Brighter Side of Darkness, Love Jones | Throwback Vibez

In the 197th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Love Jones” by Brighter Side of Darkness.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 197^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Love Jones” performed by Brighter Side of Darkness.

“Love jones / I got a love jones / I got a love jones for you.” Word. “Love Jones” marks the sole hit by the short-lived (1972 – 74), Chicago R&B group, Brighter Side of Darkness. Most of the collective comprised of high school students though Daryl Lamont, the lead singer, was a preteen. “Love Jones” appeared on the collective’s sole album, fittingly titled, Love Jones. Brighter Side of Darkness got good mileage out of “Love Jones.” It peaked at no. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Also, the song was certified gold by the RIAA.

So, what makes “Love Jones” the cat’s meow – the sugar honey iced tea? Suave, spoken words verses by Randolph Murph over a lush, soulful backdrop go a long way.  “What, baby? What is a love jones? / Shucks, darling / It’s when you love someone very, very much / And you just can’t seem to get yourself together.” That is an accurate breakdown. Also, fittingly, the listeners are reminded that this is teenage love (“When Mr. Russell was giving us the test / I was sitting up staring at you and daydreaming / I know I failed, huh, a test paper with nothing but my name on it?”).  Beyond the ooey-gooey, love-oriented lyrics, the backdrop thrives. Clarence Johnson put his foot into the production! The accompaniment features a rhythm section, including an organ, as well as an orchestra (strings and the biting brass riffs stand out). Also, the background vocals of Brighter Side of Darkness sing those unforgettable, titular lyrics. “Love Jones” is a classic that keeps on giving! It has been sampled by others including Cheech and Chong (“Basketball Jones”), Keyshia Cole (“Love, I Thought You Had My Back”), and Refugee Camp All Stars (“I Got a Love Jones for You”).  Can you say, this song is unforgettable?!

Various Artists // Love Jones: The Best Of Funk Essentials Ballads, Vol. 2 // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1998

Brighter Side of Darkness, Love Jones: Throwback Vibez No. 197 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc.; OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]