Imagine walking through the hustle of your daily routine, a soundtrack pulsing in the air that says, “this is your moment.” That’s the energy Isaac Hayes captured in “Theme from Shaft”, turning a simple stroll into a cinematic entrance—with flickering hi-hats, wah-wah riffs, brassy horns, and strings that slice through the ordinary with undeniable …

This morning on Good Vinyl Mornings, we dive into a pressing question of our digital era: Is social media just a modern-day Fool’s Paradise? Let’s start with the song that frames our inquiry. With Chaka Khan’s powerful vocals soaring over a backdrop of funk, soul, and lush orchestration, “Fool’s Paradise” critiques a world obsessed with material ga…

In this heartfelt episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores the tough but real question: What do you do when you lose your passion? Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or creative pursuits, PL shares practical tips and soulful wisdom on reigniting the spark and finding your way back to what truly moves you.…

In this Classic GVM episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we confront a bold and reflective question: How big is too big? Just because ambition drives us upward doesn’t mean everything about success is safe for our soul. When unchecked, growth can eclipse our values, distort our purpose, or even hollow out the original flame that fueled our journey. We f…

In today’s Good Vinyl Mornings, we’re talking about one simple truth: you become what you drive toward. If your energy is scattered, your vision blurred—this episode is your call to alignment. Our anthem is “Freeway of Love,” Aretha Franklin’s electric 1985 hit from the album Who’s Zoomin’ Who?. Produced by Narada Michael Walden and written with Je…

This morning, we dig into the power of delusional confidence—the kind of unstoppable belief that propels you forward, even when doubt says “wait.” And who better to lead the charge than James Brown with his explosive funk hit “Sex Machine.” Recorded in two takes and released in 1970 with backing vocals from Bobby Byrd, the track soared to No. 2 on …

In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we explore the transformative power of stepping out of the background and into your own spotlight—and no song captures that moment better than Diana Ross’s disco-defining “The Boss.” Released May 22, 1979, as the lead single from her self-titled album, “The Boss” marked Diana’s re-emergence into full creative…

In today’s Good Vinyl Mornings, we confront the question: Do you keep walking around your mountain—or do you finally begin the climb? Because the truth is, every step away from the summit doesn’t shrink the challenge…it only makes the path deeper, the mountain higher, and your opportunity for growth more limited. Stevie Wonder captures that eternal…

This morning, we explore the whisper of wisdom tied to waiting—because sometimes revelation only comes with time. And no song captures that truth better than DeBarge’s smooth 1983 classic “Time Will Reveal.” Released as the lead single from their third album In a Special Way, this soul-stirring track was written and produced by El DeBarge with help…

In this edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, we confront a universal battle: the tug-of-war between emotional doubt and disciplined action. When the road gets rough and your feelings scream "stop"—don’t quit. We root this message in “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” the title track from Eric B. & Rakim’s final album, released in mid-1992. Flowing over jazzy …

Today on Good Vinyl Mornings, we explore how jealousy dims your light and how letting go of it can send you forward with clarity and purpose. We anchor this reflection to “O‑o‑h Child”, a gentle yet powerful soul anthem from Chicago sibling group the Five Stairsteps. Originally the B-side to a Beatles cover, this Stan Vincent–written and produced t…

This morning on Good Vinyl Mornings, we invite you to pause, breathe, and truly celebrate the sunrise—not just the one outside your window, but the one rising inside of you. With “Golden Time of Day” as our soulful soundtrack, Frankie Beverly and Maze remind us that peace, purpose, and clarity often come in life’s stillest, most sacred moments. Rel…

This morning on Good Vinyl Mornings, we confront one of the most misunderstood gifts in life: rejection. When something—or someone—turns you away, it can feel personal. Final. Defeating. But what if rejection is actually divine redirection? A push not backward, but onto the good foot. Enter James Brown’s funk anthem “Get on the Good Foot.” Released…

In today’s episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we lean into the pursuit of something we all crave but rarely prioritize: inner peace. Not the kind that waits for external validation or perfect conditions—but the kind you create and protect from within. Our soundtrack for this reflection is Steve Winwood’s anthemic “Higher Love,” a Grammy-winning classi…

This morning on Good Vinyl Mornings, we sit with a tough but freeing truth: excellence will stretch you. Mediocrity never asks for more. And to hold that message, we drop the needle on “So Good, So Right”—Brenda Russell’s introspective and quietly powerful 1979 track that captures the beauty and tension of doing what’s right, even when it’s complic…

Today on Good Vinyl Mornings, we’re talking about self-trust, timing, and personal rhythm—the kind that can’t be taught, only tuned into. Inspired by “Boogie Oogie Oogie”—the breakout 1978 hit from A Taste of Honey—this episode is about more than dancing. It’s about living in alignment with your own beat, even when the world tries to rush, remix, o…

In this reflective episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we examine the quiet truth behind inaction: every area of your life you’re not changing… you’re actively choosing. Whether it’s a relationship, a habit, a mindset, or a dream deferred—avoidance is still a decision. With Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Devotion” as the spiritual centerpiece, we explore what i…

We’ve reached the final leg of the journey. In this third and final installment of The PL Sweets Top 15 Duets, we count down the top 5 musical collaborations of all time—pairings that didn’t just make hits, but changed culture, carved out sound, and left fingerprints on the soul of music itself. This episode is all about impact. These aren’t just d…

In this second installment of The PL Sweets Top 15 Duets, we delve deep into a collection of collaborations that transcended time and genre to leave an indelible mark on music history. Starting with Ashford & Simpson’s “Solid”—a vibrant declaration of unwavering love—and moving to the heart-wrenching vulnerability of Patti LaBelle and Michael McDon…

In this special edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets kicks off Part One of a soulful countdown—his Top 15 Duets of All Time. These are the tracks where two voices don’t just sing—they merge, creating timeless harmony, emotional storytelling, and pure vinyl magic. From love-drenched soul ballads to street-certified hip-hop classics, these track…

In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we unpack the mental and emotional discipline required to rise above the excuses that keep us stuck. Inspired by Kanye West’s “Stronger”—a bold, electronic-tinged hip-hop track that redefined crossover production—we explore what it really means to be mentally tougher than the stories we tell ourselves. Kanye’…

If you’ve ever danced through a hard time, you know this truth: joy isn’t just a reaction—it’s a practice. And excellence? That’s not just in the big milestones—it’s in how you make your bed, how you speak to a stranger, how you show up for the dream even when no one’s watching. On today’s episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets drops the needle …

“Build your own generator, so if someone tries to turn the lights off… you still have light.” That’s not just a lyric-inspired affirmation—it’s survival. It’s legacy. It’s soul preservation in a world that loves to cut the cord on those who shine too bright. Today on Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets dives into this layered anthem from Kanye West’s ma…

This morning, we turn up the heat—literally and spiritually. We’re grooving to “Fire,” the blazing 1974 hit by the legendary Ohio Players, a band that helped define the funk era That iconic opening—sirens blaring, drums dropping like thunder—it’s not just a sonic signature. It’s a spiritual alarm clock. One that shouts: Wake up. Change is coming. A…

This morning, we’re slowing it down to examine something tender, raw, and essential: the testing of your faith. Inspired by the smooth falsetto and emotional honesty of The Stylistics’ classic “Break Up to Make Up,” PL Sweets invites you into a moment of soulful reflection. Because sometimes, the biggest tests in life don’t come with warning signs …

Today’s track is upbeat, alive, and bursting with joy—but beneath the groove lies a soul-level question that echoes through every turning point in life: “What do I do?” On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson spins Stevie Wonder’s “Do I Do,” a timeless classic with more than just musical brilliance—it’s a masterclass i…

Today’s groove is deep, cosmic, and quietly powerful—just like your dreams. On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson guides you through the lush, synth-rich landscape of Herbie Hancock’s “Stars in Your Eyes”. With its shimmering keys and soul-funk fusion, the track invites you to reflect inward and protect what mat…

This morning, we’re digging into a groove that laid the groundwork for a cultural shift. On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson drops the needle on “Scratchin’” by The Magic Disco Machine—a pulsating instrumental track that helped shape the foundation of early hip-hop and DJ culture. Released in 1975 under Motown…

This morning on Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson drops the needle on a dancefloor classic with a powerful message—Inner Life’s 1981 rendition of "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough." Originally a soul anthem made famous by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, and later Diana Ross, this version explodes with energy, thanks to powerhouse vo…

There are moments in a creative life when everything changes—quiet, powerful moments that may not come with fireworks, but set a new course in motion. For Leroy Burgess, one such moment came in the form of a groove, a rhythm, and a melody that would become the iconic anthem “Weekend.” But the story behind that song goes far deeper than a chart hit.…

Good morning, groove lovers! Today on Good Vinyl Mornings, we don’t just celebrate bass—we celebrate the man who redefined it: James Jamerson. If you've ever felt your spirit move while listening to a Motown classic, chances are, Jamerson was the one behind that heartbeat. Before bass playing was cool, he made it art—playing with one finger (loving…

Good morning, soul risers! Today’s Good Vinyl Mornings hits hard with attitude, groove, and unstoppable energy as we climb into the mindset of owning your power, fueled by the electrifying funk of James Brown’s “Super Bad.” Host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson breaks down how to channel that “I got soul, and I’m super bad” spirit into your daily grin…

Sometimes the biggest difference between stuck and successful is simply showing up. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson explores how the act of showing up — in the grind, in the face of fear, in the middle of chaos — is the beginning of breakthrough. Anchoring this message are two iconic songs from different e…

There’s soul that comes from struggle. There’s soul that’s born from tradition. And then… there’s Blue-Eyed Soul — a bridge. A cross-cultural heartbeat. In this powerful edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, your host, Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson, curates a sonic journey through the Top 15 Blue-Eyed Soul tracks — songs performed by artists who may not …

Today’s groove is about power—shared, not hoarded. On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, your host Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson unpacks the message behind “Hip Hop Hooray” by Naughty by Nature, a certified anthem of celebration, inclusion, and community. But we don’t stop there—we rewind the record back to its soulful roots in “Make Me Say It Ag…

This isn’t just a phrase—it’s a philosophy. On this special edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, your host Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson, breaks it down with depth and soul, anchored by two timeless tracks: Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’” and “Regulate” by Warren G & Nate Dogg. Michael’s smooth delivery in “I Keep Forgettin’” taps into the ache o…

Before autotune. Before hooks were crafted by committees. There was sound—raw, undiluted, and electric. The 1970s birthed a golden age where instrumentation wasn’t just the backdrop—it was the story. And for this special edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets spins deeper than the grooves on the record. He’s pulling the needle back to a time whe…

Entitlement is loud, impatient, and expects the reward without the responsibility. But hard work? That’s quiet, steady, and rooted in the kind of truth you can’t fake. Today’s message is simple but sharp: if you don’t work for it, you’ll never fully value it. Willie Hutch’s “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out” wasn’t just music—it was a movement. A soulfu…

Songs: “Hurry Up This Way Again” by The Stylistics & “Politics As Usual” by Jay-Z Pain isn’t always the enemy—it can be the teacher we didn’t ask for but desperately need. In this episode, we unpack the complex idea that suffering might not just be a setback, but a setup for something deeper, wiser, and stronger. The Stylistics’ “Hurry Up This Way …

In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we travel into the late-night vulnerability of “Two Occasions” by The Deele—a quintessential slow jam that captured the ache of longing and the illusion of love held together by moments rather than mutual understanding. With its smooth synths, delicate keys, and Babyface’s tender yet haunted vocals, the song …

On this special edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson brings you into a pivotal chapter of 1980s music history—a moment when elegance met innovation, and one silky voice helped define a generation. We journey into the story of Change, the transatlantic funk/disco group whose polished production and infectious grooves be…

Episode Description: Some songs don’t just play—they echo across generations. "I’ll Always Love My Mama" by The Intruders isn’t just a sweet dedication; it’s a soulful time capsule, capturing the heartbeat of the Black family, the sacrifice of matriarchs, and the way love evolves over time. This episode is an emotional pilgrimage through vinyl and …

Not everyone in your circle is in your corner—and sometimes the slickest shapeshifters blend in just well enough to go unnoticed. In this groove-rich episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we decode the message beneath Herbie Hancock’s timeless jazz-funk masterpiece Chameleon—a track as unpredictable and layered as the personalities we encounter in real l…

True friendship isn’t flashy—it’s soul-deep, tested by time, and rooted in trust. In this heart-centered episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we explore the invisible glue that holds real friendships together: consistency, vulnerability, and a rhythm that never skips a beat. We start with Alicia Keys’ “Unbreakable,” a warm, affirming anthem that speaks …

Some decisions in life might look like rebellion, but deep down, they are moments of realignment. In this soulful episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we dive into the courage it takes to shift direction—even when that shift goes against the grain. Using Kanye West’s “Bound 2” as our creative guidepost, we trace its emotional core back to the hauntingly…

We all hit moments when we need a lifeline—but too often, pride keeps us quiet. In this heartfelt episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson takes a powerful look at "Help!" by The Beatles, a timeless anthem that cuts through ego and taps into human vulnerability. Released in 1965, “Help!” wasn’t just a catchy tune—it was Jo…

In this illuminating episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson delves into the power of recommendations and how they can shape careers, connections, and opportunities. From mentorship to word-of-mouth referrals, PL explores how the right endorsement can open doors, build influence, and create lasting impact. To illustrate t…

Is it really bad luck—or just part of the process? In this gritty and soulful episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson takes us deep into the 1975 Philly soul classic "Bad Luck" by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, featuring the unmistakable voice of Teddy Pendergrass and production by Gamble and Huff. With its driving rhyth…

In the hustle to reach the next goal, we often forget to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come. In this uplifting episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson dives into the feel-good anthem "Let's Celebrate" by Skyy to remind us of the importance of gratitude and reflection. Released in 1981, "Let’s Celebrate" is more than …

Not all advice is good advice—especially when it comes to love, life, and chasing your dreams. In this heartfelt episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson takes a deep dive into Deniece Williams' soulful ballad "Silly" and the lessons it teaches about trusting the right voices. Released in 1981, "Silly" is a masterclass in …