15 More Soul Oldies That Tickle My Fancy (Vol. 2) | Playlist

1. Diana Ross, “I’m Coming Out”

Diana • Motown • 1980

Folks, let’s start this list off right: “I’m coming out / I want the world to know / I got to let it show.” Three words come to mind when the 1980 Diana Ross dance/disco/funk/pop/R&B classic “I’m Coming Out” is mentioned: ICONIC GAY ANTHEM.  The thing is, with the gem from Diana, you honestly don’t have to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community to appreciate the positive, uplifting vibes, not to mention the sheer funkiness of the record itself.  The big takeaway for anybody from this superb Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers co-write /co-production is exuding confidence without holding back or showing the least bit of fear.  This is all about being fearless – living unapologetically without suppression.

On the first verse, Diana Ross sums up the liberation perfectly:

“There’s a new me coming out
And I just had to live...
I think this time around
I am gonna do it...
The time has come for me
To break out of this shell
I have to shout
That I am coming out.”

Apparently, a visit to a gay club by Nile Rodgers inspired the song.  Also, Rodgers “fibbed a little to a skittish Ross” regarding the song.  Regardless, it’s no secret that Diana Ross had a sizable gay following.  Furthermore, whether one takes “I’m Coming Out” at its most literal, or more metaphorically, it is an incredibly positive song free of limitations.

Also appears on :
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2. Luther Vandross, “Never Too Much”

Never Too Much • Sony Music Entertainment • 1981

“Too much, never too much, never too much, never too much!” AMEN! Yes, I realize that “Never Too Much” isn’t a gospel record, but man does a classic, groovy record like this make you want to witness! Hallelujah!!! The late, great, Grammy-winner Luther Vandross recorded and released this staple, back in 1981. Hard to believe this timeless joint is four decades old! It commenced Vandross’ debut album, also titled Never Too Much.  Notably, another beloved greatest hit of Vandross’ appears on the album: “A House is Not a Home” (also worth witnessing to). 

So, why is “Never Too Much” so awesome? First and foremost, Luther Vandross.  Few singers could match the smoothness, tone, phrasing, and overall ease with which Luther sang.  On this quick, groovy 80s soul cut, he never sounds as if he ever breaks a sweat while singing it – it’s amazing.  Beyond the vocal performance, the songwriting and the production are utterly sublime, both of which are also handled by Vandross.  With talented instrumentalists behind him, as well as some background vocals, the sound is celestial.  The melody he composed and performs is elite, with the quick, rhythmic lines on the verses and longer, more connected passages on the chorus, capped off by “Too much, never too much, never too much, never too much” that commenced this blurb.  Some songs just speak for themselves and “Never Too Much” is a prime example.

“Oh, my love
A thousand kisses from you is never too much
I just don’t wanna stop
Oh, my love
A million days in your arms is never too much
I just don't wanna stop.”

Also Appears On :
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3. Whitney Houston, “I Will Always Love You”

The Bodyguard – Original Soundtrack Album • Arista • 1992 

“If I should stay / I would only be in your way / So I’ll go, but I know / I’ll think of you every step of the way.” Sorry to every other R&B artist who released music in 1992.  Why? Well, the best R&B song of that year belongs to one woman and one woman only. Pretty amazing how Whitney Houston totally transformed “I Will Always Love You,” a country song written by Dolly Parton isn’t it?

There’s not much commentary needed for this record – it speaks for itself.  This is the greatest of Whitney Houston’s many, many hits.  At her best, who could out-perform her?  The best moment is the modulation (key change), where from then on, Houston goes to a completely different level. No matter who sings this masterpiece in the future, there will only ever be one definitive, truly iconic version.

Also appears on :
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4. James Brown, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – Pt. 1”

The 50^th Anniversary Collection • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 2003

“Uh! With your bad self! Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!” Ooh wee! Three-time, Grammy-winning funk/soul icon James Brown shows immense black pride on his classic, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – Pt. 1.”  These days, it’s Pt. 1 that gets the most love, appearing on such greatest hits compilations like the fine 2003 compendium, The 50^th Anniversary Collection.  That said, the full-length original, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – Pts. 1 & 2,” appears on Brown’s 1969 album, Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.

