15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 11

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15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 11 features music courtesy of Bloodstone, Eddie Kendricks, Funkadelic, Janet Jackson, and The O’Jays.  

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. 10 – we proudly present 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 11! Gracing this list are contributions from Bloodstone, Eddie Kendricks, Funkadelic, Janet Jackson, and The O’Jays 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. Eddie Kendricks, “Keep On Truckin’”

Eddie Kendricks • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1973

“Keep on truckin’, baby / I got to keep on truckin’ / Got to get to your good lovin’,” soul legend, Eddie Kendricks sings on his beloved, no. 1 hit, “Keep On Truckin’”. In its full, un-edited form, the highlight from the Kendrick’s 1973, self-titled album clocks in at eight minutes long. Although lengthy, “Keep On Truckin’” yields some of the sweetest music you’ll ever hear from the former The Temptations member. The arrangement (horns, strings, vibraphone, keys and such) and production supporting Kendricks is insane – in the most awesome, creative, and soulful way possible. It is no surprise that “Keep On Truckin’” has been sampled multiple times.

So, is Eddie Kendricks a truck driver? Not in the traditional sense! “I’ve got a fever rising with desire / It’s my love jones,” he asserts at one point, continuing, “And I feel like I’m on fire.” Woo! Furthermore, the anointed tenor and falsetto king asserts, “I’m the red ball express of lovin’ / Diesel-powered straight to you / I’m truckin’.” Let’s just cut straight to the chase – this man is horny. Honestly, his desire is relatable. Most importantly, “Keep On Truckin’” is incredibly fun. Epic vocals, a top-notch backdrop, and those relatable, desire-laden lyrics make this one a winner for all time. Also, can’t forget about that diss to his former group: “In old Temptation’s rain / I’m duckin’.”

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2. Bloodstone, “Natural High”

Natural High • Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group • 1972

“Why do I keep my mind on you all the time? / And I don’t even know you.” Interesting, Charles McCormick. You can bet the answer to question sung by the late, great singer, bassist, and songwriter of Bloodstone involves a four-letter word: LOVE. McCormick continues on “Natural High”, a no. 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit from the collective’s 1972 LP of the same title: “Why do I feel this way think about you every day? And I don’t even know you.” Basically, McCormick, in a truly remarkable and ripe falsetto, expresses this high he’s experiencing: “And I’ll take to the sky on a natural high (I wanna take to the sky) / Loving you more till the day I die (oh, natural high).” It is worth noting that McCormick gets a sensation assist by other members vocally and instrumentally on this sweet ballad.

“Natural High” commences with an incredibly lush, warm introduction which sets the tone. After the intro, “Natural High” maintains this lushness, sounding as if it’s floating up in the sky like a cloud McCormick and Bloodstone never seem to break a sweat, singing commandingly without forcing things in the least. Furthermore, the guitars and keys are utterly celestial, serving as a gorgeous backdrop. It’s not merely those guitars and keys either, as the listener is treated to strings as well as a fantastic drum groove. Thematically, it’s all about a big time crush, with McCormick imagining the possibilities between himself and this person he’s infatuated with but doesn’t know. All told, “Natural High” marks one of the truly elite soul classics of the 1970s. To this day, it’s easy to get a natural high from this gem!

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Bloodstone, “Natural High”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 41 (2023)

3. Shirley Brown, “Woman To Woman”

Woman to Woman • Concord Music Group, Inc. • 1974

“Hello, may I speak to Barbara / Barbara, this is Shirley /…the reason I was calling you is because / I was going through my / Old man’s pockets this morning / And I just happened to find your name…” Oh, snap ! Shirley Brown struck gold with “Woman To Woman”. No, the soul single wasn’t certified gold unfortunately, but it did earn Brown her sole Grammy nomination (Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female). “Woman To Woman” marked Brown’s biggest hit, spending 14 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at no. 22. Her album, also titled Woman to Woman, eventually peaked at no. 98 on the Billboard 200, but spent just 11 weeks on the chart. What makes “Woman To Woman” the song so special? Well, Shirley is making sure another woman does not steal her man – husband to be exact – from her. WOO!

“Now Barbara / I don’t know how you’re gonna take this,” Brown speaks, adding, “But it’s only fair that I let you know that / The man you’re in love with / He’s mine.” She goes on to say, over a soulful backdrop, that she does everything for him, including paying the car note every month. Shirley ultimately tells this other woman, Barbara, “So, I’m telling you these things / To let you know how much I love that man / And woman to woman / I think you’ll understand / How much I’ll do to keep him.” WORD! After performing much of the record in spoken word, Brown sings, showing off her incredible pipes. The lyrics support this idea of fighting for someone she loves dearly, going so far as to call the purported mistress. “Woman to woman / Now should I just step aside / And let her take what’s rightfully mine?” she asks. Obviously not, as Brown emphasizes, “You should be woman enough to understand / That man, I love that man.” The sensational “Woman To Woman” was written by Henderson Thigpen, Eddie Marion, and Homer Banks, and produced by Al Jackson Jr. (who was tragically murdered) and Jim Stewart. It is one of the best soul gems from the mid-1970s.

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Shirley Brown, “Woman To Woman”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 42 (2023)

4. DeBarge, “All This Love”

All This Love • Motown • 1982

“I had some problems / And no one could seem to solve them / But you found the answer / You told me to take this chance.” El DeBarge serves up sweet, love-filled vocals on “All This Love”, a highlight from the DeBarge catalog. El DeBarge has a once in a lifetime voice, a ‘high’ tenor who fits the bill of a countertenor pretty solidly. “There is so much love inside me / And all that I have,” he sings with ease, continuing, “I give my all to you / All, all my love, baby.” “All This Love,” a pop hit peaking at no. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, appears as the fifth track on the R&B collective’s 1982 album, also titled, All This Love. Besides those silky smooth, expressive vocals by the lead singer, the sound and production are smooth as well. R&B/soul saw a shift in its sound throughout the 1980s, yet, this 80s Motown cut maintains the lush, sophisticated qualities that characterized the soul of the 70s: keyboards and horns, thoughtful harmonic progressions, etc.

Refocusing on the theme, it’s all love baby. El DeBarge and company decided to try love, and liked it, apparently! “Oh, I love how you make me feel this way / My love is getting stronger every day, my baby,” he sings in the bridge, adding, “And after all I went and put myself through / I found that all I really need was you, my darling.” Sigh, the feels, the feels, the feels. What more is there to say about “All This Love”? It is six minutes of absolute and utter love. Greatness too!

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DeBarge, “All This Love”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 39 (2023)

5. Cheryl Lynn, “Daybreak (Storybook Children)”

Cheryl Lynn • Sony Music Entertainment • 1978

“Daybreak / How can I ever leave this place beside you? / You were the only one I ever cried to / The night is through.” The lush ballad, “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” appears as the ninth track on Cheryl Lynn, the 1978, gold-certified debut album by Cheryl Lynn. Lynn is best known for the platinum crossover hit, “Got To Be Real” from the same album. Even so, “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” is a marvelous record in its own right. While this gem sounds like it could be an original by Lynn, it was Randy Bishop who originally recorded it in 1977 (a recording is hard to come by these days). Furthermore, Bette Midler covered it later that same year ( Broken Blossom) before Lynn delivered her stirring rendition. “Daybreak” was penned by David Pomeranz and Spencer Proffer.

Focusing on Cheryl Lynn, she sings with incredible expression; she sounds utterly sublime. In addition to her tone, something that shines about Lynn’s voice is the range – she possesses elite talent. Beyond the voice, the arrangement and production are incredibly sophisticated – idiomatic of 1970s soul through and through. The strings soar, the winds – specifically French horn – are warm, and the overall aesthetic is breathtaking. Lynn does a superb job of bringing the fairytale lyrics alive: “And now it’s daybreak / We were like storybook children / Hey, but, like all good fairytales / This one must end.” The good news for all music lovers is that the legacy of “Daybreak (Storybook Children)” endures forever and ever.

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6. Funkadelic, “Hit It And Quit It”

Maggot Brain • Westbound • 1971

“If you want to hit it, good God / Hit it and quit it / I want you to.” WOO, Funkadelic! Funkadelic marked another brilliant band of the one and only, George Clinton (1941 – ). While Parliament earns the most attention of the Clinton endeavors, Funkadelic was big too, bringing more psychedelic rock elements into the mix. The album that the funky, simplistic but potent “Hit It And Quit It” hails from, Maggot Brain, is a masterpiece. While “Hit It And Quit It” failed to achieve pop success, it is considered one of many gems from the Funkadelic catalog.

It should go without saying that “Hit It And Quit It” is funky as hell – in the most heavenly way possible. “You can shake it to the east, shake it to the west / Hit it, good God / Hit it and quit it,” George Clinton sings with ample energy and personality. Besides the fun, memorable lyrics, and enormous amount of spirit on this 70s gem, “Hit It And Quit It” features incredibly dope music. That dopeness includes kick-ass guitar ( Eddie Hazel) and bass ( Billy “Bass” Nelson) riffs and soloing, epic organ ( Bernie Worrell), and of course, a totally lit groove. Honestly, “Hit It And Quit It” is a funk record that you won’t be able to simply – wait for it – “hit it and quit it!” Deep analysis of this incredible record isn’t necessary – it speaks for itself, more than 50 years after being released!

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Funkadelic, “Hit It And Quit It”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 40 (2023)

7. The Ides of March, “Vehicle”

Vehicle • Warner • 1970

“I’m your vehicle, baby / I can take you anywhere you wanna go.” Oh, really? Good to know Jim Peterik! Peterik penned and served as the lead vocalist on The Ides of March classic, “Vehicle” ( Vehicle, 1970). “Vehicle” was by far the rock band’s biggest hit, peaking at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. There are plenty of reasons why “Vehicle” is awesome. It begins with the fun, playful lyrics, which, interestingly, were inspired by Peterik’s ‘relationship’. The woman, to which he was a chauffeur to – only a vehicle to her – would become his wife. How cool is that? “I love ya (love ya) / I need ya (need ya) / I wants ya, gots to have you child,” Peterik sings in the second half of the chorus, adding, “Great God in heaven, you know I love you.”

Besides the ear-catching lyrics (“Hey, well, I’m the friendly stranger in the black sedan”) and powerful, soulful vocals by Peterik, the music is equally electrifying. Simply put, “Vehicle” rocks! It kicks some serious a$$ and takes names with its biting horns, gritty organ, and of course, standard rock instrumentation. The riffs are lit , and honestly probably a big reason why “Vehicle” became the pop hit it did. It is a prime example of that 1970s song that appeals to multiple fan bases – the pop, rock, and soul crowd. No extensive analysis necessary as “Vehicle” speaks for itself!

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The Ides of March, “Vehicle”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 55 (2023)

8. Janet Jackson, “What Have You Done for Me Lately”

Control • A&M • 1986

“I know he used to do nice stuff for you / But what has he done for you lately?” It all comes down to one simple but important question on “What Have You Done for Me Lately”, WOO! That is what the R&B/pop superstar Janet Jackson asked on the infectious, no. 4 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from her 1986 album, Control. Both “What Have You Done for Me Lately” and Control were nominated for Grammys, though Jackson would ultimately win her five Grammys for other musical endeavors. Still, revisiting dance-pop gem, it deserved a Grammy, dammit!

“What Have You Done For Me Lately” has the 1980s written all over it – those groovy, boxy drums, and increased palette of electronic sounds via synthesizers. Iconic producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis give Jackson a marvelous backdrop that fit the lyrics without a hitch. Basically, this guy, who was once a catch, is neglecting Janet something fierce. “Used to be a time when you would pamper me,” she sings in the first verse, later adding, “But my friends say neglect is on your mind / Who’s right?” Well, apparently, they are given the fact he has done sugar honey iced tea for her lately! Another prime example comes in the second verse, where she asserts, “Used to go to dinner almost every night /… Good thing I cook or else we’d starve to death / Ain’t that a shame?” Basically, Janet Jackson, and any woman being taken for granted deserve better! “What Have You Done for Me Lately” is a certified classic, PERIOD! #GIRL POWER!!!

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9. The O’Jays, “Ship Ahoy”

Ship Ahoy • Sony Music Entertainment • 1973

“Can’t you feel the motion of the ocean / Can’t you feel the cold wind blowing by? / There’s so many fish in the sea…” “Ship Ahoy” appears as the second track from Ship Ahoy, the 1973 critically acclaimed album by iconic soul collective, The O’Jays. “Ship Ahoy” is never in a rush, clocking in more than nine-and-a-half minutes in duration. The track opens with a number of sound effects, including sound effects from a ship. Not just any ship, of course… Notably, the first vocals don’t enter until after the one-and-a-half-minute mark. Even then, it’s mostly agonizing, expressive ad-libs as opposed to traditional vocals. Following a two-and-a-half-minute build-up, “Ship Ahoy” evolves into a more traditional song. The chorus is the first traditional section of the song heard (“Ship Ahoy! Ship Ahoy! Ship Ahoy! Ship Ahoy”).

After the chorus, we get the first verse, which sets up the intent, meaning, and theme of the song: “As far as your eyes can see / Men, women, and baby slaves / Coming to the land of liberty.” Clearly, “Ship Ahoy” is about the slave ships travelling to America from Africa – heavy, troubling, but truly historic, socially conscious subject matter. “They’re coming by the hundreds / They’re coming by the thousands, too,” The O’Jays sing, continuing, “Look over the horizon, see the sun / Shining down on you…” The vocals by The O’Jays are on fire – locked and loaded, baby! The authenticity and degree of soulfulness is awe inspiring. Furthermore, the music is celestial despite the heavy subject matter! Of course, do we expect any less from the songwriting and production team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff! The palette consists of big drums, electrifying guitar, biting horns, and soaring strings. So much can be said of this 10-minute masterpiece. That said, it is better experienced through listening rather than a written description. “Ship Ahoy” is easily one of the very best songs from The O’Jays.

