15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 10

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15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 10 features music courtesy of Barrett Strong, Carpenters, he O’Jays, Pink Floyd, and Tears For Fears.

Ilove older music – I’m an old soul despite being a millennial. My parents are baby boomers, so, they love music from the 1960s and 70s. Their great taste, which encompasses various styles, with soul topping the list, rubbed off on me. With Throwback Vibez in full swing, and multiple soul/pop/rock oldies lists under my belt – most recently Vol. 9 – we proudly present 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 10! Gracing this list are contributions from Barrett Strong, Carpenters, he O’Jays, Pink Floyd, and Tears For Fears among others. All songs featured on this list had to be released prior to 1990. Future compendiums will expand into the 90s but for now, everything you see or hear in this series predates it. So, without further ado, let’s take it back 30-plus years and enjoy these throwback vibez of various styles!

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1. Archie Bell & The Drells, “Tighten Up”

Tighten Up • Atlantic • 1968

“In Houston we just started a new dance / Called the Tighten Up/ This is the music / We tighten up with.” WOO! Archie Bell & The Drells struck gold in 1967 with their infectious soul classic (and dance), “Tighten Up”. In the 1960s, there were many dances that earned success, fueling their respective soundtracks up the charts. “Tighten Up” earned the Houston, Texas collective their sole no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics, centered around tightening up, are fun, period. Even so, “Tighten Up” is about the aesthetic. The music, which Archie Bell highlights lyrically, is locked-in – on autopilot. Bell encourages the backing band to “Tighten up on the drums,” “Tighten up on that bass now,” “Now let the guitar fall in,” and “Tighten up on that organ now.” The significance of the dance goes without saying. Also, the chorus of sorts helps solidify the catchiness (and tightening) with Bell sings, “Let’s tighten up now / Do the tighten up / Everybody can do it now / So get it.” Perhaps more could be said but honestly, there is no need to. “Tighten Up” by Archie Bell & The Drells, from their 1968 album, Tighten Up, speaks for itself.

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2. The O’Jays, “Sunshine”

Backstabbers • Epic • 1972

“You’re the sweetest thing I know / You dim the rainbow’s glow,” The O’Jays sing on one of their less appreciated classics, “Sunshine”. The first verse continues, “There’s no power on this Earth / To separate us, baby.” Ooh-la-la! “Sunshine,” written by Bunny Sigler and Phil Hurtt (Sigler also produces), appears on the soul collective’s seminal LP, Backstabbers. With the likes of “Back Stabbers” and no. 1 hit “Love Train” to compete with, it’s unsurprising “Sunshine” received less fanfare. Furthermore, the single only managed to peak at no. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Sunshine” may have not been the sunniest hit for The O’Jays from a commercial standpoint but critically, it is another showcase of their sheer excellence. The vocals are electrifying, from the soulful, gritty lead and the sweet, supportive backing vocals. The music exemplifies the sophisticated 1970s Soul sound – a once-in-a-lifetime era by my estimations. Of course, the theme and lyrics carry ample weight as The O’Jays speak to her angelic, irreplaceable nature. “When it rained on my parade / You were there to light the way.” Woo – that’s a mic drop worthy, dedicated lyric! Of course, the centerpiece, the chorus, is the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement of “Sunshine”: “You are my sunshine / You are mine, all mine.”

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3. Pink Floyd, “Money”

The Dark Side of The Moon • Pink Floyd Music Ltd. • 1973

“Money, so they say / Is the root of all evil today.” Pink Floyd is the definition of FIERCE, period. The iconic progressive rock band is known for exhibiting innovative spirit throughout their illustrious career. Among the collective’s most celebrated albums is The Dark Side of the Moon from 1973. The crowning achievement from The Dark Side of the Moon is… “Money”, written by bassist, Roger Waters. Besides composing the record, his bass line is utterly sick. All in all, on “Money,” the musicianship is top-notch – through the roof. Set in an unconventional 7/4 time signature, the record has a bluesy, jazz sensibility in addition to being idiomatic of rock. It’s further amplified by money sound effects, the use Wurlitzer electric piano and Wah-wah pedal ( Richard Wright), and a killer tenor saxophone solo ( Dick Parry).

Of course, you cannot mention “Money” without shouting out guitar and vocalist David Gilmour. He brings Waters lyrics to life sensationally. Early on, he speaks about the power and dangerousness of the five-letter word. “Money, it’s a gas,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash.” Maybe more memorable is the profane lyric from the second verse: “Money, it’s a hit / Ah, don’t give me that do-goody-good-bullshit.” That is a mic drop moment for sure! Another memorable moment is where Gilmour highlights greed at its, well, greediest: “I’m in a high-fidelity first-class traveling set / And I think I need a Learjet.” Maybe the late, great Barrett Strong said it best: “I need money (That’s what I want) / That’s what I want (That’s what I want)”. Oh, capitalism! Money aside, there is nothing evil about the top-20 prog rock classic that is “Money”, Pink Floyd’s second biggest hit only to no. 1 hit, “Another Brick In The Wall (Part II)”.

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4. Deniece Williams, “Let’s Hear It For the Boy”

Let’s Hear It For the Boy • Columbia • 1984

“My baby, he don’t talk sweet / He ain’t got much to say,” Deniece Williams sings in the opening verse from her 1984 hit, “Let’s Hear It For the Boy”. By hit, let’s clarify that “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” was a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. Furthermore, the Grammy-winning singer was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Furthermore her 1984 album, also titled Let’s Hear It For the Boy, was nominated for the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Also, adding to how big of a deal this song is, “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” appeared in an iconic film and soundtrack: Footloose! Yup, this Deniece Williams record is DEFINITELY a big deal!

Despite the fact he doesn’t have much to say, Williams is impressed that “He loves me, loves me, loves me.” She’s so taken with him that “Every time he pulls me near / I just wanna cheer,” hence why, she encourages in the chorus, “Let’s hear it for the boy / Let’s give the boy a hand / Let’s hear it for my baby.” Woo! Her passion, coupled with the energetic production – quintessential 1980s – is lit ! “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” was penned by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford and produced by the late, great George Duke. It is safe to say that it’s not just the boy we should cheer for! Williams is in excellent voice. The songwriting is fun, down to earth, and innocent! Honestly, it’s just a surefire vibe, four decades after it first arrived!

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5. Earth, Wind & Fire, “Shining Star”

That’s The Way Of The World • Columbia • 1975

“When you wish upon a star / Your dreams will take you very far, yeah.” YEAH!!! It is hard to believe that Earth, Wind & Fire, an iconic band with many hits, only scored one no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 . That sole no. 1 hit was NOT the beloved “September” either ! It was “Shining Star”, the opening track from That’s The Way Of The World, that reached the penthouse on the Hot 100. That’s The Way Of The World was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. As for “Shining Star,” it was certified gold. Even more notably, “Shining Star” earned Earth, Wind & Fire their first of six Grammy awards for Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus (18th Annual GRAMMY Awards).

What makes “Shining Star” the sugar honey iced tea when it comes to the Earth, Wind & Fire catalog? Well, Maurice White and Philip Bailey plays sizable role with their electrifying pipes. Of course, beyond that, the songwriting is sweet too, with the chorus taking the cake: “You’re a shining star / No matter who you are / Shining bright to see / What you could truly be.” Also, as previously highlight on my write-up about “Reasons”, the musical backdrop is a big reason why much of Earth, Wind & Fire’s music is so iconic. The riffs, particularly performed by the guitar, are lit. The bass line is funk as albeit. The horns are killer, truly confirming that 1970s sound that is clearly once in a lifetime. Furthermore, the keyboard work is marvelous as well, shining most during the chorus. Revisiting the infectious “Shining Star”, it is easy to see why it topped the Billboard Hot 100 and ranks at or near the top of the Earth, Wind & Fire catalog.

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6. Kleeer, “Intimate Connection”

Intimate Connection • Atlantic • 1984

“Bear-skin rug, fireplace / I rub my fingers all over your face.” Ooh la la ! One thing is crystal Kleeer on the 1984 electro-funk classic, “Intimate Connection” ( Intimate Connection): The sex is lit ! “Secrets learned, secrets to keep,” Woody Cunningham continues singing sensually in the first verse, “With one concern, we have no time for sleep.” Hmm, wonder why there is no time for sleep ��. Well, something tells me that “Cling to me for the magic ride” has nothing to with a car…

Anyways, “Intimate Connection” is the definition of a vibe. As silky smooth and sexy as Cunningham’s vocals are, so is the sound of the backing instrumental. Those synths ( Norman Durham) and drum programming – those glorious boxy sounding drums – are as important to the success of the track as Cunningham is. As playful and tastefully titillating as the verses are (“Dawn decorates a night of ecstasy / A breakfast menu of you and me”), it is the chorus that is the centerpiece – the crowning achievement: “Intimate connection, baby (serious) / Oh, baby.” Sure, the chorus is simple but there’s just something so electric about those harmonized backing vocals emphasizing just how serious this intimate connection is. Such a shame that “Intimate Connection” did not chart on the pop charts, sigh. It did achieve success on the R&B chart, as well as being the sample of choice for the 2Pac classic, “California Love (Remix)”.

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7. Barrett Strong, “Money (That’s What I Want)”

The Collection • Spectrum Music • 2004

“The best things in life are free / But you can give them to the birds, and bees / I need money.” Woo! What a memorable line from the Barrett Strong classic, “Money (That’s What I Want)”. The legendary Motown singer/songwriter, who passed away at the age of 81 on January 28, 2023 , leaves behind some truly iconic songs as a writer, primarily. While he’s most renowned for his pen, he scored a hit on the pop charts with “Money,” which peaked at no. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1960.

The chorus is the most famous part of this early soul classic, with Strong singing lead, supported by marvelous background vocals: “I need money (That’s what I want) / That’s what I want (That’s what I want).” Still, the verses are infectious, including the second where Strong, showing ample personality, asserts, “Your love gave me such a thrill / But your love don’t pay my bills.” Hence, that’s why Strong needs M-O-N-E-Y! “Money” was penned by another icon, Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford. Gordy also produced this super catchy joint. A record that is well into its 60s, “Money (That’s What I Want)” never grows old or sounds the least bit anachronistic.

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8. Atlantic Starr, “Always”

All in the Name of Love • Warner • 1987

“Girl, you are to me / All that a woman should be / And I dedicate my life / To you always.” Oh, the chivalry! The heyday for R&B collective Atlantic Starr was in the 1980s. Even so, Atlantic Starr formed in 1976, and scored a hit single in the early 90s.  The collective’s three most successful singles begins with the utterly superb no. 1 Hot 100 hit, “Always”. “Always” graces Atlantic Starr’s 1987 album, All in the Name of Love.

“Always” is a prime example of the brand of smooth, adult contemporary R&B that was affluent in the late 80s.  Written and produced by David Lewis, Jonathan Lewis, and Wayne Lewis, this record is filled with love and chill vibes.  The chemistry between co-lead vocalists Wayne Lewis and Barbara Weathers is utterly stupendous. “Oh, boy / I love you so / I can’t find enough ways / To let you know,” Weather sings in the second verse, continuing, “But you can be sure I’m yours / For always.” R&B records don’t sound like “Always” does anymore, but it still gives you those feels more than three decades later.  The crowning achievement is none other than the chorus:

“Oh, you’re like the sun

Chasing all the rain away

When you come around

You bring brighter days

You’re the perfect one

For me and you

Forever will be

And I will love you so

For always.” 

What more can be said? “Always” is a classic that will, indeed, ALWAYS make our ears perk up when hearing it.

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9. Keni Burke, “Risin’ to the Top”

Changes • RCA • 1982

“Give it all you got / You gotta wake up your body.” Sometimes, the beat – the groove – is enough to solidify a song’s hit status. Keni Burke, initially known as a member of Five Stairsteps, delivered one of those gems where the groove cemented the musical legacy. “Risin’ to the Top”, from Burke’s 1982 album, Changes, is nothing short of a surefire vibe. If you opt for the 7” Version, you miss out on the build-up of the intro (the 5-minute version is the one to beat). Beyond the beat, the bass line is among the most elite you’ll ever hear, often outlining an F minor 9 chord. Furthermore, the keys are utterly sublime giving “Risin’ to the Top” a jazzy, soul aesthetic. Soul is alive and well on this early 80s cut but it also shows evolution to a new breed of R&B. The color of the backdrop is one of the biggest selling points, making this Burke joint a popular source of sampling.

It is NOT only the instrumental that makes “Risin’ to the Top” hot. Vocally, Burke serves up compelling lead vocals – both smooth and soulful. Furthermore, the backing vocals up the ante. Then, of course, there is the songwriting, with plenty of memorable lyrics to complement the tuneful melody and impressive backdrop. “Stop losing, yeah losing / Keep risin’ to the top,” Burke asserts at the end of the first verse, prior to encouraging the waking of your body. The third verse is a prime example of the rise: “Big time illusions / Create a lot of confusion / But the time has finally come / Let’s get it done / Keep moving, yeah moving.” More than 40 years later, “Risin’ to the Top” continues to be the definition of an R&B classic. It deserved to be a pop hit, yet, it only reached the R&B charts. Nonetheless, the legacy of the record, written by Burke, Norma Jean Wright, and Allan Felder, is enduring .

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10. Tears For Fears, “Everybody Wants to Rule The World”

Song From The Big Chair • Mercury • 1985

“Welcome to your life / There’s no turning back / Even while we sleep / We will find you.” Oh, my ! When you earn a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, you have solidified a spot in history ! Tears For Fears – Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith – earned two no. 1 hits. Furthermore, both songs hailed from their 1985 album, Song From The Big Chair, which eventually reached no. 1 on the Billboard 200. For our intents and purposes, we focus only on “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”, among the truly beloved tracks of the 1980s. Notably, the band did earn a Grammy nomination, but not for this song nor album – bummer!

Curt Smith sounds utterly fantastic on “Everybody Wants to Rule The World.” The verses are short, sweet, and relatively simple. The same can be said of the chorus, which is variable, but always concludes with the powerful, titular lyric, “Everybody Wants to Rule The World.” One of the reasons why this song is stellar is because the melody is incredibly tuneful, particularly the chorus. Furthermore, the overall sound (keys, programming, guitars) and production ( Chris Hughes) – the aesthetic, overall – is M-A-R-V-E-L-O-U-S! “I can’t stand this indecision / Married with a lack of vision / Everybody wants to rule the – ” Woo! “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” is a vibe that endures well beyond the 80s!

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11. Hall & Oates, “Sara Smile”

Daryl Hall & John Oates • RCA • 1975

“Sara, smile / Oh, won’t you smile awhile for me, Sara.” Songs about a significant other make you feel some type of way! Daryl Hall & John Oates – aka Hall & Oates – struck gold with “Sara Smile”. “Sara Smile” was written for Daryl Hall’s longtime girlfriend, Sara Allen. Though no longer a couple, this R&B-influenced soft-rock/pop record still speaks about the beauty of the relationship. Hall sounds fantastic, singing within a beautiful tone and incredible authenticity. “Baby hair, with a woman’s eyes,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “I can feel you watching in the night / All alone with me and we’re waiting for the sunlight.”

Beyond the dedication and love-themed lyrics, the music is stunning too. There is a warmth conveyed by this record that remains potent as the hit from Daryl Hall & John Oates (1975) approaches 50 years old. Beyond the keys, guitars, and strings, one of the best instrumental aspects is the bass line, which represents a key instance of the soul influence on this number. The bass line is big and rich, truly anchoring things down. Also, beyond the lead vocals by Hall – recorded live with the band, by the way – the background vocals sound incredibly smooth. Listening to “Sara Smile” in the 2020s, it is easy to hear why it reached no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Simple yet telling, songs like this gem by the iconic duo only come once in a lifetime. “Thank you for making me feel like a man.”

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Daryl Hall & John Oates, “Sara Smile”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 35 (2023)

12. The Jones Girls, “Nights Over Egypt”

Get As Much Love as You Can • Sony Music Entertainment • 1981

“There’s a sky in the east / Over pyramids at Giza / There once lived a girl / She ruled the world,” The Jones Girls assert on the R&B classic, “Nights Over Egypt”. They add, in the first verse, “Then down the Nile / He came with a smile / He was the king / She was the queen / Under the moonlight.” Ah! Egypt, love, and a four-decade-old R&B song. What more could you ask for? “Nights Over Egypt” appears as the third track on the trio’s ( Brenda, Shirley, and Valorie Jones) 1981 album, Get as Much Love as You Can. While “Nights Over Egypt” charted on R&B songs chart, it failed to make the cut on the Billboard Hot 100 – bummer! Nonetheless, this record has been a popular sampling source. Why? It is the electrifying production, courtesy of talented musician, Dexter Wansel. Philadelphia soul remains alive and well, with the picturesque keys, strings, a robust bass line – it’s the whole shebang. Throw in an Egyptian sound, and you can’t beat this gem!

Lyrically, The Jones Girls paint a picture of the country, and African, in all its glory. The second verse in particular captures Africa superbly: “Saharan façade / Is just a mirage / Oasis in the sand.” Beyond the verses, the pre-chorus emphasizes an almost unbelievable portrait of those “Nights over Egypt” that the chorus touts. Listening to “Nights Over Egypt” more than 40 years after it arrived, it is shocking this surefire, rhythmic vibe didn’t perform better well on the pop charts. This is a classic that remains a fresh as it did the year it first arrived. The Jones Girls struck gold with this one – I don’t care what the Billboard Hot 100 says!

