15 Mo’ Surefire Classics from the 1970s

Reading Time: 21 min read

15 Mo’ Surefire Classics from the 1970s features songs by Average White Band, Joe Tex, Linda Ronstadt, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Three Dog Night & War.

It is high time we funkifize! Once again, I explore one of the greatest decades and eras in music history: the 1970s. While the ‘70s predate my birth (I’m a mid-80s baby with whose teenage and collegiate years occurred in the 2000s), my parents often played music of various styles from the ‘70s, particularly disco, funk, and soul. My love and passion for this particular music were established early on. Always an old soul, I’ve found myself drawn to the brilliance of the musicians, how the grooves cook, and the complexity of the arrangements and epic productions. After exploring the 1970s with 15 Surefire Classics from the 1970s (2025), I return with the jam-packed sequel, 15 Mo’ Surefire Classics from the 1970s. The criteria remain the same: All songs on this list were recorded, released, or, at a minimum, popularized between 1970 and 1979. 15 Mo’ Surefire Classics from the 1970s features songs by Average White Band, Joe Tex, Linda Ronstadt, Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Three Dog Night, and War. So, grab your dancing shoes, and let’s get into 15 Mo’ Surefire Classics from the 1970s! Disco fingers up 🕺!

~ Table of Contents ~

1. Three Dog Night, “Joy To The World”	2. Joe Tex, “I Gotcha”	3. Earth, Wind & Fire, “Fantasy”	4. The Staple Singers, “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)”	5. War, “The Cisco Kid”
6. Linda Ronstadt, “You’re No Good”	7. The O’Jays, “I Love Music”	8. The Soul Children, “Hearsay”	9. Average White Band, “School Boy Crush”	10. The Miracles, “Love Machine”
11. Four Tops, “Still Water (Love)”	12. Lamont Dozier, “Fish Ain’t Bitin’”	13. The Spinners, “Rubberband Man”	14. Roy Ayers Ubiquity, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”	15. Marvin Gaye, “Distant Lover”

1. Three Dog Night, “Joy To The World”

Naturally » MCA » 1970

“Jeremiah was a bullfrog / Was a good friend of mine / I never understood a single word he said / But I helped him a-drink his wine.” Say what? Is the bullfrog Jeremiah from The Bible? What do we make of the wine? Speculate whatever you will! “Joy To The World” is a triumphant gem from the rock band Three Dog Night that appears as the 10^th track on their 1970 album, Naturally. During their “Joy To The World” days, they featured Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells on vocals. Negron sings lead. The songwriting honors belong to Hoyt Axton, while Richard Podolor produced.

Unsurprisingly, “Joy To The World” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. How could it not? A bullfrog named Jeremiah, and later, Negron, hypothetically, becoming “the king of the world” to “throw away the cars and the bars and the wars / [and] Make sweet love to you.” Woo hoo! Are the lyrics deep? Maybe, or maybe not. Regardless, “Joy To The World” is marvelous – utterly infectious. It begins with a killer electric keyboard part. Negron gives us gritty lead vocals, while the harmonized vocals (Negron, Hutton, and Wells) are superb, too. Energetic from the beginning, the best moment of the song is the sing-along, unforgettable chorus:

“Joy to the world

All the boys and girls

Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea

Joy to you and me.”

Keeping “Joy To The World” interesting is an epic key change at 2:15 in. The riffs become more high-flying as the song progresses. The iconic chorus is repeated numerous times, ultimately fading out at the end. “Joy To The World” is a classic that doesn’t require extensive analysis. Maybe the lyrics mean more, and perhaps they don’t. It doesn’t matter. This song is enduring.

Appears in:

Three Dog Night, Joy To The World: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 104 (2024)

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2. Joe Tex, “I Gotcha”

Greatest Hits » Curb » 1991

$Joe Tex, Greatest Hits [📷: Curb]$ “I gotcha / Uh-huh, uh / You thought I didn’t see you now, didn’t ya, uh.” Gifted but short-lived southern soul singer/songwriter Joe Tex (1935 – 1982) delivered an R&B bop for the ages with “I Gotcha”. Fun and energetic to the nth degree, Tex ‘gives his all.” “Uh-huh, uh / You tried to sneak by me now, didn’t ya?” he continues in the epic chorus, concluding, “Now give me what you promised me, give it here / Come on.” Tex penned the two-and-a-half-minute gem, which was originally intended for another southern soul legend, King Floyd (1945 – 2006). Buddy Killen produced it. “I Gotcha” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified gold by the RIAA.

