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.
My Guarantee
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Something's got you down
I could never seem to figure out
Why a lady so pretty is always wearing a frown
I could turn that to a smile
Sit and talk with me a while
I could show you love, care, and concern
Give me a chance
I'll be your every answer
To all the hurting questions, lessons that kept you guessing
If you would just come to me
Give me all your attention
My love will make things better
And I bet you, if you let me, I'll make you happy, baby, please
[Chorus]
Baby, just let me love you
I promise I'll look out for you
I'll be the man to spoil you, girl
That's my guarantee
Baby, just let me show you
I'll put in work just for you
When it comes to you, it's whatever, girl
That's my guarantee
Throw on my gator shoes and slacks
You wear that dress with the open back
I'm gonna scoop you up
We'll go stepping, no questions
Dipping you slow, girl, you're a fox, I'll never go, oh
And we could have this kind of fun
Every weekend if you want
All you gotta do is let me show you what my kind of love can do
I'll be your every answer
To all the hurting questions, lessons that kept you guessing
If you would just come to me
Give me all your attention
My love will make things better
And I bet you, if you let me, I'll make you happy, baby, please
[Chorus]
You deserve better, you're a jewel
And I recognize the obstacles
That are qualified for loving you
Just give me a chance, chance on love
Can't you see
That the best thing for you is me
[Chorus]
The lyrics to Charlie Wilson's song "My Guarantee" revolve around the singer's attempt to woo a seemingly sad and down-on-her-luck lady. Charlie boldly promises to turn her frown into a smile, and he lets her know that he can be her answer to all the questions and worries that have kept her guessing. He pledges to spoil her and put in the work to make her happy, and he even gives a nod to the obstacles that may arise in their path. Charlie is undaunted by these obstacles, and he is convinced that his kind of love will be enough to make things better. He urges the lady to give him a chance to show her what he can do and make her happy.
The lyrics are straightforward and impactful, with a distinct focus on Charlie's determination to make things work with the lady. The chorus, with its repetition of the phrase "that's my guarantee," serves as a powerful reminder of Charlie's unwavering commitment to the lady, and his confidence that his love can overcome any obstacles in their path.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been seeing you around
I've noticed you several times
Something's got you down
Something is bothering you
I could never seem to figure out
I couldn't understand
Why a lady so pretty is always wearing a frown
I can't comprehend why a beautiful woman like you is always unhappy
I could turn that to a smile
I could make you happy
Sit and talk with me a while
Spend some time with me and share your feelings
I could show you love, care, and concern
I will give you love, attention, and support
Give me a chance
Trust me and give me an opportunity
I'll be your every answer
I'll be the solution to all your problems
To all the hurting questions, lessons that kept you guessing
I'll provide solutions to your emotional struggles
If you would just come to me
If you open up to me
Give me all your attention
Focus all your attention on me
My love will make things better
My affection will bring positivity to your life
And I bet you, if you let me, I'll make you happy, baby, please
I promise to bring happiness to your life, if you allow me
[Chorus]
Refrain/Chorus of the song
Baby, just let me love you
Allow me to love you
I promise I'll look out for you
I'll take good care of you
I'll be the man to spoil you, girl
I'll treat you like a princess
That's my guarantee
I assure you of it
Baby, just let me show you
Allow me to impress you
I'll put in work just for you
I'll make an effort for you
When it comes to you, it's whatever, girl
I'll do anything for you
That's my guarantee
I guarantee it
Throw on my gator shoes and slacks
I'll dress up for you
You wear that dress with the open back
You wear a dress that shows your back
I'm gonna scoop you up
I'll take you with me
We'll go stepping, no questions
We'll dance together without interruption
Dipping you slow, girl, you're a fox, I'll never go, oh
I'll dance slowly with you, and I will never leave you
And we could have this kind of fun
We can have a great time together
Every weekend if you want
Every weekend, if you agree
All you gotta do is let me show you what my kind of love can do
Just allow me to demonstrate the love I can give
You deserve better, you're a jewel
You deserve someone better, as you're valuable
And I recognize the obstacles
I acknowledge the challenges you're facing
That are qualified for loving you
I have the qualities to love you
Just give me a chance, chance on love
Just give me a chance to love you
Can't you see
Don't you realize
That the best thing for you is me
The most beneficial thing for you is me
Chorus
Refrain/Chorus of the song
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: T ABNEY, TERENCE ABNEY, T BLACK, TENESHA BLACKS, CITO CRANDLE, E CRANDLE, ESTEBAN CRANDLE, K GIST, KEIR GIST, S IRVING, SHAMWELL IRVING, N KENDALL, NASTACIA KENDALL, ERITZA LAUES, CLIF LIGHTY, B MUHAMMAD, BALEWA MUHAMMAD, F OLIPHANT, FRANK OLIPHANT, BALE'
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