Stuff

“Ever Changing Times” — Aretha Franklin (feat. Michael McDonald) “Ever Changing Times” Artist: Aretha Franklin (feat. Michael McDonald) Album: Jewels in the Crown Year: 2007 (song originally released 1991) Listen on Spotify: “Ever Changing Times” is a soulful collaboration between the legendary Aretha Franklin and Michael McDonald. Although originally recorded in 1991, it was later included in Franklin’s 2007 compilation album Jewels in the Crown , which highlights her memorable duets. The track blends rich vocals, heartfelt emotion, and a warm, uplifting arrangement — a testament to Franklin’s timeless artistry and McDonald’s distinctive, velvety tone. Its message of adapting to life’s constant changes still resonates with listeners today. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn ...

“Sign Your Name” – Sananda Maitreya “Sign Your Name” Artist: Sananda Maitreya Album: Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby Genre: R&B / Soul Year: 1987 Listen on Spotify: “Sign Your Name” is a classic single from Sananda Maitreya’s 1987 debut album Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D'Arby . With its smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and memorable melody, it became an iconic R&B track of the late 1980s. Its timeless sound continues to influence contemporary soul and R&B artists today. Maitreya, formerly Terence Trent D'Arby, is a Grammy-winning American singer-songwriter known for hits like "Sign Your Name." He changed his name in 2001, stating it came to him in a dream as his true spiritual identity, marking a rebirth after personal struggles. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. ...

African Chicken Peanut Stew African Chicken Peanut Stew A rich, comforting West African–inspired stew made with chicken, sweet potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes and warm spices. Hearty, aromatic and deeply flavourful! Yield: 6–8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes   Cook time: 115 minutes Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes Ingredients 2–3 lbs (1–1.4 kg) chicken legs, thighs and/or wings 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 large yellow or white onion, sliced 3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced 6–8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped 2–3 lbs (1–1.4 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1 × 15 oz (425 g) can crushed tomatoes 1 quart (1 litre) chicken stock 1 cup peanut butter 1 cup roasted peanuts 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste) Salt and black pepper 1/4–1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro ...

“Wish I Didn't Miss You” – Angie Stone “Wish I Didn't Miss You” Artist: Angie Stone Album: Mahogany Soul Genre: Neo-Soul / R&B Year: 2001 Listen on Spotify: “Wish I Didn't Miss You” is the crown jewel of Angie Stone’s 2001 album Mahogany Soul and one of the defining neo-soul singles of the early 2000s. Built around a masterful sample of The O’Jays’ 1972 classic “Back Stabbers,” Angie delivers raw, heartfelt emotion over that unmistakable guitar riff. The song captures the bittersweet ache of loving someone who’s no longer yours—regret, pride, and longing all wrapped into one irresistible groove. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B chart and remains a staple on quiet-storm radio, wedding playlists, and any moment you need that perfect “I should be over you… but I’m not” vibe. Timeless, soul-stirring, and undeniably smooth. Embed powered by Spotify ...

“Use ta Be My Girl” – The O'Jays “Use Ta Be My Girl” Artist: The O'Jays Album: So Full of Love Genre: R&B / Soul Year: 1978 Listen on Spotify: “Use Ta Be My Girl” is one of those timeless R&B grooves that shows why The O’Jays remain pillars of soul music. It’s smooth, upbeat, and wrapped in the group’s unmistakable vocal blend—rich, warm, and effortless. Released in 1978 on So Full of Love , the song became a massive crossover hit, topping the R&B charts for five weeks and climbing to number four on the Billboard Hot 100. The lush melodies, confident delivery, and silky Philly soul production make it a classic that still turns heads and lifts moods decades later. A true feel-good anthem—with a groove that never quits. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs 😂 Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn...

