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.
Precious Love
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The oceans would be more blue
Your smile would last longer
Your days wouldn't end so soon
And if I never told you, that you're I see
The way of my life would be incomplete
And I could never hurt you
Baby all you need, is my precious love
My precious love, my precious love
Ooh baby-baby, all that you need is
My precious love, my precious love
Wine would taste sweeter
The music would sound so smooth
The wind would feel lighter
The nights would be made for two
And if I never told you, that you're I see
The way of my life would be incomplete
And I could never hurt you
You're the air I breathe
Baby all you need, is my precious love
My precious love, my precious love
Ooh baby-baby, all that you need is
My precious love, my precious love baby
Girl, you don't have to look further than me
If I saw that you want me, baby ask and receive
Hold out your hand, girl take a chance
Oh my-my-my-my-my
My precious love, my precious love, my precious love
Ooh baby-baby, all that you need is
My precious love, my precious love
My precious love, my precious love, baby
My precious love, my precious love, yeah
My precious love
In this song, Charlie Wilson sings about how much his love means to the person he is singing to. He begins by saying that if they were together, the world will seem like a better place because they will bring out the best in each other. He goes ahead to explain that his love is so strong that it can make all the good things in life seem even better. His desire to express his love is so intense that he imagines that the wine would taste sweeter, the music would sound more pleasant, and the wind would feel lighter. He also describes that the nights will be made for two, which might suggest that he hopes to share intimacy with this person.
Charlie then goes on to emphasize the importance of expressing his love, stating that it is an essential part of his life. He acknowledges that, without this person and their love, his life would be incomplete. He ensures that he could never hurt this person because they mean everything to him. He ends the song by telling his love interest that they do not need to look further than him and that his love is all they need to make their world complete.
Overall, "Precious Love" is a heartfelt declaration of love, and it serves as a reminder of how essential it is to tell the people we love just how much they mean to us.
Line by Line Meaning
Our sky would be clearer
Life would be better with you in it, everything would seem clearer and brighter.
The oceans would be more blue
Your presence would make the world a brighter place and would make everything seem more vivid.
Your smile would last longer
I love the way your smile lights up your face, and I want to make sure it stays there.
Your days wouldn't end so soon
When we're together, time seems to pass by more slowly, and I don't want our time together to end.
And if I never told you, that you're I see
I hope you know how much you mean to me, but just in case, I want to make sure you know that you're everything to me.
The way of my life would be incomplete
Without you, my life would be meaningless and incomplete.
And I could never hurt you
I would never want to do anything to hurt you or cause you pain.
You're the air I breathe
You're the most important thing in my life, and I can't imagine living without you.
Baby all you need, is my precious love
All you need in life is my love and devotion to make you happy.
Wine would taste sweeter
Even simple pleasures like drinking wine would be more enjoyable with you by my side.
The music would sound so smooth
Music always sounds better when I'm with you, and I want to always share that experience with you.
The wind would feel lighter
When I'm with you, I feel like I can face anything, and even the wind feels lighter and easier to bear.
The nights would be made for two
I want to spend every night with you, sharing our love and building a life together.
Girl, you don't have to look further than me
You don't need anyone else in your life, because I'm here for you and I always will be.
If I saw that you want me, baby ask and receive
I'm here for you whenever you need me, and I'll always be ready to give you all the love and support you need.
Hold out your hand, girl take a chance
All you need to do is take my hand and trust me, and I'll always be there for you.
My precious love, my precious love, my precious love
My love for you is the most important thing in my life, and I'll always treasure it.
Ooh baby-baby, all that you need is
No matter what life throws your way, all you need is my love and support to overcome it.
My precious love, my precious love
My love for you is the most precious thing in my life, and I'll always cherish it.
My precious love, my precious love, baby
My love for you is never-ending and will always be there to guide and support you.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Charlie Wilson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind