This week, I’ve had Luther Vandross’ song, “Never Too Much” #OnRepeat. Lately, I’ve been taking a trip down a musical memory lane, listening to older albums of singers from my childhood like Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Brandy, and Mariah Carey, but this song by Mr. Vandross is at the top of that list.
Luther Vandross is a household name for 1980s and 1990s R&B and Pop music. For a good portion of his career, Vandross worked as a backup singer for performers like Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and David Bowie. He was then the lead singer of the group, Change, but left to start his solo singing career in 1981. Vandross’ vocal tenor range and his performance style led many to refer to him as “Velvet Voice” and many that I’ve heard in conversation group him in with the low, sultry sounds of Barry White in terms of charisma and musical taste. Some of his most well-known songs are “Endless Love,” “Here and Now,” and “Power of Love.”
“Never Too Much” is a song talking about a person who loves someone so much that they can never get enough of them. Luther Vandross’ vocal range and the way in which he utilizes it brings such an immense amount of joy and excitement to the song. The other aspect of Luther’s voice that I like is that even though his voice sits in the upper part of his range, you can still hear the low undertones of each note that he sings, indicative 0f his bright yet grounded sound. Combine this with the upbeat, playful melody and the Disco feel of the song, and you get an amazing earful of Luther, while dancing in your seat.
Take a listen below:
Are there any singers or groups that you can’t stop listening to? Don’t forget to leave a comment below!