S.O.S. Band's High Hopes

Who said 1980s was the decade R&B died? "High Hopes" is a classic jam everyone can get down to while being funky and featuring good singers. Yes, synthesizers and electronic effects have taken over (it was the 1980s after all) but there was some great R&B from the decade, including Michael Jackson, Prince, and even Rick James. Damn, anyone who hears Mary Jane Girls' "All Night Long" and isn't an instant fan needs to check themselves into a hospital. Anywho, "High Hopes" has funk, soul, and is perfect for relaxation or study music. "High hopes for you and me, hope we'll stay together eternally" is a great line, too.

Onra, a French producer, did an excellent remix/cover with an amazing vocalist, Reggie B. This is great R&B, with a good singer, Reggie, and the slowed down funk of S.O.S. Band's original "High Hopes." Indeed, I actually prefer this version of the song more than the original, although the original uses live instrumentation. Reggie's additional lyrics are also worthwhile, although it is essentially, like most contemporary R&B, just another love song. Regardless, this jam is always worth listening to again on repeat. Check out "Long Distance" by Onra from the same album to hear how great his music is. He once again uses 1980s R&B samples brilliantly and has a great vocalist sing on this funky cut. Here is the original, "Have You For My Love" by Carol Williams.