Okay it is a little tasteless but still rather comical
One of my favorite things on televsion has recently become the ESPN Make A Wish specials where they take a child who has suffered ten times more then anyone should ever have to suffer and they grant them their wish to meet their sports idol. It is not only touching but it humbles sports idols who are on top of the world. It is both inspiring and touching and I love watching the stories and how our sports stars, while they may be fantastic athletes, are all human just like us. So, inspired by the optimism displayed in these brief stories between highlights and top plays I am taking a completely different route and choosing “Optimistic,” the 1991 gospel hit by Sounds of Blackness.
Yes, gospel. I know not usually my cup of tea on this site but it is necessary to touch upon all genres (except for hardcore rap because that is not music). You know gospel is an incredibly important genre. It is true roots music that is the main inspiration of blues and soul music. Without blues there would be no rock. Without rock and soul no R&B. Without R&B no hip-hop and Rap. You can see how important it is now. While Sounds of Blackness is more a fusion band which combined elements of gospel, R&B, soul, and jazz together, gospel music is still noticeable in a majority of their songs. “Optimistic,” is a good example of this.
The 1991 hit has inspiration lyrics that plead, “Don’t give up and don’t give in, Although it seems you never win, You will always pass the test, As long as you keep your head to the sky, You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky, You can win as long as you keep your head to the sky, Be optimistic.” It is a catchy song which focuses on great vocals as well. But, it really is the lyrics that pull the song together. Optimism is key in order to live life the correct way. Look at these kids for example. They have suffered terribly over their short lives. So, next time you may be stressing about work or a sports game for example, trust me, many have it much worse then you. So smile like them and stay hopeful.
Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML_QydtOae8
The Music Court 
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