The word ‘sweet’ is often used in terms of endearment (sweet baby, sugar, honey, sweetie pie) and in declarations of affection (you’re so sweet, I’m sweet on you).  Love really is the sweetest thing.  So whether you’re about to surrender to a sweet taboo, or just feeling a sweet sensation for that sweet somebody, this mix is for you.

Savour the sweetness!

Geena
p.s. To hear Sweet Love Vol. 1 (The Edible Edition) click here

Sweet Love Vol. 2
(download mix here)

Marvin Gaye – How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You
The O’Jays – Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby (Sweet Tender Love)
Gloria Gaynor – All I Need Is Your Sweet Lovin’
Luther Vandross – For The Sweetness Of Your Love
Donna Allen – Sweet Somebody
Luther Vandross – You’re The Sweetest One
Stephanie Mills – Sweet Sensation
Willie Clayton – Your Sweetness
Sade – The Sweetest Taboo
Lauryn Hill – Sweetest Thing
Mary J. Blige – Sweet Thing
Hil St. Soul – Sweet On You
Jazzy – Sweet Love
Beres Hammond – Sweetness
Jeff Tyzik Ft. Maurice Starr – Sweet Surrender
Lionel Richie & The Commodores – Sweet Love
Tyrese – Sweet Lady
George Duke & Stanley Clarke – Sweet Baby
Robin Thicke – Sweetest Love
Patti LaBelle – My Love, Sweet Love
112 – Sweet Love
Kelly Price – So Sweet

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada

There’s something about Jill Scott, maybe it’s her smile, her laugh, the sparkle in her eyes and sincerity in her voice, whatever it is, it makes her one of the most loveable artists of our day.  You just wanna hug her.  From her debut album in 2000, Words & Sounds Vol. 1, to her latest release The Light of The Sun, Jill keeps giving herself in her purest most honest form.  Each song is personal and relatable.

Whether she’s being sensual, serious or just giddily silly, Jill has a great ability of expressing her multi-dimensionality.  You just get her; there’s no mystery to sift through.  What you see and  hear is what you get, and one has a strong feeling that if you were to meet her in the street she’d have no problem just taking a long walk and having some easy conversation.  A poet, singer, actor and mommy, Jill wears many hats, and does so in a way that is beautifully and authentically her.  In an industry where we are given highly packaged glossy artists, Jill gracefully stands in her own space and gives us her earthy realness without apology.

This episode attempts to demonstrate the essence of Jill’s appeal.  I had a hard time whittling down my selections, she just has that many amazing songs; so if you like what you hear, be sure to get Jill’s albums in your life, you won’t regret it.

Love!
Geena

Jill Scott
(download mix here)

Jilltro
It’s Love
Gimme
Golden
Lovely Day
So In Love ft. Anthony Hamilton
Love Rain Remix ft. Mos Def
One Time ft. Eric Roberson
Whatever
I’m Not Afraid
Only You
Gettin’ In The Way
Jill explains Gettin’ In The Way (live)
Free
A Long Walk
The Way
Do You Remember
Show Me
The Fact Is (I Need You)
Spring Summer Feeling
Not Like Crazy
Making You Wait
Crown Royal
Until Then (I Imagine)
Imagination (Crown Royale Suite)
So Gone (What My Mind Says) ft. Pall Wall
All I
Nothing
He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat) (Movements I, II, & III) (live)

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada

A musical family that has managed to maintain its relevance in the Rock/Funk and R&B/Soul scene since 1954, the Isley Brothers rival the Jacksons in terms of longevity.   Founded by brothers O’Kelly Isley Jr., Rudolph Isley, Ronald Isley and Vernon Isley, the group has endured various sibling rotations  (including brother-in-law Chris Jasper ) over the years.  What remained consistent was their ability to deliver music that defined a generation.

Their extensive song catalogue ranges from energetic funky dance numbers to sultry slow jams.  They also have introspective offerings such as The Highways Of My Life and Harvest For The World. Inductees of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the success and influence of the Isley Brothers has been recognized worldwide, and although there are only two active members remaining (Ron and Ernie), and two brothers ( O’Kelly and Marvin) passed on, their music will continue to inspire those generations to come.  Below is a mix of songs from what I like to call their ‘power years’, enjoy!

Love,
Geena

The Isley Brothers
(download mix here)

Say You Love Me Too
I’m Gonna Knock On Your Door
Open Up Your Heart
Love The One You’re With
Work To Do
Harvest For The World
That Lady
Hope You Feel Better Love
It’s A Disco Night (Rock Don’t Stop)
(Can’t You See) What You Do To Me
Here We Go Again
Summer Breeze
For The Love Of You
Footsteps In The Dark
Groove With You
The Highways Of My Life
Let’s Fall In Love
Choosey Lover
Hello It’s Me
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Make Me Say It Again Girl
Voyage To Atlantis
Between The Sheets
Caravan Of Love
Turn To Me

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada

This episode is all about you…

Love,
Geena

You 
(download mix here)