Beef Stifado – Greek Beef Stew with Pearl Onions & Red Wine Beef Stiffado A classic Greek beef stew slow-cooked with pearl onions, red wine, warm spices and herbs. Rich, hearty and incredibly flavourful – perfect comfort food for colder days! Yield: 4–6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes   Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes Ingredients For the beef 1 kg (2.2 lbs) beef rump (or stewing beef), cut into large chunks 4 tablespoons plain, all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste Vegetables & aromatics 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped 1 large onion, finely chopped 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 8 small shallots and 8 pearl onions (silver onions), peeled and left whole For the sauce & seasoning 2 tablespoons tomato paste 70 ml (¼ cup) passata (or ...

“So In Love” – Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton Photo: Mika-photography, via Wikimedia Commons Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 “So In Love” Artist: Jill Scott (feat. Anthony Hamilton) Album: The Light of the Sun Genre: R&B / Soul Year: 2011 Listen on Spotify: “So In Love” is one of those warm, feel-good soul tracks that reminds you that joy has a sound. Jill Scott and Anthony Hamilton bring an effortless chemistry—two storytellers trading smiles, harmonies, and the ease of grown folks’ love. The groove leans into classic R&B—sunlit horns, an easy percussion pocket, and voices that wrap around each other with tenderness and certainty. Released in 2011 on The Light of the Sun , the song became an instant favorite for listeners who appreciate romantic soul with depth, maturity, and a touch of celebration. It’s a tune that always lifts the room—and t...

“c’est ça le blues” – Embed & Info Photo: THIPLO, via Wikimedia Commons Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 “c’est ça le blues” Artist: Michel Jonasz Album: Pôle Ouest Genre: Chanson / Blues Year: 2000 Listen on Spotify: "C'est Ça le Blues" showcases Michel Jonasz's signature warmth: poetic lyrics, soulful phrasing, and that unmistakable groove rooted in blues and chanson française. Released in 2000 on the album Pôle Ouest , the song blends melancholy and charm in a way only Jonasz can deliver. Yet another tune of his—among so many—that I love… is Poussy . Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs 😂 Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn 🗣️ Ret's Word of the Day – Maintain Your English ☕ Enjoying your visit? Buy me a coffee ...

“We All Are One” – Embed & Info “We All Are One” Artist: Jimmy Cliff Album: We All Are One: The Best Of Jimmy Cliff Genre: Reggae Year: 1983 Listen on Spotify: “We All Are One” stands as one of Jimmy Cliff’s most uplifting anthems — a timeless call for unity, peace, and shared humanity. As the world mourns his passing on 24 November 2025 , this track feels even more powerful, reminding us of the message he carried throughout his legendary career. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs 😂 Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn 🗣️ Ret's Word of the Day – Maintain Your English ☕ Enjoying your visit? Buy me a coffee

Maqluba – Palestinian Upside-Down Chicken & Rice Maqluba (Makloubeh) Maqluba is a delicious Palestinian upside-down rice dish. Layers of vegetables, meat and rice are cooked together in one pot, then flipped over to serve. It is full of flavour and loved all across the Middle East! Yield: 6 servings Prep time: 40 minutes   Cook time: 50 minutes Author: Adapted from Amina Al-Saigh (Hungry Paprikas) Ingredients For the meat and broth 600–900 g lamb or veal pieces (with bone is best) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 cinnamon sticks 4 green cardamom pods 3 bay leaves 4 whole allspice berries or black peppercorns (optional but recommended) 4 whole cloves (optional) ½ teaspoon ground turmeric 4 tablespoons tomato paste 3½ teaspoons salt 1½ teaspoons black pepper 700 ml water (3 cups) For the vegetables 2...

