For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to venture to Ohio and show some love to Zapp and their classic song “Computer Love”. The lead single from their fourth album, “The New Zapp IV U”, “Computer Love” features vocals from Shirley Murdock and Charlie Wilson. The song was written by Murdock, Zapp Band leader Roger Troutman, and his brother Larry Troutman.
As someone who met his spouse of seventeen years online, I’ve always felt that “Computer Love” was a bit ahead of its time. “Computer Love” by Zapp is a song about love and how technology can bring two people together. Charlie Wilson is on a quest to find a woman with whom he can share his love of technology. The lyrics of the song state that sometimes people have to find love through technology.
In the song, there is an implication that technology is the new normal. The lyrics mention astrology and how the narrator used to use it to try to find love, but now he has found his match with the help of a computer. The narrator states that with the use of computer programs and technology, he has found what he was looking for.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “Shooby-doo-bop” several times in a row. This is a form of repetition that is used to create emphasis. The lyrics of the song make it seem as if the narrator is searching for love and is willing to take it from whoever is available to him, even if that person is someone he has only seen on a computer screen.
“Computer Love” is about how technology has enabled a new way to date and form relationships. The song encourages openness and the courage to take chances in love.
Final Grade: A
“Computer Love” is available on all streaming platforms..
I’ve always been a fan of Eric Bellinger. My admiration stems not only from the records he has released under his own name but also from the impressive career he built behind the scenes. Long before casual R&B listeners recognized his face, they were already familiar with his songwriting through tracks he penned for artists like Chris Brown, Usher, Justin Bieber, and Wale.
As many of you know, I had the opportunity to visit Paisley Park earlier this week while vacationing in Minnesota. During the tour, our guide shared that an expanded edition of Prince’s album “Parade” is expected to be released to celebrate its 40th anniversary. After spending the day exploring the Twin Cities, it felt like the perfect excuse to revisit one of the most fascinating and underrated albums in Prince’s legendary catalog.
One of the reasons I’ve always considered Prince to have the edge over Michael Jackson is his remarkable collection of ballads and