This hella funky cut is straightforward.  The Godfather of Soul is intentional about being proud of who he is and his people.  He’s pushes for better things and times to come, citing the many hardships that have faced black folks.  “We have been ‘buked and we have been scorned,” he sings on the first verse, adding, “We’ve been treated bad, talked about as sure as you’re born /… Brother, we can’t quit until we get our share.”  I love Brown’s socially conscious mindset.  Also, I love the band, who drops some of the most ill and sickest funk you’ll ever hear.  Furthermore, as lit as the hook and verses are on “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” the bridge might be the crowning achievement, with James Brown doing those signature James Brown things over those killer riffs!

“Ooh-wee, you’re killing me
All right, you outta sight
All night, so tough
You’re tough...
Ooh-wee, you’re killing me!”

Also appears on :
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5. Grace Jones, “Warm Leatherette”

Warm Leatherette • Island • 1980

“A tear of petrol / Is in your eye / The hand brake / Penetrates your thigh.” Woo! In case you weren’t aware, Grace Jones is a total bad ass.  Now that that’s been established, her 1980 album, Warm Leatherette is must-hear listening, period.  It commences with a cover you’d swear was her own: “Warm Leatherette” courtesy of The Normal.  “Warm Leatherette” was written by Daniel Miller (aka The Normal). Chris Blackwell and Alex Sadkin produce this funky gem.  Oh, and in case you’re unfamiliar with the terminology, leatherette, per Soho Concept, is a synthetic material designed to mimic leather.

“Warm Leatherette” is a vibe.  There’s a hypnotic quality that sucks you right in from the jump.  Lyrically, there’s ample repetition, yet the lyrics are also abstract and descriptive.  A prime example:

“Warm Leatherette melts
On your burning flesh
You can see your reflection
On the luminescent dash.”

Grace Jones kills it with her mix of singing and ‘talking’ the lyrics.  Did I mention that fact that Jones, well, she’s a bad ass?

Also appears on :
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6. Edwin Starr, “War”

War and Peace • Motown • 1970

“(War, huh) Yeah! / (What is it good for?) Absolutely nothing, say it again!”  It wasn’t possible for me to compile 11 Battle Tested War Songs and not include the surefire, R&B protest classic, “War.”  “War” is easily the biggest hit by soul legend Edwin Starr.  I totally “Twenty Five Miles”, but Starr’s ‘ace in the hole’ will forever be “War.”  Furthermore, the Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield penned hit topped the Billboard Hot 100.  Take one listen to it, and you’ll totally see why!

Fittingly, this funky, horn-filled soul cut (produced by Whitfield) commences Starr’s 1970 album, War and Peace.  We get a taste of the iconic chorus at the onset, which is a smart songwriting move in this instance.  That said, “War” is more than its golden hook. On the first verses, Starr emphasizes the cons of war, specifically “destruction of innocent lives” and “Mothers’ eyes when their sons go out to fight and lose their lives.” He has a point. The sentiment continues on the second verse, where he states war is “Friend only to the undertaker.” Verses three and four are patterned similarly, with the chorus following in all its anti-war glory. “GOOD GOD, Y’ALL!” 

Also appears on :
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7. Isaac Hayes, “One Woman”

Hot Buttered Soul • Concord Music Group • 1969

Isaac Hayes was the man, and I dare you argue otherwise! One of the soul legend’s best albums is his 1969 classic, Hot Buttered Soul.  This album is 45 minutes long but has only four songs.  Even so, each song is a gem.  Sure, his epic, 12-minute take on “Walk on By” is the most regarded cut, but don’t discount our ONE-fueled highlight, “One Woman.”

Everything about “One Woman” is celestial.  The backdrop is quintessential soul, with instrumentation including piano, guitar, a robust bass line, and an orchestra (flute, oboe, brass, strings).  Had Hayes not sung one note, “One Woman” would’ve been a bop.  Add in that nuanced, masculine baritone atop the canvas, and it’s nothing short of L-I-T. Furthermore, Hayes gets a big-time lift from his backing vocals.  I could spend the time describing it but, in all honesty, it’s just an experience best experienced via headphones or speakers.  The music speaks for itself as Hayes sings of two women that have him in a serious situation:

“One woman’s making my home, yes she is
While the other woman’s, you know making me do wrong
I didn’t intend to let this pain get that strong
Now I gotta decide where I, where I, where I belong.”

