Keb’ Mo’s “I Remember You”

Keb’ Mo’ might be straight outta Compton, but “I Remember You” proves that the man knows the blues intimately. Born in Compton in 1951, Keb’ Mo’ was making music a decade before six other guys from Compton would put gangsta rap in nearly every city in America. But instead of becoming a pioneer of any hip-hop genre, Keb’ Mo’ focused on the blues almost from the beginning.

I remember you dancin’ on the floor
I remember you walkin’ out the door
You had a red dress on and some high heel shoes
You don’t remember me but I remember you

—Keb’ Mo’ (Kevin Roosevelt Moore)

When I can, I choose live recordings for the Hangover Cafe sessions or at least an official music video of the song. This is another of those times I have not done so. It’s not that the live recordings aren’t good. They are. It’s that I think the studio recording captures the subtle richness of Mo’s voice better than anything else I’ve heard so far. He’s all confidence and determination in “I Remember You.” The object of his affection may not remember Junior (the song’s narrator) at all. However, he’s letting her know how impactful their meeting was. She may not be listening. Doesn’t matter, Junior is telling the world.

He’s telling us with his guitar as much as he is with his lyrics. Steady and focused, I feel the guitar as much as I hear it. Keb’ Mo’s “I Remember You” is one part flirtation, one part lamentation. A perfect mix for working through hangovers. Take care.