There are many reasons why “I Gotcha” is the bop that it is. Joe Tex delivers assertive and playful lead vocals. There is ample energy, personality, and spirit. In the bridge preceding the first verse, Tex has us all screaming, “Good God!” He is gritty when he sings, as well as the ‘rapped’ (spoken word) vocals. “You promised me the day that you quit your boyfriend / I’d be the next one to ease on in,” he sings memorably in the first verse, continuing, “You promised me it would be just us two, yeah / And I’d be the only man kissin’ on you, yeah.” Both verses are followed by a delightful bridge, which is followed by the potent chorus. The best iteration of the chorus is the final one: “Good God, I gotcha, ha-ha-ha / Oh, I gotcha / Give it up, I gotcha / Give it on here, I gotcha.” Beyond the songwriting and electrifying singing, “I Gotcha” is funky as hell. It has one of the most kick-ass bass lines that you’ll ever hear – it’ll change your life! Also, those exuberant, articulated horns are the sugar, honey, iced tea. If you have never heard this scintillating, southern soul class, you are missing out!

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3. Earth, Wind & Fire, “Fantasy”

All ‘N All » Columbia » 1977

“Every man has a place / In his heart, there’s a space / And the world can’t erase his fantasies.” Iconic, six-time Grammy-winning funk and soul band Earth, Wind & Fire never miss. Once more, the legends ‘served up the goods’ on “Fantasy”, the groovy second track from their 1978 album, All ‘N All. “Fantasy” earned them another top 40 hit (number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100). Maurice White, Verdine White, and Argentinian arranger, composer, and pianist Eddie Del Barrio wrote the ballad. Maurice produced it. “Fantasy” was nominated for Best R&B Song at the 21^st Annual Grammy Awards.

The sounds are breathtaking from the rhythm section, bright, articulated horns, and lush, sophisticated strings. Throw in a sickening harmonic progression and key change, and “Fantasy” is simply fantastic! Beyond the innovative instrumental and top-notch musicianship, the singing is dynamic. The high tenor and falsetto of Philip Bailey (1951 – ) is otherworldly! He sings expressively and passionately, bringing the distinct, thought-provoking songwriting to life. “Every thought is a dream / Rushing by a stream / Bringing life to the kingdom of doing.” Yes! One section that features variation stands out:

“And we will live together

Until the twelfth of never

Our voices will ring forever, as one.”

The twelfth of never reference comes from an earlier source: Johnny Mathis’ 1957 song, “The Twelfth of Never”. Another stellar lyric from “Fantasy”: “Come to see victory / In a land called fantasy / Loving life for you and me / To behold, to your soul is ecstasy.” “Fantasy” is another masterpiece from one of the greatest bands of all time. Energetic and innovative, Earth, Wind & Fire put their foot into this classic, best experienced by simply listening. Unsurprisingly, it has been sampled many times.

Appears in:

Earth, Wind & Fire, Fantasy: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 3 (2025)

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4. The Staple Singers, “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)”

Be What You Are » Stax / Fantasy, Inc. » 1973

“Can you feel it in your bones?” That’s what the legendary Mavis Staples and The Staple Singers sing on “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)”. She continues, “Oh, a change is comin’ on / From every walk of life / People are seeing the light.” Amen 🙏! “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)” is the fourth track from the Chicago soul/gospel collective’s 1973 album, Be What You Are. “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)” gave the Rock and Roll / Gospel Music Hall of Famers another top 40 hit, peaking at no. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. The groovy classic was written by Homer Banks, Raymond Jackson, and Carl Hampton. Al Bell produced.

“Can’t you feel it in your heart now? / A new thing is taking shape / Reach out, touch a hand / Yo, make a friend if you can.” Ooh wee! The musical accompaniment is everything when it comes to “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend).” It is lushly arranged featuring sophisticated orchestral touches (winds and strings). As expected, the rhythm section is tight – ‘in the pocket.’ Do you know what else is ‘everything?’ The vocals! Mavis Staples sounds top-notch on lead. Meanwhile, the harmonized background vocals by The Staple Singers are elite. “Touch” thrives thanks to tuneful melodies, particularly the feel-good, uplifting chorus:

“Reach out, touch a hand
Make a friend if you can
Reach out, touch a hand
Make a friend if you can.”