Rahsaan Patterson – You Make Life So Good
Lucy Pearl – Without You
Janet Jackson – Spending Time With You
Bilal – You’re All I Need
Jill Scott – Only You
Leela James – I’d Rather Be With You
Amerie – Nothing Like Loving You
Musiq Soulchild – You and Me
The Floacist – You
Joe ft. Mariah Carey & Nas – Thank God I Found You
Sade – I Couldn’t Love You More
112 – Sexy You
Raheem DeVaughn – You
Aaliyah – I Care 4 U
Rome – I Belong To You
Marsha Ambrosius – With You
Jesse Powell – You
Chante Moore & Keith Washington – I Love You
Kenny Lattimore – For You
Alicia Keys – If I Ain’t Got You

So the moment I long awaited finally arrived last Tuesday; I got to see Sade live in concert.  It was an experience I’ll never forget, I was in awe for the whole show.  My only wish was that it was in a smaller venue than the gigantic Air Canada Centre, Sade’s performance is best enjoyed in a more intimate setting to get the full impact of the vibes she and the band sends out, but they did a great job at entertaining the packed building.  After two hours flew by, the show was over, and I immediately wanted to see it all over again.  For now I’ll have to settle with the video clips I took.

Love!
Geena

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada

With summer fast approaching, (it feels like it’s already here!), I felt inspired to bring some island vibes into The Lovezone.  Going through my reggae collection, I’ve picked out some of my favourite tunes to share with you.  So whether you’re in the sun or the shade, kick back and enjoy a little reggae romance with me.

Love!
Geena
p.s. if you haven’t heard the first installment of Reggae Romance,click this link!

Reggae Romance Vol. 2
(download mix here)

Garnett Silk – Nothing Can Divide Us
Junior Tucker – Love Of A Lifetime
Sanchez – I Can’t Wait
Beres Hammond – What One Dance Can Do
J.C. Lodge – Telephone Love
Wayne Wonder – Saddest Day
Foxy Brown – Sorry
Singing Melody – I Want You Back
Sanchez – Missing You
Sizzla – Just One Of Those Days (Dry Cry)
Half Pint – Substitute Lover
Wayne Wade – I Love You Too Much
Bitty Mclean – Walk Away From Love
Beres Hammond – Can’t Stop A Man
Dennis Brown – Have You Ever Been In Love
Gregory Issacs – Night Nurse
Nadine Sutherland – I’m In Love
Glen Washington – Kindness For Weakness
Half Pint – Just Be Good
Nina Sky ft. Notch - Loving You
Alaine – Giving It All To You
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Waiting In Vain

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada

This episode highlights all the matters of the heart: broken hearts, hoping hearts, happy hearts, beating hearts…  I think we’ve experienced them all at various points along our life journey.  So from my heart to yours, enjoy.

Love,
Geena

Matters Of The Heart
(download mix here)

Madonna – Open Your Heart
Blondie – Heart Of Glass
Shannon – My Heart’s Divided
Change – Change Of Heart
Toni Braxton – Give You My Heart
The Jacksons – Heartbreak Hotel
Taana Gardner – Heartbeat
Teddy Pendergrass & Stephanie Mills – Two Hearts
Kool & The Gang – Take  My Heart (You Can Have It If You Want It)
Alexander O’Neal – A Broken Heart Can Mend
Smokey Robinson – One Heartbeat
Laura Izibor – From My Heart To Yours
Melanie Fiona – You Stop My Heart
Jodeci – My Heart Belongs Belongs To U
SWV – Use Your Heart
Whitney Houston – Where Do Broken Hearts Go
Anthony Hamilton – Her Heart
Tamia – You Put A Move On My Heart
SWV – Use Your Heart (reprise)

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada

No one likes being the ‘bad guy’, but there are times when we have to own up to our misdeeds and apologize. Saying sorry when you’re in the wrong is a real test of pride and humility. But for relationships to thrive, we have to be willing to admit our mistakes and ask for forgiveness in order to forge ahead onto better pastures. It’s easy to revert to the childish stance of “I’M not saying sorry until YOU say sorry”, or to rely on the ole passive aggressive line; “I’m sorry if you think I did something wrong”. Drop all that. If you really want to repair a relationship that’s on the rocks, you have to leave your ego at the door and acknowledge your faults.

So if you’ve done and/or said something that has hurt your significant other, and you sincerely want to apologize, here are a few tips on how to do it effectively. First, assess the situation. How bad is the fall-out? Is your partner not talking to you at all? Are they open to communication? You’ll need to decide the best way to reach out, whether it’s by email, phone or in-person. While it’s important to allow some time for both sides to cool off, don’t wait too long to give your apology, or you’ll be met with a much higher wall of resentment. Since you are the offender, you have to respect your partner’s space and the pace they set for the interaction. You can’t shove an apology down their ears if they’re not ready to hear it yet, but you need to let them know that you’d like to speak to them; in-person if possible, so that you can apologize.

