CAT BEAR

WHITNEY SOUL PODCAST A Grain of Sand Story by: Gail Nobles Song by: Gail Nobles Inspired by Whitney Houston Vocals by Gail Nobles Illustration by Gail Nobles It’s always fascinating to delve into the spiritual lives of artists, particularly someone as iconic and, in many ways, as tragic as Whitney Houston. To hear her describe her relationship with God as a central pillar of her existence, especially given the tumultuous journey she faced, really underscores the power that faith can hold. She used a very specific image, didn't she? A grain of sand. It’s a powerful analogy, really. Thinking about that immense coastline, the vastness of the desert, and then imagining oneself as a single, tiny grain. It speaks volumes about humility, about recognizing one’s place within something much larger than oneself. It’s a recognition of divine power, a sense of surrendering to a higher purpose. Now, some might see that statement through the lens of her struggles. Was this faith a source of strength during times of hardship? A comfort in moments of vulnerability? Or, perhaps, was it a way of coping with the immense pressure and expectation that fame placed upon her? We can’t know for sure, but it’s almost certainly a combination of all those things. It’s interesting, too, to consider how that belief shaped her artistry. Did her faith influence the passion and conviction that radiated from her performances? Did it inform the choices she made, the songs she chose to sing? You can certainly hear that gospel influence in so much of her work. It's undeniable. Ultimately, Whitney Houston's statement offers a glimpse into the private world of a woman who captivated millions. It reminds us that even the brightest stars, those who seem larger than life, often find solace and strength in something deeply personal and profound. And whether one shares her specific faith or not, there's something universally relatable about seeking connection and purpose in something bigger than ourselves. What do you think? I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Whitney Soul Podcast.

PODCAST AM MEMORIES Olivia Newton John - A Little Bit of Love Photo: Leahshia Gaston Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0] Intro: Gail Nobles Story by: Gail Nobles The tune, "A Little More Love," it hit the charts like a meteor shower in '79. It Peaked at number three. But listen to these lyrics. Olivia Newtown John is singing bout the night draggin' on, waitin' in the heat. Sounds like a lonely scene. But then she drops the bomb! "I know, know that you'll have your way 'Til you have to go home."  Sounds like this cat she's with, he's got somethin' she wants, somethin' she can't say no to, ya know? Then she spills the beans: "No is a word I can't say. 'Cause it gets me nowhere to tell you no, And it gets me nowhere to make you go." Olivia is trapped. She knows this relationship ain't goin' nowhere good, but she's stuck in the gravitational pull of this dude. But here's where it gets real, real deep. The chorus, man, those questions: "Will a little more love make you stop depending? Will a little more love bring a happy ending? Will a little more love make it right? Will a little more love make it right?" She's askin' herself, and maybe askin' him, can love really fix this mess? Can she change him? Can she give enough of herself to make him a better man? It's a universal cry. We all wanna believe love can conquer all, but sometimes, it ain't enough. Sometimes, a little more love ain't gonna change a thing. Olivia Newton-John was servin' up some serious truth about relationships, about being stuck, about hopin' for a change.  So next time you hear "A Little More Love," remember there's more to it than just a catchy tune. It's a question mark hangin' over all our hearts. You're listening to Podcast AM Memories. I'm your host, Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.

Photo: Vannessajg [https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Vannessajg&action=edit&redlink=1] - Own work Usage: CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikipedia [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0] Voice acting by: Gail Nobles Keyboardist: Gail Nobles I’m Gail Nobles and we're diving deep into a soulful number that had everyone gettin' down back in '90! We're talkin' about After 7's "Can't Stop"! This song soared all the way to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100! And that ain't all - it grabbed the number one spot on the R&B charts! This record was golden! Certified Gold by the RIAA, and you know that means people were lovin' it! Now, let's crack open this lyrical treasure chest and see what kind of magic After 7 was spinnin'. The fellas are singing about a **life-altering night!** Let's break it down, step by step, like a smooth dance move: "Last night, I had the time of my life, it's true! Oh, last night, I made love for the very first time, with you!" This ain't no ordinary encounter! Last night changed EVERYTHING! He had the best night of his life, and he's claiming the special someone is the first person that he made love with. The real deal, folks! A night so special it stands apart from anything else! "And I can't stop (I can't stop) how I feel. I'm diggin' on you, you're diggin' on me. We're diggin' on we. And, no, I can't stop (I can't stop) how I feel. I'm diggin' on you, you're diggin' on me." And here it is! The chorus! The hook! The part that got everyone on their feet! The fella is totally hooked on her. **"I can't stop how I feel!"** He's in love, and he doesn't want to stop feeling the way he feels! It's a mutual affection, like a perfect harmony, and he's completely lost in it! So, what's the story here? "Can't Stop" is all about that earth-shattering, game-changing love! That kind of love that makes you see the world in a whole new light! It's about that connection that makes you feel like you can't stop grooving! That's all for today! This is Gail Nobles podcasting off for now! Thank you for listening to Post Recordings.