The songwriting is thoughtful and positive – it’s all good vibes with “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend).” “Every day folk are waking up / To the need for one another / We’re on our way / Making the world a better place.” Sadly, more than 50 years after the release of the awesome “Touch a Hand (Make a Friend)”, we still have a long, long way to go. We need to heed the words of this classic more than ever!

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5. War, “The Cisco Kid”

The World is a Ghetto » Far Out Productions, Inc. / Rhino Entertainment Company » 1972

“The Cisco Kid was a friend of mine / He’d drink whisky, Pancho drank the wine.” War released a surefire classic with “The Cisco Kid”. The funk, alongside Latin music influences, was alive and well on this top 10 hit by the creative R&B collective. “Cisco Kid” peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, the band’s best showing. The opener from their 1972 album, The World is a Ghetto, was certified gold by the RIAA. Adding to the accolades, it earned War two Grammy nominations for Best Rhythm & Blues Song and Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group, Or Chorus. Jerry Goldstein, Lonnie Jordan, and Howard Scott produced it.

The lyrics are simple and repetitive throughout “The Cisco Kid,” as evidenced by the excerpted lyrics. Even so, listeners are given a novel tale about a Mexican cowboy. The inspiration for the song, which guitarist Scott came up with, was from The Cisco Kid, a Western starring Romanian-born American actor Duncan Renaldo that aired from 1950 – 1956. Leo Carrillo played Pancho, the Cisco Kid’s (Renaldo) sidekick. Notably, each line is sung twice. “We met down on the border of Rio Grande… / Eat the salted peanuts out of a can… / The outlaws had us pinned down at the fort… / Cisco came in blastin’, drinkin’ port.” Beyond the fun lyrics and energetic vocals, the music is top-notch. The groove, with its Latin influence, is epic. Just as epic, more epic is the bass line, which is one of the fattest and funkiest you’ll ever hear. So much more could be said regarding “The Cisco Kid” but the awesome music speaks for itself. “They rode the sunset, horse was made of steel / Chase a gringo last night through a field.” Indeed!

Appears in:

War, The Cisco Kid: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 192 (2024)

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6. Linda Ronstadt, “You’re No Good”

Heart Like A Wheel » Capitol » 1974

“You’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good / Baby, you’re no good.” I’d venture to say that on “You’re No Good”, Grammy-winning, critically acclaimed singer Linda Ronstadt believes that he’s no good. In the Clint Ballard Jr.-penned cut, Ronstadt makes this cover her own. Originally recorded by Dee Dee Warwick (1942 – 2008) in 1963, Betty Everette (1939 – 2001) scored a moderate pop hit with it the same year (number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100). The Ronstadt version arrived 11 years later as the opening track on her 1974, double platinum album, Heart Like A Wheel. “You’re No Good” earned Linda her sole number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. While “You’re No Good” was specifically nominated for a Grammy, the album was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female and Album Of The Year at the 18^th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

So, what makes “You’re No Good” ‘really, really good?’ First and foremost, it is Linda Ronstadt. She brings it with her expressive, nuanced lead vocals. From beginning to end, her performance is spirited to the nth degree. Beyond her lead, the background vocals up the ante. Musically, she’s accompanied by an awesome backdrop including electric piano, guitar, and a fabulous groove carried by the drums. The verses are memorable, including lyrics like “I learned my lesson, it left a scar / Now I see how you really are” (verse one) and “I broke a heart that’s gentle and true / Well, I broke a heart over someone like you” (verse two). Oh, snap! The section to beat, however, is the chorus – he’s no good! “You’re No Good” is a pop song for the ages. Linda Ronstadt did that!