Also appears on :
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8. Shuggie Otis, “Strawberry Letter 23”

Freedom Flight • Sony BMG Music Entertainment • 1971

“A present from you / Strawberry letter twenty-two / The music plays, I sit in for a few.” Let’s make one thing crystal clear.  Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Shuggie Otis wrote and originally recorded “Strawberry Letter 23.” When it comes to this record, often, our second act (below) are wrongly attributed as the originators.  Instead, this masterpiece arrived in 1971 when Otis was a mere teenager – 17-years-old!  Listen to the ORIGINAL “Strawberry Letter 23” and tell me, honestly, if you believe it sounds like an ordinary kid who composed this!

“Strawberry Letter 23” is a highlight from Freedom Flight, and impressive album from top to bottom.  Of course, also worth noting, Freedom Flight wasn’t Otis’ debut album!  That said, let’s refocus. The original “Strawberry Letter 23” predates the The Bros. Johnson’s version by six years.  What makes it so special? Great production (keys, rhythm guitar), soulful, nuanced vocals, and perhaps most of all, terrific songwriting.  What I’m saying is, the original is R-A-D.

Also Appears on :
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9. Sylvester, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”

Step II • Concord Music Group • 1978

“Still your hot and you kiss me back and it / Feels real good and I know you love me / Like you should…” Those lyrics hail from the seminal disco classic, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” by the late, great R&B artist, Sylvester.  Sylvester was known for his androgynous style, overall flamboyance, and of course, being an openly gay musician. Sadly, this talented man would die at the young age of 41 from AIDS.  That said, his legacy speaks for itself, specifically “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).”

Though less explicitly than other songs on this list, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” embraces the door being ajar as closed – catch my drift.  Perhaps it is how open that Sylvester was regarding sexuality itself, or the quick tempo coupled with a magnificent beat and otherworldly synths.  Regardless, this iconic gay anthem feels like a ‘coming out’ party if there ever were one.  From the dancing on the first verse, to the sex that’s suggested on the second, it feels like a true embrace of being true to self romantically and sexually. 

Also appears on :
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10. Stevie Wonder, “Joy Inside My Tears”

Songs in the Key of Life • Motown • 1976

One rarely finds albums as accomplished as Songs in The Key of Life.  Songs in the Key of Life, of course, is the 1976 masterpiece by multi- Grammy-winning R&B icon, Stevie Wonder.  There are hits upon hits upon hits – it’s a truly terrific project.  Among my favorite songs is “Joy Inside My Tears,” which appears as the second track on the second disc (12^th track overall).

There is nothing the least bit sad about this six-and-a-half-minute ballad. As he often does, Wonder brings a heaping dose of positivity.  If Wonder was depressed at some point, crying, he isn’t anymore – this person has totally brought him joy. “And baby that’s you, you, you / Made life’s history / Because you’ve brought some joy inside my tears,” he sings on the epic chorus, continuing, “And you have done what no one thought could be / you’ve brought some joy inside my tears.”  Now that’s some J-O-Y right there!

Also Appears On :
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11. Jeffrey Osborne, “On the Wings of Love”

Jeffrey Osborne • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1982

As a solo artist, R&B singer Jeffrey Osborne experienced the bulk of his success in the 1980s.  One of his biggest hits during his most lucrative period was “On the Wings of Love.”  The R&B gem appeared on Osborne’s 1982 debut album, simply titled Jeffrey Osborne. This brilliant, top-30 Billboard Hot 100 hit, was written by Osborne and Peter Harrison Schless and marvelously produced by the late, great George Duke.

There are so many pros to adore about this classic.  Beginning with Osborne, he sounds stunning.  He never over sings, exhibiting a sense of finesse and refinement while also being incredibly expressive and nuanced.  “On the Wings of Love,” in other words, is perfectly suited for him.  Besides the vocals, the lyrics are beautiful, drenched in L-O-V-E and built upon chivalry.  The crowning achievement, of course, is the chorus:

“On the wings of love
Up and above the clouds
The only way to fly
Is on the wings of love
On the wings of love
Only the two of us
Together flying high
Flying high up on the wings of love.”

Gorgeous! Of course, as aforementioned, the production work by Duke is on-point, including standard R&B/pop instrumentation, as well as strings.  Those strings, of course, amplify the elegance and certainly signal romance. “On the Wings of Love” is a classic that doesn’t require extensive analysis or commentary – it speaks for itself.  How was this NOT nominated for a Grammy? Sigh!

