This week we have an interesting mix of songs. The only one I remember is “You Can Call Me Al,” which everyone on the entire planet over the age of 40 has heard.

I don’t think I ever heard of Joe Tex, and considering that he died in 1982, that is not a surprise. “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More” is a catchy song, but lyrically it has, to be delicate, not aged well.

David Lasley I have certainly heard in his capacity as a background singer for more well-known artists like Jim Croce, but I don’t think I have ever heard Lasley qua Lasley, which is unfortunate, as he has a gorgeous singing voice.

Paul Simon I have of course heard of, and “You Can Call Me Al” was a huge hit.

I have of course heard of Boyz II Men, and “Uhh Ahh” sounded familiar, so I quite likely heard it either at the tail end of college or at some point soon thereafter, likely on MTV. Boys II Men still hold up musically, 25 years on. Whole lotta talent in that group.

Of the members of Westside Connection, I have only heard of Ice Cube, and it is unlikely that “Gangstas Make the World Go Round” got much of any airtime here in West Michigan. This is another really good song, and once again, some serious talent in the group.

1977: Joe Tex, “Ain’t Gonna Bump No More”

1982: David Lasley, “If I Had My Wish Tonight”

1987: Paul Simon, “You Can Call Me Al”

1992: Boyz II Men, “Uhh Ahh”

1997: Westside Connection, “Gangstas Make the World Go Round”