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7. The O’Jays, “I Love Music”

Family Reunion » Sony Music Entertainment » 1975

“I love music / Any kind of music / I love music / Just as long as it’s grooving.” Those lyrics by the iconic soul collective, The O’Jays, speak volumes. Renowned for the popular Philly soul sound of the 1970s, The O’Jays was formed in Canton, Ohio, by Eddie Levert and Walter Williams. “I Love Music” appears on their 1975 album, Family Reunion. “I Love Music (Part 1)” earned The O’Jays one of six top 10 hits, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. On the R&B charts, “I Love Music (Part 1)” reached number one. Iconic duo Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff penned and produced this big-time soul hit.

“Ah, ah, ah, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na.” Ooh-wee! Lyrical and thematic depth is not important in “I Love Music.” This is a carefree, danceable, fun, and funky joint! The disco is alive and well! The message is simple: music is ‘the cat’s meow!’ “Makes me laugh, makes me smile all the while / Whenever I’m with you, girl,” Levert sings joyfully in the first verse. Williams adds, “While we dance, make romance / I’m enchanted by the things that you do.” Later, the O’Jays sing, “Nothing can be better than a sweet love song.” Levert adds, “Music is the healing force in the world / It’s understood by every man, woman, boy, and girl.” Facts! Beyond the enjoyable lyrics and superb singing by Levert, Williams, and William Powell (1942 – 1977), the instrumental accompaniment fuels The O’Jays. Marvelously arranged, the backdrop comprises a sickening, percussive groove (the bongos specifically), a tight rhythm section, horns, glorious strings, and vibraphone. Whether it’s the shortened “I Love Music (Part 1)” or the full-fledged “I Love Music”, it’s one of The O’Jays’ and soul’s premier cuts.

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8. The Soul Children, “Hearsay”

Genesis » Craft Recordings. / Concord » 1972

“You keep buggin’ me and naggin’ me about / Some hearsay and jive / Oh, yeah-yeah.” John “Blackfoot” Colbert (1946 – 2011) is perturbed by the hearsay against him in the soul classic, fittingly named, “Hearsay”. What is not hearsay is how awesome this gem from The Soul Children is. Who was part of this Memphis, Tennessee-based group? Lead singer Colbert, Anita Louis, and Norman West. “Hearsay” is the third track from the collective’s 1972 album, Genesis. Colbert and West penned the song while Al Jackson Jr. (1935 – 1975) produced it. “Hearsay” was a modest hit on the pop charts, peaking at number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reached the top five on the R&B charts.

“Hearsay” remains one of the funkiest songs your ears will ever hear. The musical accompaniment is superb, thriving on sickening guitar licks, biting horns, fat bass lines, and electrifying drum grooves. Colbert shines with his distinct, gritty, soulful vocals. He brings the heat and energy from the get-go. He also brings memorable songwriting and tuneful melodies to life. “And you tellin’ me about what Shirley said / Honey, that ain’t true,” he sings, continuing, “But did Shirley tell you / What she was really tryin’ to do? / I know she didn’t, baby.” The section to beat is the infectious chorus:

“You’ve never seen me do nothin’ wrong

When I get my check

I bring it home

And you still runnin’ me with that

He said, she said, you did it.”

One of the most epic moments of “Hearsay” is the spoken word back and forth between Colbert and Anita Louis. Louis matches Colbert’s personality (“… Well, I’m the one that’s tired of that hearsay jive, baby / Every time I walk out of my door, I’m staring Shirley right in the face / And she’s tellin’ me about some woman you were with the night before”). Their vocal chemistry is sensational. Also sensational are the background vocals that highlight the hearsay! The Soul Children deserve wider recognition for the surefire, supremely funked-out bop that is “Hearsay”!

Appears in:

The Soul Children, Hearsay: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 40 (2025)

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9. Average White Band, “School Boy Crush”

Cut the Cake » Atlantic Recording Corp. » 1975

“Meet me in the playground at a quarter to four / Wait ‘til everybody’s long gone.” Ooh-wee! So, what’s going down on the playground, Average White Band? “There must be so many things that we could explore / Hey baby, maybe I can walk you home.” Wow! On “School Boy Crush”, the Grammy-nominated Scott funk/R&B collective piques our ears with a strong vocal performance, entertaining and playful lyrics, and tremendous musicianship. “School Boy Crush” is the second track from the band’s gold-certified 1975 album, Cut the Cake. AWB (namely, Hamish Stuart, Steve Ferrone, and Alan Gorrie) wrote “School Boy Crush.” The legendary Arif Mardin (1932 – 2006) produced it. “Crush” peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.

