Anyone familiar with the rhythmic repertoire of the Gap band, including classic tracks "You Dropped a Bomb on Me," "Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)," and "Yearning for Your Love," can hear traces of Charlie in the contemporary voices of current R&B royalty. Their music continues to be sampled by hundreds of artists including Madonna, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Ashanti, Will Smith, and George Michael to name a few.
"From day one, R. Kelly has always proclaimed himself a modern day Charlie Wilson," he says. "He and I have been talking about collaborating for years, and now it’s finally happening." On Charlie, Last Name Wilson, his first disc since 2001, the former cowboy boot wearing bro is now gator stepping in Chi-town with the king of urban grooves. "This was a big step for me, because the Gap band always did our own music," Wilson recalls. "Letting others write and produce for me, is a big step." Fortunately, coming through on his promise, R. Kelly has stepped to the plate to produce four mackadelic tracks.
"The first song we recorded was the title track. I already knew he was talented, but it was then I realized he’s a genius." With his own classic appeal, Charlie Wilson possess a style that has never gone out of style, the kind of voice that can be gutbucket and cool, smooth as hot butter and tasty as chocolate. "Charlie, Last Name Wilson" is the kind of urban romancer that will appeal to both old souls hanging in the spot and R&B kids chilling on the block.
The instant classic "No Words," is an exquisite track that has an eternal pop sound comparable to Burt Bacharach, Curtis Mayfield or Babyface. With this enchanting song, sonic Chicago architect R. Kelly has constructed one of the finest "drama" ballads of his career. "That is my favorite song, because it’s so powerful," Charlie says. "Basically, it’s me singing from the woman’s perspective. I know some men are going to be mad that I’m saying these things, because now they might have to stop playing basketball long enough to buy their lady some flowers."
Proving himself to be more than a balladeer, the smoking "So Hot" is the kind of popping dance-floor track one might not expect to hear. A master blaster for the BET generation, one can imagine booming speakers, slinking girls and enough sweat to swim through without drowning. Indeed, with a brilliant collection of material, Charlie, Last Name Wilson has created the perfect re-introduction for contemporary audiences to embrace.
Throwing down some new tricks, the upbeat groove of "Magic" is a whimsical song with Uncle Charlie (that’s what the kids call him) playing the roll of a magician—the kind who can blink his eye, mumble a few words and make your clothes disappear. "It’s all about being able to work that charm," Wilson says slyly. Abracadabra, hocus pocus and all that jazz…
Raised the son of a preacher man and a strict mother, Charlie recalls his Tulsa days with the fondness of a Hallmark card. "It was the kind of place where you could go to any door and borrow a cup of sugar," he says. "I had a very happy childhood." Though his mother did not want him sullying his ears with secular sounds, he says, "Pops didn’t care, because he had a nephew who was a blues musician. Every time he came around his car had shiny wheels and slicked back hair; he wore sharkskin suits and always had a car full of women. I knew then, that is what I wanted to do.
Inspired by the black velveteen of Sam Cooke and the Motown sound of Little Stevie Wonder, young Charlie began performing in local night spots while still a teen. "I would be playing for the same people at night that was teaching us during the day. We were playing grown folk’s music when we were still kids." Teaming with his brothers in 1967 Wilson proudly says, "And we’re still performing together today. We may not see eye to eye on everything, but we are family first. Some crazy things have gone down over the years, but family is the mother ship; and that big ship is the Gap Band."
In addition to their "roof is on fire" jams, the Gap Band was also known for making cowboy gear cool in the hood. "People used to tease us, because we came from Okalahoma," Charlie laughs. "So we just decided to dress like cowboys. When we put on the hat and boots, we knew it looked corny, but we did not care. That’s our look."
Though Charlie has had his share of wealth, he has also had his share of demons. Partying hard and living close to the edge, Charlie lost everything due to bad decisions and drug abuse. "I went from living in a mansion to living on the street," Charlie confesses. "I had strangers living in my house, stealing my cars. I had hit rock bottom. If it wasn’t for God and my wife, who knows where I would be today."
After the recording with R.Kelly in the windy city, Charlie returned to his adopted hometown of Los Angeles, going straight to the studio with superstar label-mate Justin Timberlake and Black Eyed Peas auteur Will.i.am. "Justin is a very talented kid," says Wilson. "We had worked together on a project with Snoop. We were hanging-out in my trailer when I asked if he wanted to be a part of the project. Justin is a real humble guy." Called "Floatin’," the track is bound to introduce Charlie Wilson to a brand new crowd. Simultaneously laidback and funky, there is a certain bliss one feels when listening to this song. Like an easy Sunday morning, "Floatin’" will make you feel good. "Will is like a modern day Sly Stone," he says. "He is on his way to great things."
