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.
Sweet Love
Charlie Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
See her beauty standing there right before me
You see how look for love in all the wrong places
And the more I think about the past
I was a such a fool and makes me laugh
Cause I never
Thought I never
Such a sweet love
Cause I never
Saw us together
Giving love with me
To you to you baby
There was a time when I didn't know
That you be the only one
That will not let go
You take care of me baby
How could I be so crazy
Crazy yeah of her
Cause I never
Thought I never
Making love to you (sweet love Sweet love)
Such a sweet love
Cause I never
Saw us together
Making love to you (sweet love sweet love)
Sweet love to you
Girl you know
You are the best of me
Everything is quite sure to be
And finally realize you are here
So please don't leave me
You made for me and I'm made for you
To finally see the truth
About sweet love
"please please please please please please bhie"
Making love to you
Oh oh
" all I wanna do is make sweet love
Sweet love to you baby sweet love
Cause you leave me baby "
Cause I never never never
Thought I never
Making love to you (sweet love Sweet love)
Cause I never
Saw us together
Making love with me (sweet love sweet love)
Making love to you to you baby
Now is the time when I couldn't sleep baby
See her beauty standing there right before me
You see I like my love in the wrong places
And the more I think the past
Such a fool and makes me laugh
So I never did baby
The song "Sweet Love" by Charlie Wilson talks about how the artist has finally found true love in his life after trying to find love in all the wrong places. He acknowledges that the woman he is with has been there for him all along and he didn't realize this before. He regrets not realizing her worth before and now he understands that he has found true love. He declares his love for her and asks her to never leave him. The chorus repeats "sweet love" multiple times, showing the sweetness of the love that he has finally found.
The song overall carries a positive and upbeat tone, emphasizing on how the singer has finally found love after searching for so long. The lyrics showing the realization of finding true love can be relatable to many people who have gone through the same experience. The use of the phrase "sweet love" throughout the song helps to add a romantic touch to the lyrics, adding to the overall theme of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
There was a time when I couldn't see
There was a time when I was oblivious to the love that was right in front of me.
See her beauty standing there right before me
I failed to appreciate the beauty of my love that was standing right in front of me.
You see how look for love in all the wrong places
I kept searching for love in all the wrong places.
And the more I think about the past
When I reflect on the past,
I was a such a fool and makes me laugh
I realize that I was a foolish person, and that makes me laugh.
Cause I never
I never
Thought I never
thought that I would never
Making love to you (sweet love Sweet love)
be able to make sweet love to you
Such a sweet love
because the love we share is so sweet
Cause I never
I never
Saw us together
thought of us being together
Giving love with me
sharing love with me
To you to you baby
is the best thing, baby
There was a time when I didn't know
I was once unaware
That you be the only one
that you are the only one
That will not let go
who will never let go
You take care of me baby
You take such good care of me, baby
How could I be so crazy
I can't believe I was so foolish
Crazy yeah of her
crazy about her
Girl you know
You know, girl
You are the best of me
You bring out the best in me
Everything is quite sure to be
Everything is going to be alright
And finally realize you are here
And now I finally realize that you are here with me
So please don't leave me
So I beg you not to leave me
You made for me and I'm made for you
You were made for me, and I was made for you
To finally see the truth
To finally come to the realization
About sweet love
about the sweet love that we share
"please please please please please please bhie"
Please, please, please, please, please, baby
Making love to you
Being intimate with you
Oh oh
Oh, oh
" all I wanna do is make sweet love
All I want to do is make love
Sweet love to you baby sweet love
Sweet love to you, baby, sweet love
Cause you leave me baby "
Because you complete me, baby.
Cause I never never never
I never, never, never
Thought I never
thought that I would never
Making love to you (sweet love Sweet love)
be able to make sweet love to you
Cause I never
I never
Saw us together
thought of us being together
Making love with me (sweet love sweet love)
making sweet love with me
Making love to you to you baby
Making sweet love to you, baby
Now is the time when I couldn't sleep baby
Now is the time when I'm restless without you, baby
See her beauty standing there right before me
I now see her beauty stand right before me
You see I like my love in the wrong places
You see, I used to enjoy seeking love in the wrong places
And the more I think the past
As I reflect on the past
Such a fool and makes me laugh
I realize how foolish I was and can only laugh at myself.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Missing Link Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WIRLIE MORRIS, WRITERS UNKNOWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sheila Snodgrass
And Charlie does it again. Thank you for your elegant, beautiful music. A true class act.
John Pollock
It ok
Donlaxxer
I've been searching for this song for bout a year now, I'll be humming it but just couldn't get the words out until I heard it of the radio, I think it was the fastest I ever looked for my phone to shazam this song. One of the best songs from The Great Uncle Charlie 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Blonde Monroe
This is the Truth!! It's sexy, classy, and a really ride to music.
Sharon Bennett
I was just sitting here trying to find this song for about 2hours. I love it!
Deloris McTeer
Love this song ❤️❤️❤️
Regina Farmer
This song gives me chills. It is so beautifully done, Charlie Wilson 💖💖❤❤💖💖
Likenoothernikki There u hav it
I remember I got the cd when I was in junior high school an I felll in love with it. My dad said how did I kno about Charlie an I told him because of him. Good music never dies🥰
Mano Dougz
O R&B desse irmão esbanja elegância e charme, ouço desde os meus 13!!! Grande Charlie
valdemir djmimi-remix
canta muito