No matter how average they might be, Average White Band showcases elite musicianship throughout “School Boy Crush.” Beyond the expressive, nuanced, and soulful lead vocals, the instrumental slaps hard. “School Boy Crush” benefits from its infectious, sickening funk groove from the get-go. The rhythm guitar kicks ass and takes names. The bass line is epic – big, fat, and robust, baby! The horns add another dimension to the greatness. Also, the musical underpinnings shine! The harmonic progression is marvelous, while key modulations give the song an adventurous spirit. Speaking of adventurous spirit, the innuendo is ripe: “If we play cool (If we play coo), it’ll be alright / Don’t let the teacher see us talking / But after school we can be out of sight / Everybody gonna think we just gone walkin’.” Ooh-wee! The centerpiece is the chorus:

“She said, Hey – wait a minute – hold on

She said, Hey – just a little bit – hold on

When I try to think of what it feels like

To feel it for the first time, was it really such a thrill?

She said, Look, boy – but don’t you touch

That ain’t much – it’s only a school boy crush.”

“School Boy Crush” remains a vibe well into the 21^st century. It has been sampled many, many times for good reason!

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10. The Miracles, “Love Machine”

City Of Angels » Motown » 1975

“Hoo-hoo-hoo, yeah!” Indeed, Bobby Rogers (1940 – 2013)! “Yeah, baby!” Okay, Ronnie White (1938 – 1995), I hear you! Sometimes, music groups don’t endure the loss of their superstar. After “Do It Baby” gave iconic Motown collective The Miracles a top 20 hit post-Smokey Robinson (1940 – ) (Billy Griffin (1950 – ) took over the reins), they landed an even bigger hit, “Love Machine”. “Love Machine” (“Love Machine (Part 1)” is how the single is credited) is the sixth track on The Miracles’ 1975 album, City Of Angels. It became the collective’s final number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Griffin and Warren “Pete” Moore wrote “Love Machine,” while Freddie Perren (1943 – 2004) produced it.

“I’m just a love machine

And I won’t work for nobody but you (Yeah, baby)

I’m just a love machine

A hugging, kissing fiend.”

The most memorable section from “Love Machine” is the chorus. It is energetic and playful, while the melody is tuneful to the nth degree. Following the brief intro, the chorus sets the tone. The verses are also sweet, with their fair share of intriguing lyrics. In the first verse, Griffin sings, “Whenever I think of you / My mind blows a fuse.” Oh, snap! In the second, he sings, “My chassis fits like a glove / I’ve got a button for love.” Adding to the allure are the pre-choruses (“Electricity starts to flow / And my indicator starts to glow, ooh”) as well as a post-chorus/bridge (“La, la-la-la-la /…Doo-doo-doo”). Beyond fabulous lead vocals by Griffin, The Miracles eat it up on the backgrounds. The musical backdrop is electrifying thanks to the rhythm section (including the clavinet) and the orchestral elements (horns, strings). No deep analysis is necessary. “Love Machine” is one of those giant funk/R&B/soul records of the 1970s. The Miracles thrived on this

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11. Four Tops, “Still Water (Love)”

Still Waters Run Deep » Motown » 1970

Four words: “Still waters run deep.” Notably, Still Waters Run Deep is the name of the iconic soul quartet Four Tops’ 1970 album. Technically, the opener, “Still Water (Love)”, is the title track. “Water” barely missed the top 10 on the pop charts, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Frank Wilson and Smokey Robinson penned this chill, easygoing track. Wilson produced it. It is a marvelous record that separates itself from other songs in the Four Tops’ catalog. From an instrumental perspective, “Still Water (Love)” is a surefire vibe. It features a robust bass line, cool keys, a soulful percussive groove, and sweet guitar riffs (Marv Tarplin). There are also the orchestral touches, a key component of the soul of the late 1960s into the 1970s. Beyond the few but thoughtful lyrics, the Four Tops excel in their “doo(s)” and “ooh(s).” The chill vibe ‘vibes’ from the onset. Even though it is chill, this record still packs a mean punch. The harmonic progression during the chorus is one of its biggest selling points. It is striking. “Still Water” (Love)” also thrives because of the fabulous lead vocals by the one-and-only Levi Stubbs (1936 – 2008). “If I don’t brag or toast / Click my glass and say a toast / About my love for you,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “How it runs so deep and true / And yet it’s so / ‘Cause you don’t know, oh no / Still waters run deep.” The titular lyric is repeated a lot throughout the song. The magnificence of “Still Water (Love)” speaks for itself. No extensive analysis is necessary to dub this song a soul masterpiece.

