines like “I just bought a crib… I bought a brand new ride, am I keeping it real? …I’m not living in fear, just being honest” and “Is it just me or am I paranoid? Gotta keep it on the low ’cause I’ve been robbed before.” Bruner’s undeniable flair for creating and meticulously expressing superb basslines is definitely apparent in “Black Qualls,” with its anchoring grooves. The smoothness of this song’s vocals and bass is juxtaposed against slightly gritty drum sounds that add a dash of tasteful roughness to the mix, making up a neat take on modern funk and R&B.

5. In Your Eyes — Anjimile

Anjimile’s song titled “In Your Eyes” is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of gender identity. “I went home and I asked my parents what “Anjimile” meant. They told me that “Anjimile” means “denied” in Chichewa (the native language of Malawi, where my family is from) and that one of my aunts had cried out “oh, Anjimile” when I was born because she was hoping my parents would have a son. In this context, “Anjimile” means “denied a boy.” There’s a couple of lyrics in this song that go “Does my body divide / was my body denied?” and they’re quite literal and based around the aforementioned context,” Anjimile mentioned to American Songwriter. The song starts off with plucked acoustic guitars and progresses into a gorgeous sonic environment filled with ethereal and grounded percussion, lush harmonies and backing vocals, a soft synth backdrop, and Anjimile’s soulful lead vocals front and center. “In Your Eyes” is a fluid expression of a deeply personal topic that fills and touches every corner of the room that it is played in.