Commodores, “Still” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 111^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Still” by the legendary R&B/soul collective, Commodores. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 111^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Still”, performed by the legendary R&B/soul collective, 🎙 Commodores.

Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

“Lady, morning’s just a moment away / And I’m without you once again.” Somehow, 🎙 Commodores, while 🎙 Lionel Richie was the lead singer and songwriter, failed to win a 🏆 Grammy.  It seems like a travesty, doesn’t it? Eventually, both would earn those elusive awards, of course.  One of many instances where Richie and Commodores deserved to be recognized was for the surefire, throwback gem, 🎵 “Still”.  “Still,” which graced their 1979 album, 💿 Midnight Magic, wasn’t even nominated for Grammy – bummer! Regardless, “Still” still peaked at no. 1 on both the R&B and pop charts (Billboard Hot 100).  By my estimations, it’s one of Commodores’ very best! Anytime matters of the heart is involved in an R&B, the results are sweet music to our ears!

It goes without saying that Lionel Richie sounds amazing singing the lead.  His tone is utterly sublime.  He brings ample tenderness while simultaneously being expressive in the verses. “So many dreams that flow away / So many words we didn’t say,” he sings in the second verse, continuing about the state of an ended relationship, “Two people lost in a storm / Where did we go?” In an article about “Still”, Tom Breihan of Stereogum writes, “Richie wasn’t writing from experience… he was still married to his first wife when he wrote ‘Still.’ Instead, Richie wrote it about two friends who were splitting up.” Richie captures the end amicably and thoughtfully – it’s not the least bit messy. In the centerpiece, the chorus, Richie retains the classiness and finesse.

“We played the games that people play

We made our mistakes along the way

Somehow I know deep in my heart

You needed me

‘Cause I needed you so desperately!

We were too blind to see

But then most of all

I do love You

Still.”

Final Thoughts 💭

One of the best, most classic moments of 🎵 “Still” is the subtlety with which Richie delivers the titular lyric with – still.  The execution of that small detail exemplifies a vocal performance at its very best.  Commodores and Lionel Richie delivered a truly marvelous joint with “Still” which is the gift that still keeps on giving.

🎙 Commodores • 💿 Midnight Magic • 🏷 Motown • 🗓 1979

Commodores, “Still”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 111 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  Motown, The Musical Hype]