Appears in:

Four Tops, Still Water (Love): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 63 (2025)

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12. Lamont Dozier, “Fish Ain’t Bitin’”

Out Here On My Own » Geffen » 1973

“I’m out here fighting, hungry / The fish ain’t bitin’ / Life’s so frightenin’ / I’m out here stumblin’…” “Fish Ain’t Bitin’” is the fourth track on Out Here On My Own, the 1973, solo debut by the late, great Lamont Dozier. Dozier is best known for his songwriting and production skills, collaborating with the Holland brothers. On “Fish Ain’t Bitin’,” he is solely the singer. The song was written by James Reddick and McKinley Jackson, who also produced. Dozier earned his second and final top 40 hit with the single, which peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music is superb, featuring a fat but active bass line, soulful groove, and celestial orchestration. Digging into the underpinnings, the harmonic progression is sweet, too. Dozier matches the instrumental excellence with commanding, gritty lead vocals. The authenticity and expression he brings are fabulous. The struggle is real as he is “Trying to fight with no defense / And I can’t win with no confidence.” Dozier keeps it political and socially charged, idiomatic of the soul music of the era. Specifically, he references the POTUS (Richard Nixon): “Tricky Dick is trying to be slick / And the short end of the stick / Is all I’m going to get.” At the end of the second verse, Dozier is censored with a beep, pleading, “I’m on my knees, beggin’ please / Tricky Dick, stop your shit.” Oh, snap! Lamont Dozier and the message he articulated in “Fish Ain’t Bitin’” are timeless.

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13. The Spinners, “Rubberband Man”

Happiness Is Being With The Spinners » Atlantic Recording Corp. » 1976

“You and me, we’re goin’ out / To catch the latest sound / Guaranteed to blow your mind / So high you won’t come down.” Grammy-nominated R&B collective The Spinners struck gold (literally) with “The Rubberband Man”, the fourth track on their 1976 album, Happiness Is Being With The Spinners. This version of the song runs nearly seven-and-a-half minutes. The popular single edit runs just over three-and-a-half minutes. Dynamic duo Linda Creed and Thom Bell composed this soul juggernaut. Bell also produced it. One of seven top 10 hits on the pop charts, the beloved track peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Boy, that Rubberband man’s a doozy / Move so quick, uh, he make me woozy.” Ooh-wee! A distinct, rhythmic riff at the beginning sets the tone. Thom Bell ‘put his foot’ into the musical arrangement and production. MFSB provides the instrumentation, including the killer, funky bass line. Beyond a lit rhythm section are sickening brass and strings, which exemplify the lush, rich Philly soul sound. Philippé Wynne (1941 – 1984) tears it up on lead vocals, backed sensationally by the rest of The Spinners and some additional background vocalists. For most of his performance, Wynne sings. He shapes the tuneful melodies in the verses and especially in the chorus. “When I saw this short, fat guy / Stretch a band between his toes,” Wynne sings in the second verse, concluding, “Hey, I laughed so hard / ‘Cause the man got down / When it finally reached his nose.” Oh, snap! Who is this Rubberband Man? Thom Bell’s son, Mark, was a big kid nicknamed “The Fat Man” by his classmates. The song, originally called “The Fat Man,” is about a large man who can really move. It was intended to change the perception and stereotypes of larger people. The chorus is the crowning achievement:

“Hey, y’all, prepare yourself for the rubberband man

You’ve never heard a sound

Like the rubberband man

You’re bound to lose control

When the rubberband starts to jam.”

Ultimately, “The Rubberband Man” is a bop for the ages – one of the most entertaining songs in the soul catalog.

