To paraphrase 1980s one-hit wonder Oran "Juice" Jones, a wedding reception without a love song is like cornflakes without the milk.
Love songs - particularly R&B love songs - have traditionally played a significant role in weddings, be it during the actual ceremony, the reception, or on the honeymoon.
Therefore, your Guide to R&B hereby presents some of the best-ever wedding-themed R&B songs. A few may be a little corny, but all are right-on if you're looking for music to play at nuptials.
1. "One Love," Midwest City
This lovely song by a virtually unknown quartet from Oklahoma epitomizes what a great wedding song is.
2. "Spend My Life with You," Eric Benét & Tamia
Eric Benét, who's the ex-husband of Halle Berry, may have trouble holding onto a woman once he marries her, but this song shows exactly how he's able to get women to marry him in the first place. "Spend My Life With You," featuring Tamia, is on Eric's 2001 album, A Day in the Life.
3. "Ribbon in the Sky," Stevie Wonder
One of the most beautiful, romantic songs of all time. I usually don't cry at weddings -- unless this song is played.
4. "Back At One," Brian McKnight
Cover © Motown Records.
This is another one of those songs that's considered melodramatic out in the real world, but within the setting of a wedding party, it fits in as naturally as a bouquet of flowers. This should be played during a slow dance at a wedding reception.
5. "On Bended Knee," Boyz II Men
This song may be a little sappy and a tad bit too melodramatic, but when it comes to bringing tears to a woman's eyes during a wedding party, few songs can do it better than "On Bended Knee."
6. "Never," Jaheim
Album cover © Atlantic Records.
This song, which is on Jaheim's fourth album, The Makings of a Man, is about a man who stops being a player and settles down with his one true love.
7. "Let's Get Married," Jagged Edge
Other than the chorus, which has a lame "we ain't gettin' no younger, we might as well do it," rationale for the marriage proposal, this is a very well-sung, sentimental love song.
8. "Forever My Lady," Jodeci
Possibly the best song Jodeci ever recorded. As the song's lyrics indicate, this is the perfect tune for the bride-to-be who's already expecting a child.