“Magesh” – Embed & Info “Magesh” Artist: TK Zee Album: Halloween Genre: Kwaito, South African House Year: 1989 Listen on Spotify: “Magesh,” from TK Zee’s groundbreaking 1989 album Halloween , is widely regarded as one of the very first kwaito tracks ever released. The album is chockful of hits! With its infectious slowed-down house beat, catchy township slang, and unmistakable South African flavour, this song laid the foundation for an entire genre that would dominate the post-apartheid music scene. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs 😂 Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn 🗣️ Ret's Word of the Day – Maintain Your English ☕ Enjoying your visit? Buy me a coffee

“Testify” – Embed & Info “Testify” Artist: Sounds of Blackness Album: The Evolution of Gospel Genre: Gospel, R&B, Soul Year: 1991 Listen on Spotify: “Testify,” from the 1991 album The Evolution of Gospel , showcases the powerful fusion of gospel, soul, and contemporary R&B that defines Sounds of Blackness. With its uplifting vocals, dynamic harmonies, and energizing rhythm, the track delivers a message of hope, strength, and spiritual resilience. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs 😂 Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn 🗣️ Ret's Word of the Day – Maintain Your English ☕ Enjoying your visit? Buy me a coffee

Likhobe Traditional Sesotho Grain & Bean Dish 🍴 Ingredients 2 cups sorghum grains (or whole maize/maize samp if sorghum is unavailable) 1 cup beans (sugar beans, kidney beans, or nyimo beans, a.k.a. earth peas) Optional: ½ cup dry peas (split peas or whole) 1–2 tsp salt (to taste) 6–8 cups water Optional: oil or butter Optional additions (modern variations): chopped onion, minced garlic, curry powder or paprika, pumpkin, squash, or spinach 👩‍🍳 Method Rinse the sorghum (mabele) and beans (linaoa) and the other grains well. If possible, soak them overnight to reduce cooking time. In a large pot, combine the grains, add 7–8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer for at least 1 hour , stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed until grains and beans (and peas) are tender. Add salt and optional butter or oil for richness. For added flavour: sauté onion...

“Murphy's Law” – Embed & Info “Murphy's Law” Artist: Al Jarreau Album: High Crime Genre: Soul, R&B, Funk Year: 1984 Listen on Spotify: “Murphy’s Law,” from Al Jarreau’s 1984 album High Crime , blends Jarreau’s iconic smooth jazz and R&B stylings with a vibrant, upbeat groove. Featuring slick production, sharp rhythm work, and Jarreau’s signature vocal agility, the track captures the playful energy and sophistication that define his mid-1980s sound. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs 😂 Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn 🗣️ Ret's Word of the Day – Maintain Your English ☕ Enjoying your visit? Buy me a coffee

“Papillon (a.k.a. Hot Butterfly)” – Embed & Info “Papillon (a.k.a. Hot Butterfly)” Artist: Chaka Khan Album: Naughty Genre: Soul, R&B, Funk Listen on Spotify: “Papillon (a.k.a. Hot Butterfly)” is a lush, sensual track by Chaka Khan from her 1980 album Naughty . The song features powerful background vocals by Luther Vandross and a soulful harmonica solo by Hugh McCracken . Blending elements of R&B, funk, and disco, “Papillon” showcases Khan’s stunning vocal range and emotional depth, making it one of her most memorable and sophisticated recordings. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs 😂 Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn 🗣️ Ret's Word of the Day – Maintain Your English ☕ Enjoying your visit? Buy me a coffee

“So in Love” – Embed & Info “So in Love” Artist: Curtis Mayfield Album: Superfly (Soundtrack) Genre: Soul, Funk Listen on Spotify: “So in Love” is a classic track by Curtis Mayfield from the iconic Superfly soundtrack, released in 1972. The song exemplifies Mayfield’s signature blend of smooth soul grooves and socially aware lyricism. Celebrated for its lush orchestration and heartfelt vocals, “So in Love” captures the essence of early 70s soul while complementing the cinematic narrative of 'Superfly'. Embed powered by Spotify • Track sourced from Spotify. See my other blogs 😂 Ret's ESL Jokes – Laugh & Learn 🗣️ Ret's Word of the Day – Maintain Your English ☕ Enjoying your visit? Buy me a coffee