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14. Roy Ayers Ubiquity, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”

Everybody Loves the Sunshine » UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1976

“My life, my life, my life, my life / In the sunshine / Everybody loves the sunshine.” Indeed, everybody does love the sunshine, specifically the Roy Ayers Ubiquity classic, “Everybody Loves the Sunshine”. In 2025, legendary jazz and R&B musician and composer Roy Ayers (1940 – 2025) passed away at age 84. He left a rich music discography, including the beloved “Everybody Loves the Sunshine,” the eighth track from Ubiquity’s 1976 album, Everybody Loves the Sunshine. Ayers composed “Sunshine,” producing it alongside Maurice Green.

“Just bees, and things, and flowers.” Word. The sound stands out the most about “Everybody Loves the Sunshine.” The musical arrangement is marvelous, particularly the distinct synthesizer (Arp Solina) parts and riffs played by Ayers. The synthesized strings are gorgeous – lush, warm, and ear-catching. In addition to the scintillating synthesizer and programming, the piano riffs are memorable (Philip Woo), the bass is robust (John “Shaun” Solomon), and the percussion groove excels (Chano O’Ferral on conga, Doug Rhodes on drums). The harmonic progression accentuates the excellence, helping “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” straddle the line of funk, jazz, and soul. While the lyrics are few, they are memorable, performed by Ayers, O’Ferral, and Debbie “Chicas” Darby. The chorus, excerpted at the top and appearing at the top of the song, is the section to beat. The verse also contributes to the sunshine, of course:

“Feel what I feel, when I feel what I feel, when I’m feelin’

In the sunshine

… Do what I do, when I do what I do, when I’m doin’

In the sunshine.”

“Everybody Loves the Sunshine” is C-L-A-S-S-I-C, P-E-R-I-O-D! Notably, it has been interpolated and sampled many times, including by Mary J. Blige in her song “My Life”. R.I.P., Roy.

Appears in:

Roy Ayers Ubiquity, Everybody Loves the Sunshine: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 47 (2025)

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15. Marvin Gaye, “Distant Lover”

Let’s Get It On » Motown / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1973

“Distant lover, lover (Lover, lover, lover) / Ooh, so many miles away, ooh…” Marvin Gaye won two Grammys in his brief lifetime. Let that sink in… Both Grammys were for his “Sexual Healing”, a song released late in his career in the early 1980s. I say that to say, it is a shame that one of the greatest singers didn’t receive recognition for his work from the 1960s and 70s. Let’s Get It On was one of the 12 Grammy nominations he received. The album was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male at the 16th Annual GRAMMY Awards. That means that “Distant Lover”, the dope sixth track from the album, was ‘technically’ nominated for a Grammy 🤭. While it was eclipsed by the ‘risqué,’ title track, it earned Gaye a top 40 hit on the pop charts, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Heaven knows that long for you / Every night, every night, and sometimes I yearn through the day,” Marvin Gaye continues singing in the memorable first verse. Gaye delivers an authentic, expressive performance as he thinks about an ex-lover who is now far, far away. How far away is she exactly? The distance in miles is less important than the fact they are no longer an item. In that regard, the distance is more pronounced. Supported by a lush, marvelous backdrop that oozes with soul, Gaye hopes that she thinks about him, but he seems unsure: “You should think about me, say a prayer for me / Please, please, baby, think about me sometimes / Think about me here, here in misery.” In the bridge, he remembers the good times, “our joyful summer together,” but “Then all of a sudden / Everything seemed to explode.” Gaye, Sandra Greene, and Gwen Gordy Fuqua composed a relatable gem. Although it comes from Gaye’s perspective, anyone who has experienced a fling or relationship with someone and then lost them is impacted by this song. Fun fact: “Distant Lover” is sampled in “Spaceship” by Kanye West featuring GLC and Consequence, a marvelous song from his 2004 masterpiece, The College Dropout. Marvin, you put your foot into this one!

Appears in:

Marvin Gaye, Distant Lover: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 14 (2025)

Check out my past 1970s-themed playlists

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15 Mo’ Surefire Classics from The 1970s (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic Recording Corp., Capitol, Columbia, Concord, Craft Recordings., Curb, Fantasy, Inc., Far Out Productions, Inc., Geffen, MCA, Motown, Rhino Entertainment Company, Sony Music Entertainment, Stax, UMG Recordings, Inc.; AcatXIo, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

15 Mo’ Surefire Classics from the 1970s | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on August 6, 2025August 6, 2025