Story by: Gail Nobles Keyboardist: Gail Nobles Photo: WBLS | Wikipedia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_Monica]  CC BY 3.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0] Today we’re going to talk about the soulful sounds of "Angel of Mine,” a true R&B classic that has graced the ears of music lovers everywhere. Originally brought to life by the talented British girl group Eternal, this tune made its mark on their 1997 compilation, *Greatest Hits*. But folks, hold on to your hats, because the real magic happened when singer Monica took the reins in 1998 and turned this song into a chart-topping sensation! Monica’s version soared to the pinnacle of the US Billboard Hot 100, reigning supreme for four glorious weeks. And let’s not forget — it didn’t just flirt with the charts; it strutted its stuff all the way to a platinum certification by the RIAA in ’99. That’s a whole lotta love! The lyrics—oh, they pull at the heartstrings! Starting with those mesmerizing lines, “When I first saw you, I already knew,” Monica captures that instant connection, that spark that ignites soul to soul. You can practically feel the electricity, can’t ya? And her voice, smooth as silk, glides over the melodies, delivering a vibe that’s equal parts sweet and sultry. And how about those sentiments? “The best things are free” — that’s a universal truth, right there! The way she expresses pure, unfiltered love is reminiscent of a love letter written in melody. “You are so fine” — come on now, who wouldn’t feel a little butterfly flutter when someone sings that just to you? So, whether you're enjoying Eternal's music or loving Monica's beautiful version of "Angel of Mine," this song is a classic celebration of love. It's proof of how powerful R&B can be, with every beat packed with emotion and every line telling a story. Take a partner, hit the dance floor, and let this amazing song take you on a journey! I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Cat Bear.

Photo: Steven Collazo [https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Dumbyank&action=edit&redlink=1] - Own work Usage: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0] We’re diving into the world of the ‘80s with a song that can light up any dance floor! I’m talking about “Inside Out” by the sensational Odyssey! This classic hit from 1982 is a song of emotions that captures love and longing! Can you feel that beat? The rhythm just sweeps you off your feet and pulls you right in! Written during an era of transition, when disco was making waves and synth-pop was just around the corner, Odyssey took that infectious sound and crafted something truly unforgettable. The lyrics connect like a smooth caress. “When you're sittin' on your own / And you feel the city life surround you,” it’s like the soundtrack to every heart that’s ever waited for that special someone to call. The sweet echo of “don’t give up, darlin’” is a rallying cry – encouraging us to pursue those dreams and desires!  Oh, and let’s not forget the hook! This is where the magic happens—“inside out, oh, darlin’ / I wanna be so deep that you'll be leavin' me!” It’s all about that yearning. Isn’t that what love is? A beautiful tangle of feelings, sometimes leaving us turned inside out, yet craving more! This sensational track didn’t just sit pretty! It soared to number three on the UK Singles Chart, landing itself a dazzling spot in the hearts of fans! So, let your spirit be lifted and your feet move to the pulse of “Inside Out.” It’s a reminder that love has its layers, and it’s our job to peel them back, bravely facing the unexpected twists and turns. Whether it's the infectious groove or the heartfelt lyrics, this is a song that speaks to the very core of what it means to be human. So let’s keep dancing, keep dreaming, and never forget: love always finds a way, inside out! I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to the Cat Bear.