For sure, Charlie Wilson knows about great things. From those early days touring with the Rolling Stones to being a major headliner in the early ‘80s, the Gap Band always brought the party. "When we performed it was all about showmanship," informs Wilson. "That’s what I think is missing in music right now, and I’m ready to bring it back."
The track for former new jack swing fans is Wilson’s remake of Guy’s classic ballad "Let’s Chill." Of course, as Uncle Charlie is quick to point out, Guy singer Aaron Hall listened to his share of Gap Band material before going into the vocal booth for the first time.
"We laugh about it," Wilson says. "But, singers like R. Kelly and Aaron Hall continued in the tradition of what I was doing." Produced by Platinum Brothers and Larry "Rock" Campbell the tone of the "Let’s Chill" remake does not stray far from the original Teddy Riley joint-ski, Wilson provides enough flavors to make it even spicier. With a haunting quality to his voice, this is the kind of mood music that demands a red light bulb dangling over the waterbed.
On Charlie, Last Name Wilson a masterful performer returns to proclaim his rightful place on the throne. Mixing booming beats with chocolate love, Charlie Wilson is bringing the truth; and, as with most great soul singers, the gospel of life, love and happiness can be heard in the grain of his voice.
Let's Chill
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Girl, I knew I had to have you
I wanted to wrap you with my embrace
Visions of your lovely face
All my love is for you
Whatever you want I will do
You're the only one I want in my life
[Chorus: x2]
Let's chill and let's settle down
That's what I wanna do
Just me and you
I'm so happy to have you here
Standing right by my side
Is it a dream or reality?
If it's a fantasy, please don't wake me
All my love is for you
Whatever you want I will do
You're the only one I want in my life
For you I'll make that sacrifice
[Chorus]
I want you to be by my side
You know I want you to be mine
It is no secret, you know how I feel
All I wanna do is just chill
Be mine for the rest of the night, baby
Now come on and let's ride
It is no secret, you know how I feel
All I wanna do is just chill
[Chorus]
This song by Charlie Wilson titled "Let's Chill" is a love song with romantic lyrics. In the first verse, the singer expresses his immediate attraction to the girl he is singing to. He knew from the very first moment he saw her that he needed her in his life. The singer then goes on to describe his desire to hold her in his arms and the vision he has of her lovely face. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Let's chill and let's settle down, that's what I wanna do, just me and you" which suggests that the singer is ready to commit to a relationship with the girl he is singing to. The second verse of the song emphasizes how happy the singer is to have the girl by his side and wonders if it's really true. He reiterates his love and commitment to her by saying that "whatever she wants he will do". The final verse of the song is a plea for the girl to be by his side and be his for the rest of the night.
The song is a testament to the power of love and the desire to find that special someone to settle down with. It highlights the importance of commitment in a relationship and the willingness to make sacrifices for the one you love. The phrase "let's chill" is used throughout the song as a way of expressing the singer's desire to spend quiet, intimate time with his love interest. The song's slow tempo and smooth melody perfectly capture the mood of a romantic evening with that special someone.
Line by Line Meaning
From the first time I saw your face
From the moment I laid my eyes on you
Girl, I knew I had to have you
I felt a strong desire to be with you
I wanted to wrap you with my embrace
I wanted to hold you tight in my arms
Visions of your lovely face
Images of your beautiful face kept flashing through my mind
All my love is for you
I give all my love to you
Whatever you want I will do
I am willing to do anything you desire
You're the only one I want in my life
You are the sole person I want to be with
For you I'll make that sacrifice
I am willing to give up things for you
Let's chill and let's settle down
Let's take it easy and relax together
That's what I wanna do
That's my sole desire
Just me and you
Just you and me, alone together
I'm so happy to have you here
I feel delighted to have you close by
Standing right by my side
Being next to me
Is it a dream or reality?
I cannot tell if it's a dream or not
If it's a fantasy, please don't wake me
If it is an imaginary world, please do not end it
I want you to be by my side
I want to be with you all the time
You know I want you to be mine
I want to possess you as mine
All I wanna do is just chill
All I want to do is relax with you
Be mine for the rest of the night, baby
Be mine for the remainder of the night, darling
Now come on and let's ride
Now, let's get going
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KENNETH HICKSON, KEITH SWEAT, BERNARD BELLE, MIKE CHESSER, ADAM GIBBS, EDWARD RILEY, CHARLES WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind