I’ve had this song stuck in my head for the better part of two days now, and I have no idea why. Maybe it’s featured in a commercial or something?
When I realized I didn’t have a SOTD scheduled this morning, I figured I’d give old Lionel Richie his due for planting ‘Stuck On You’ in my brain.
So here is Richie’s official Meet Me In Montauk debut, if you don’t count a cover of ‘Endless Love’ by the cast of Glee.
Now, I think I’m supposed to dislike Lionel Richie, right? I associate his music with the sort of safe and cheesy MOR drivel that gives music critics heartburn. I’ve never really paid him any attention because of that.
But I have to say, I kind of love this song. It has a smooth country vibe, a lovely melody and those silky Lionel Richie vocals… it’s just plain good. And I bet I could say the same about a lot of his songs.
Am I a closet Lionel Richie fan, denied his music due to the prejudices of others? Or maybe he is well-loved by fans and critics alike and I’ve somehow misunderstood his place in the canon all these years.
And do I pay too much attention to what I’m “supposed” to think about musical artists? Certainly.
Maybe ‘Stuck On You’ has been stuck on me this weekend in order to teach me that lesson.
I’ve got this feeling down
Deep in my soul
That I just can’t lose
Guess, I’m on my way
Needed a friend
And the way I feel now I guess
I’ll be with you till the end
Guess I’m on my way
Mighty glad you stayed
I’m stuck on you
Been a fool too long I guess
It’s time for me to come on home
Guess I’m on my way
So hard to see
That a woman like you could wait
Around for a man like me
Guess I’m on my way
Mighty glad you stayed
Oh, I’m leaving on that midnight train
And I know just where I’m going
I’ve packed up my troubles
And I’ve thrown them all away
Because this time little darlin’
I’m coming home to stay
I’m stuck on you
I’ve got this feeling down
Deep in my soul
That I just can’t lose
Guess, I’m on my way
Needed a friend
And the way I feel now I guess
I’ll be with you till the end
Guess I’m on my way
I’m mighty glad you stayed
Meet Me In Montauk 
Such an odd tune to get stuck in your head! You must have heard it somewhere. Maybe over the airport speakers or in a cab?
Lionel Richie is one of those artists who largely gets knocked for going to soft and too poppy, much like Phil Collins, Neil Diamond, Rod Stewart and so on.
This song is on the edge of that line, while a song like “Dancing on the Ceiling” crosses right over into pop schmaltz.
My favorite ballad from Richie is “Easy (Like Sunday Morning).” Of course, that was back when he was with the Commodores.
“Still” and “Sail On” are Richie classics with the Commodores. Sure, he’s “music-lite” … but every now and then that is exactly what the doctor ordered.