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13. Carpenters, “Top Of The World”

A Song For You • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1972

“There is only one wish on my mind / When this day is through I hope that I will find…” Carpenters – siblings Karen Carpenter (1950 – 1982) and Richard Carpenter (1946 – ) – were a musical force, PERIOD. All told, the Grammy-winning duo’s gentle brand of pop earned them 12 top-10 hits, with three of those top-10s being no. 1s. After scoring a no. 1 hit with “(They Long To Be) Close To You” in 1970, they’d score their second no. 1 with “Top Of The World” in 1973, spending two weeks on top. “Top Of The World” appeared on their 1972 album, A Song For You.

Finishing off the excerpted verse, Karen sings, “That tomorrow will be just the same for you and me / All I need will be mine if you are here.” Sigh, she sings with incredible ease – nothing forced. Her voice is clear and angelic. After blessing us with her compelling lead, she gets lovely supporting vocals (Richard) during the tuneful chorus:

“I’m on the top of the world looking down on creation

And the only explanation I can find

Is the love that I’ve found ever since you’ve been around

Your love’s put me at the top of the world.”

Of course, the verses are sweet too, with Karen radiating with her breezy approach. Rightfully, Karen’s vocals and brilliant songwriting (Richard Carpenter and John Bettis) earn substantial praise on this once in a lifetime classic. That said, the music – the instrumental – deserves plenty of love, too. “Top Of The World” was produced by Jack Daugherty. The aesthetic created is celestial in itself. “Top Of The World” has this sensational blend of pop with a dash of country/folk thrown in. There are keys, pedal steel, and strings that complement the sophisticated lead of Karen. Five decades after its arrival, “Top Of The World” remains an epic, timeless record.

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14. David Bowie, “Heroes”

“Heroes” • Jones / Tintoretto Entertainment Company LLC • 1977

“I, I will be king / And you, you will be queen,” David Bowie asserts in the chorus of “Heroes”, among his most critically acclaimed and beloved songs. He continues, “Though nothing will drive them away / We can beat them just for one day / We can heroes just for one day.” Woo! One day is better than nothing, right? “Heroes” appears on Bowie’s 1977 album, “Heroes”. Is Bowie really talking about royalty and heroism? No. He’s referencing an affair between his producer (who was married) and his girlfriend – scandalous !

It makes sense on this Brian Eno co-write that this relationship can’t possibly be permanent. Need I reiterate that Tony Visconti was married! That is often the case with affairs, whose secrecy is often revealed to catastrophic repercussions. Regardless, Bowie sings in impassioned fashion, eventually belting about the possibility of one day of lover’s bliss, uninterrupted, sigh. Furthermore, he hopes for more, given the fact “We can beat them forever and ever.” The energy and the sheer expression of his vocals is awe-inspiring, earning the characterization by some that this is the David Bowie performance to beat. Among the most memorable lyrics appear in the third verse, citing the incident in which Bowie witnessed the affair this song is based on:

“I, I can remember (I remember)

Standing by the wall (By the wall)

And the guns shot above our heads (Over our heads)

And we kissed as though nothing could fall (Nothing could fall).”

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15. Stevie Wonder, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life”

Talking Book • Motown • 1972

“You are the sunshine of my life / That’s while I’ll always stay around,” the great Stevie Wonder sings on “You Are The Sunshine of My Life”. “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” is a bright, sunny gem from Talking Book, one of three Stevie albums to win the prestigious Grammy for Album of the Year. Among his most popular singles, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” spent one week at no. 1 the Billboard Hot 100 – one of 10 no. 1 hits for the decorated musician.

The message of this Wonder original is simple – love, love, love! “And if I thought our love was ending,” he sings in the first verse, “I’d find myself drowning in my own tears.” That is dedication, folks. Furthermore, in the second verse, he asserts, “And I know that this must be heaven / How could so much love be inside of you, woah?” Legit question. Besides the dedicated lyrics, the music is a vibe in its own right. Soulful, “You Are The Sunshine of My Life” is a happy medium between pop and soul, with a dash of tropical flavor thrown into the mix. Not much analysis is necessary; the music speaks for itself!

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15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 10 [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic, Columbia, Epic, Jones / Tintoretto Entertainment Company LLC, Mercury, Motown, Pink Floyd Music Ltd., RCA, Sony Music Entertainment, Spectrum Music, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner; Gerd Altmann, Kiddkos from Pixabay]

15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 10 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on May 10, 2023May 10, 2023