On the Request Line

Love songs by Bahamas, Drew Holcomb, and Etta James

“You say it best when you say nothing at all”

-Alison Krauss

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She sang it, but she didn’t write it. We all have a moment when we find out a song we love was not written by the artist who recorded it. It stings a bit more when it’s a love song or breakup song because you want them to be telling their own story. Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz wrote, “When You Say Nothing at All,” but Alison Krauss crushed it in her hit version from the mid-90s. Still a great tune as we head into Valentine’s Day. 

This week’s MusicSwap features 3 diverse love songs and a tribute to a dying musical tradition: the late night love song request line. Make sure to read all the way through for a bonus Valentine’s Day playlist.

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Always on My Mind by Bahamas (Jonathan)

Bahamas is the stage name of Canadian music artist Afie Jurvanen. I love almost everything he puts out, all his originals, and really love this cover of a well-known love song. 

“Always On My Mind” has been recoded over 300 times by different artists, probably most notably by Brenda Lee, Elvis, and Willie Nelson, the latter of which I thought forever was the original writer. Willie is my favorite voice to this song, but Bahamas’ version has been on my playlist the last several years. Have you messed up and need a good apology track this Valentine’s Day, then this is your song.

Also available on Apple Music.

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What Would I Do Without You by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors (Kody)

My person is picked and it’s that time to let her know my song (see the bonus track below by Ryan Smeets). This is definitely a go-to love song for me. It’s a celebration from a husband to a wife (both excellent musicians by the way) of her grit, joy, stability, hopefulness, and constancy. It’s a confession many men have made, from Adam of Eden to Jerry Maguire, “YOU COMPLETE ME.” I can’t pass up the opportunity to include a line from the song:

The difference between what I’ve said and done

And you’re still standing by my side

A guilty soul and a worried mind

I will never make it

If I’m on my own

Also available on Apple Music.

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A Sunday Kind of Love by Etta James (Ben)

I have attended many weddings when the powerful vocals of Etta James (accompanied by simple, longing strings) open with the iconic lyrics, “At Last.” It’s one of those songs that couples leave the safety of their seats to walk to the dance floor and sway slowly. Etta recorded another classic on that 1961 album entitled, A Sunday Kind of Love. She sings about a “love for all of life, to have and to hold.” (my favorite line). She sang it, but she didn’t write it. Like At Last, it was written and first recorded almost 15 years before, but her version is worth adding to your Valentines playlist.

Also available on Apple Music.

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What’s a go-to love song you will have queued up this Valentine’s Day?

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Bonus Track: On the Request Line by Ryan Smeets

Hey Callers, 

What’s on your mind this week?

I am chewing on the savory topic of romance. 

And the thought that the late night love song request line is a musical tradition that our children will never understand. 

The fellas had Art Laboe (RIP - 1925-2022) while the ladies had Delilah Rene. 

Do you remember your local time slot? I bet you can even hear the DJ’s voice in your head, but can you even fathom all the restored relationships made complete by this simple gesture through radio airwaves?

How about the surging confidence the masses felt while hearing the soothing voice of the DJ tenderly introduce “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston? 

Just try, I dare you. 

My local station was Los Angeles’ KOST 103.5 with the evening slot titled, “Love Songs On the KOST (pronounced “coast”) hosted by a delicate treasure known as Karen Sharp. 

Her motto, “Soft Rock With Less Talk.”

Double entendre? No doubt.  

Each dedication functioning as a sort of prayer; with hope crescendoing into peak romance. An auditory aphrodisiac. 

The song’s rhythm doesn’t have to be fast or slow, but the lyrics must convey the heart’s desire.

Have you got your person picked already? If so then it’s time they know your song for them.

So this Valentine’s day I invite you to go and make that dedication.

In case you need some inspiration I have provided a playlist to inspire you. 

❤️,

Ryan Smeets

Happy Valentine’s Day

-TheMusicSwap