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.
Life of the Party
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I brought you roses just to sweet you off your feet
Oh they'll be plenty of time for us to make love
But how about first we celebrate whats up
How does this sound
The city is ours
Let's take it downtown
Don't try to hide your smile
Let's go all out
The way we always do when we're together
Don't waste no time let's go
Now girl
Put on the dancing shoes tonight
Slip on the dress the one I like
All eyes on us cause we are the life of the party baby yeah
Sip a little something to break the ice
Glass in the air we're feeling nice
On the dance floor we're the life of the party baby yeah
Girl (girl)
The way we move
Nobody does it better
And under the moon and stars
I could stay like this forever
With you girl
When the D.J. play our song
We got together
And show them how it's done
Put on the dancing shoes tonight
Slip on the dress the one I like
All eyes on us cause we are the life of the party baby yeah
Sip a little something to break the ice
Glass in the air we're feeling nice
On the dance floor we're the life of the party baby yeah
Off we roll to the middle of the floor
Do your thing now do your thing girl
Off we go to the middle of the floor
Life of the party hey hey
Off we go to the middle of the floor
Do your thing now do your thing girl
Off we go to the middle of the floor
Do your thing baby
The way we move
Nobody does it better
Under the moon and stars
I could stay like this forever
With you girl
When the D.J. is play our song
We got to get up
And show them how it's done
Put on the dancing shoes tonight
Slip on the dress the one I like
All eyes on us cause we are the life of the party baby yeah
Sip a little something to break the ice
Glass in the air we're feeling nice
On the dance floor we're the life of the party baby
Put on the dancing shoes tonight
Slip on the dress the one I like
All eyes on us cause we are the life of the party baby
Sip a little something to break the ice
Glass in the air we're feeling nice
On the dance floor we're the life of the party baby yeah
Off we go, onto the floor, life of the party baby
The lyrics of Charlie Wilson's "Life Of The Party" express a desire to celebrate the present moment with someone special. The singer brought the person roses as a gesture of admiration, and suggests that they should go downtown and hit their favorite spot. While the idea of making love is not ruled out, the main focus of the night is to dance and have fun. The chorus highlights their confidence and ability to draw attention to themselves, creating an upbeat and carefree atmosphere. The repetitive "off we go" line invites the listener to join in on the experience of being the life of the party.
The song is an ode to living in the moment and grasping happiness with both hands. The lyrics are a call to live life to the fullest and enjoy the company of someone special. The song is an anthem for people who want to have fun and let go of their inhibitions for a while. The up-tempo and lively melody, accompanied by upbeat lyrics, makes the listener want to dance and celebrate life.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonight your in for a special treat
I've got something exciting planned for us tonight
I brought you roses just to sweet you off your feet
I got you flowers to make you feel special
Oh they'll be plenty of time for us to make love
We'll have plenty of alone time later
But how about first we celebrate whats up
Let's have some fun before getting romantic
How does this sound
Do you like my plan?
The city is ours
Let's take control of the city
Let's take it downtown
Let's go to the city center
To your favorite spot
Let's go to your preferred location
Don't try to hide your smile
I can tell you're happy
Let's go all out
Let's make the most of the night
The way we always do when we're together
Like we always do when we're hanging out
Don't waste no time let's go
Let's not delay, let's get going
Now girl
Let's go now
Put on the dancing shoes tonight
Wear your dancing shoes tonight
Slip on the dress the one I like
Wear the dress that I like
All eyes on us cause we are the life of the party baby yeah
People will pay attention to us because we're the center of attention
Sip a little something to break the ice
Have a drink to relax and loosen up
Glass in the air we're feeling nice
We're enjoying the drinks and good mood
On the dance floor we're the life of the party baby yeah
We're the highlight of the party on the dance floor
Girl (girl)
Addressing the person he's talking to
The way we move
We have great dance moves
Nobody does it better
We're the best dancers around
And under the moon and stars
In this romantic setting
I could stay like this forever
I never want this moment to end
When the D.J. play our song
When our favorite song comes on
We got together
We join up and dance together
And show them how it's done
Show off our impressive dance skills
Off we roll to the middle of the floor
We head to the center of the dance floor
Do your thing now do your thing girl
Dance however you want to dance
Life of the party hey hey
We're the most exciting part of this party
Do your thing baby
Keep dancing, keep having fun
Put on the dancing shoes tonight
Wear your dancing shoes tonight
Slip on the dress the one I like
Wear the dress that I like
All eyes on us cause we are the life of the party baby
People are watching us because we're the highlight of the party
Off we go to the middle of the floor
We head to the center of the dance floor
Do your thing now do your thing girl
Dance however you want to dance
Life of the party hey hey
We're the most exciting part of this party
Do your thing baby
Keep dancing, keep having fun
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, KAREN SCHAUBEN PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION
Written by: DEANNA DELLACIOPPA, GREG PAGANI, EDWIN SERRANO, WILLIAM SERRANO, CHARLIE WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind