Marriage is a particularly curious item in American society. The combinations of romanticism, pragmatism and patriarchy inform an ever shifting social condition. As long as there’s been the concept of a popular song, anyone that got a chance to record more than 10 songs somehow deals with the concept in some circular way.

As we close in on Libra season, it seemed the perfect way to acknowledge the various ways we’re entering cuffing season with musical reflections on the various ways our dreams, desires and neurosis on the subject of marriage were reflected back to us in Post-War music. With this playlist I head straight to the jugular of the concept from Doo-Wop through Rock, Pop and Soul.

Assembled we start with the desire for the institution. From there we deal with the complications, like shotgun weddings due to pregnancies, jilted individuals left stranded at the altar and other lovers asking to halt the proceedings before we live “Happily Ever After.”

This  is not necessarily a playlist to play at your weddings (unless you wanna be frank about the nuanced dynamics that brought you to your special day). This might be the perfect musical counseling you need in case you’re thinking about jumping the broom. Head into 30 tunes for 80 minutes of musings on matrimony. Enjoy!

 

1) The Delicates – I Want To Get Married

2) The Intruders – When We Get Married

3) Darlene Love – Today I Met The Boy I’m Gonna Marry

4) Anita Humes & The Essex – Marriage License

5) Dee Dee Sharp – Willyam, Willyam

6) Roy C. – Shotgun Wedding

7) Tammy Montgomery – If I Would Marry You

8) The Charmettes – (Preacherman) Stop The Wedding

9) Etta James – Stop The Wedding

10) Lou Johnson – Please, Stop The Wedding

11) The Marvelettes – Strange I Know

12) Babs Tino – Call Off The Wedding

13) The Chantels – How Could You Call It Off?

14) The Shirelles – Mama, Here Comes The Bride

15) Laura Lee – Wedlock Is Padlock

16) Elaine Williams – When Are We Getting Married?
17) The Concords – It’s Our Wedding Day

18) Jean Wells – Song Of The Bells

19) Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston – Baby, Say Yes

20) The Reflections – June Bride

21) The Temptations & The Supremes – For Better Or Worse

22) Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin – From The Teacher To The Preacher

23) The Shades Of Blue – With This Ring

24) The Platters – With This Ring

25) JoAnne King – Let Them Love And Be Loved
26) Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles – Down The Aisle (Live)

27) Cecily Blair – This Is My Vow

28) Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Sad Wedding

29) Martha & The Vandellas – Third Finger, Left Hand

30) Pat Powdrill – Happy Anniversary