Also appears on :
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12. Barry White, “Practice What You Preach”

The Icon is Love • A&M •  1994 

The late, great Barry White (1944 – 2003) oozed with soul, sigh. With so many classics under his belt ( “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe”, “You’re My First, My Last, My Everything”, and “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me”), it’s amazing he landed the rare, late career hit, “Practice What You Preach.” White was 50 years old when The Icon is Love, the album housing the ‘preaching,’ was released in 1994. He would pass away at the age of 58 nine years later (2003).

“I’ve had, my share of love / And some say I’m damn good / But if you think, you can turn me out / Baby I wish that you would.” Obviously, “Practice What You Preach” isn’t about moral or spiritual values, but about making love. We don’t associate preachers with sex, so, “Practice What You Preach” obviously isn’t an accurate representation of the occupation. Many clergy would blush listening to this grown-folks R&B record… well, maybe… ha ha.

“Cause you keep telling me this and telling me that
You say once I’m with you, I’ll never go back
You say there’s a lesson that you want to teach
Well, here I am baby, practice what you preach.” 

Also Appears On :
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13. Larry Graham, “One in a Million You”

One in a Million You • Warner • 1980

We conclude this million-driven list with a little old school music courtesy of Larry Graham. Graham, of course, is known for playing bass in Sly & The Family Stone as well as fronting Graham Central Station. Graham’s big, beloved hit is a perfect fit for this milli compilation: “One in a Million You.” This R&B gem experienced pop success on the Billboard Hot 100.

Million has nothing to do with money in Graham’s hands.  No, on “One in a Million You,” the quantity is all about that one, extra special person.  Written by Sam Dees, the lyrics are utterly sublime, beginning with epic opening lines, “Love had played its games on me so long / I started to believe I’d never find anyone.” So relatable Larry, so relatable.  Of course, as great as the pen is on the verses, it’s the chorus where Larry’s bread is truly buttered.  The expressiveness with which he sings just amplifies the level of authenticity, particularly as “One in a Million You” progresses.

“A one in a million chance of a lifetime
And life showed compassion
And sent to me a stroke of love called ‘You’
A one in a million you.” 

Also appears on :
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14. James Brown, “Cold Sweat”

Get on the Good Foot • UMG Recordings • 1972

“When you kiss me / When you miss me / Hold my hand / Make me understand / I break out – in a cold sweat.” Woo! James Brown was definitely a vibe back in the day.  Guess what? The late, great icon is still a vibe today.  The man had countless hits including the incredibly sweaty “Cold Sweat” from his 1972 album, Get on the Good Foot. The lyrics were always few, but the groove and the ‘funked-up’ arrangements were always on-point. “Cold Sweat, Pt. 1” represents another surefire bop for the Godfather of Soul.

Like most of the feverish, sweaty, temperature songs that grace this list, “Cold Sweat” is about love (and sex).  On the first verse, James Brown asserts, “I just want, our love to last,” later adding, “I just want to satisfy your pulse.” Interestingly, on the second verse, he shifts some of the focus to himself, singing, “I don’t care, about the way you treat me darling / I just want, you to understand me honey.” Also, worth noting, Brown drops an important shout out to his great saxophonist, Maceo Parker.

Also appears on :
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15. Bob Marley & The Wailers, “One Love / People Get Ready – Medley”

Exodus • Island• 1977

Bob Marley only lived to be 36 years young after his premature death from cancer in 1981.  Even so, the legacy that he left after such a short life is absolutely awesome. Bob Marley & The Wailers’ 1977 album, Exodus, is among the great musical masterpieces of all time.  The hits are endless including the beloved gem, “One Love / People Get Ready.” 

The backdrop of “One Love / People Get Ready” features typical reggae cues, in all their tropical glory.  The groove, the vibe, and the overall aesthetic is nothing short of awe-inspiring.  While the writing credits for “One Love” are attributed to Marley & The Wailers, “People Get Ready” is a beloved gospel-tinged soul classic by soul icon Curtis Mayfield (performed with The Impressions). The medley works so seamlessly, you could honestly believe (if you didn’t know better) that this one original song by Marley.  The songwriting and the message specifically, is spot on.

“One love! One Heart
Let’s get together and feel all right
Hear the children crying (One love!)
Hear the children crying (One heart!)
Saying: Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel alright
Saying: Let’s get together and feel all right.”

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