Saying the word ‘sorry’ is not difficult, it’s the circumstances that surround the reason for the apology that makes it challenging. Not only is it a potentially embarrassing exercise, but it can be painful as well, because apologizing requires both of you to relive the ugly incident that took place. That’s why so many run from making apologies or at best do half-hearted ‘make-up favours’ that don’t directly address what happened, but an apology is implied. So it’s flowers, gifts, or just being extra nice and carrying on as if nothing happened, hoping your partner will take the hint and drop the issue. Now gifts and niceties are well, nice, but be careful not to have those serve as a substitute for saying sorry. ‘Buying’ one’s way out of an apology sets up an unhealthy pattern in a relationship and does nothing to resolve the issue. If you want to get your partner a gift, or do something romantic for them as a way to make-up, save that for after the apology.

So let’s get to the bare bones of it. How do you give a good apology? Well there are some main points you need to hit. First, be specific. Break down exactly what you did wrong – what you said, what you did – and then acknowledge the fact that it hurt your partner. Without offering any excuses, take ownership of your actions and claim responsibility for the role you played in the incident. Right away, you’d have accomplished about 80% of the challenge; accepting responsibility is MAJOR, and your partner will appreciate that. You could almost end there, but we won’t. There are a couple finishing touches that will put the issue to rest and your relationship back on track.

After your detailed apology, include what I like to call a ‘forward statement’. Basically, state your intentions going forward from this point. Make a promise to not repeat the offense, and since you already listed every painful point, you both know exactly what it is. You can also ask for your partner’s patience towards this end, as it may take you a few tries to correct your behaviour. Finally, ask for forgiveness. You’ve laid it all on the line and put the power back in their hands. Again, this will test your pride, but if you love this person, it’s worth it. Now if your partner decides that they are unable to forgive you, you have to accept that. An apology doesn’t guarantee forgiveness; sometimes the damage we’ve done is irreversible. The best you can do at that point is to forgive yourself, be at peace with the situation and be proud of yourself for at least being brave enough to say; “I’m sorry”.

Love,
Geena

Sorry
(download mix here)

Floetry – Apology
Algebra – My Pride
Ayah – Forgive Me Love
Ginuwine – I’ll Do Anything (I’m Sorry)
Changing Faces – I Apologize
Luther Vandross – I’m Only Human
Anita Baker – I Apologize
Noel Gourdin – Sorry
Donell Jones – My Apology
Joe – Sorry
Az Yet & Peter Cetera – Hard To Say I’m Sorry
Glenn Lewis – Sorry
Avery Sunshine – Ugly Part Of Me
Tracy Chapman – Baby Can I Hold You
The Platters – I’m Sorry
The Delfonics – I’m Sorry

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada

There’s something that happens to your heart when your love calls you ‘baby’…it melts.  It’s a term of endearment that means to them, you’re sweet and precious as a baby; someone to cuddle, to protect, to love whole-heartedly.  If you agree, this mix is for you and your baby love!

Love,
Geena

Baby Love
(download mix here)

Whitney Houston – I’m Your Baby Tonight
Stevie Wonder – Nothing’s Too Good For My Baby
Diana Ross & The Supremes – Baby Love
The O’Jays – Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby
Michael Jackson – Baby Be Mine
Donna Summer – Love To Love You Baby
Barry White – I’m Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby
TLC – Baby, Baby, Baby
Ashanti – Baby
Erykah Badu – Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long
Minnie Riperton – Baby, This Love I Have
Charlie Wilson – There Goes My Baby
Renee Wynter – My Baby
Usher – There Goes My Baby
Mariah Carey – Always Be My Baby
Joe – Make You My Baby
Robin Thicke – You’re My Baby
James Ingram & Patti Austin – Baby Come To Me
Regina Belle – Baby Come To Me
George Duke & Stanley Clarke – Sweet Baby
Patti Labelle – Somebody Loves You Baby
Meli’sa Morgan – Do Me Baby
Janet Jackson – Love Scene (Ooh Baby)
YahZarah – Oooh Baby U
Al Green – Here I Come Baby
Nina Simone – My Baby Just Cares For Me

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada

She’s every woman. She’s been through the fire, and with her big hair and even bigger voice, Chaka Khan has earned her place in the hall of R&B/Soul fame. She shot to stardom at the young age of 21 while singing lead for the band Rufus, and held captive the ears and hearts of over two generations. With the arrival of her 58th birthday this past Wednesday, Chaka is still powerfully mesmerizing. In honour of the 10 time Grammy Award winner, here’s a mix of some of her most notable hits, with Rufus and during a solo career that continues to be stellar.

Love,
Geena

Chaka Khan: Every Woman
(download mix here)

I Feel For You (live)
Do You Love What You Feel (live)
I’m Every Woman
I Know You, I Live You
What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me
Never Miss The Water ft. Me’Shell Ndegeocello
Ain’t Nobody
Love You All My Lifetime
Every Little Thing
Tell Me Something Good (live)
Papillion (Hot Butterfly)
Stay (live)
Sweet Thing
One For All Lifetime
Don’t Look At Me That Way
Through The Fire
Your Love Is All I Know
My Funny Valentine
Love Me Still (live)

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Geena Lee
Lovesoul Studio
Toronto, Canada