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The O’Jays, “Ship Ahoy”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 43 (2023)

10. Tower of Power, “So Very Hard To Go”

Tower of Power • Warner • 1973

“Ain’t nothin’ I can say / Nothin’ I can do / I feel so bad, yeah / I feel so blue.” When Lenny Williams was the lead singer for Tower of Power (1973 – 1974), it was a special time – an understatement!  Williams has an incredible voice – heaven-sent by all means.  His tenor delivers the heat on “So Very Hard To Go”, a highlight from the collective’s self-titled, 1973 album.  Not only is “So Very Hard to Go” the song to beat on Tower of Power, it is the most successful song of the R&B collective’s career.  “So Very Hard To Go” peaked at no. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it a pop hit. Impressive. 

“‘Cause I could never make you unhappy / No, I couldn’t do that, girl,” Williams asserts in the chorus, continuing, “Only wish I didn’t love you so / Makes it so, so very hard to go.” Indeed, indeed! Besides illustrating how difficult love is, particularly “stepping aside” from it, the music is marvelous.  Williams says it best: “It ain’t easy to walk away when a man loves somebody.” FACTS! Besides that, soul oozes from the band, including a tight rhythm section and bright, biting horns.  All of these brilliant musical attributes make “So Very Hard To Go”, which was written by Stephen Kupka and Emilio Castillo,  utterly stupendous, fifty years after its release. 

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Tower of Power, “So Very Hard To Go”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 54 (2023)

11. The Brothers Johnson, “I’ll Be Good To You”

Look Out For #1 • A&M • 1976

“I want to love you, girl / In a special way.” Oh really, The Brothers Johnson??? Tell us more, please ! “We’ve been together / For so very long / I would hate to break up / Break up our happy home.” True dat! The R&B collective scored a surefire hit – a gold certified single to be precise – with “I’ll Be Good To You”. Furthermore, “I’ll Be Good To You” performed well on the pop charts, peaking at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The silky smooth cut hailed from a one of four platinum albums by Brothers, Look Out For #1, released in 1976.

“I’ll Be Good To You” doesn’t require extensive analysis. Clearly, these Bros – George Johnson and Louis Johnson – are willing to “be good to you, good to you, good to you.” The repetitive chorus, in all its good glory, is the centerpiece. This record is all about love ️ – a dedicated, monogamous relationship. The production – by the one and only, ️ Quincy Jones (!) – is silky smooth, which is idiomatic of the 1970s soul aesthetic and sound. Likewise, the vocals are buttery smooth and never forced in the least. No bad vibes whatsoever, love never sounded better than it does on “I’ll Be Good To You”, PERIOD!

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12. The Gap Band, “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)”

The Gap Band III • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1980

“I never, ever had a lover / Who put the pedal to the metal / And burn rubber on me, Charlie / Oh, no, no, no!” Simply put, there are some songs you simply CAN’T resist. “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” from The Gap Band – Charlie Wilson, Ronnie Wilson, and Robert Wilson – is one such song. It appears as the third track from the collective’s 1980 album, The Gap Band III. Led by Charlie (the sole surviving member), The Gap Band were noted for their funkiness. After revving the motorcycle ️ up on the intro, the listener is treated to one of the funkiest grooves of all time. There is no way your body won’t move while partaking of this rubber burning! In addition to the groove, the synths are electrifying, while the rhythmic identity of this joint is one of its biggest selling points.

“You took my money, you took my time / Made me think everything was fine / Then you upped and ran away / And made me just go crazy.” Totally NOT nice, girl! It’s not only the instruments that make “Burn Rubber On Me” a celestially funky experience. The entertaining lyrics, as well as the soulful, nuanced lead vocals by the man who delivers them, Charlie Wilson, are a vibe on their own! The robustness of his instrument is awe-inspiring – the man is a beast ! “Just because you’re not for real / Why you wanna hurt me, girl?” YEAH! Clearly, this girl has it out for him, judging by all the stuff she does to him . Tuneful melodies, ample personality, and the irresistibly, infectious chorus make “Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” one of the true gems of the 1980s. It deserved a better showing than its no. 84 peak on the Billboard Hot 100, sigh.

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13. Lesley Gore, “You Don’t Own Me”

Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts • Mercury • 1963

“You don’t own me / I’m not just one of your many toys.” #FACTS. “You Don’t Own Me” ( Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed-Up Hearts) is an empowerment anthem to women everywhere. Lesley Gore (1946 – 2015) put him in his rightful place on this 1963 gem. She continues singing in the first verse, “You don’t own me / Don’t say I can’t go with the other boys.” Basically, Gore, an independent woman, is going to do what she wants to and NO man is going to tell her otherwise. “You Don’t Own Me” was written by Dave White Tricker and Johnny Medora. It was produced by an icon: Quincy Jones. The sound of the record hearkens back to the glory days, and features a lush, string-laden arrangement. Furthermore, compositionally, the shift between minor and major is genius. So is the harmonic scheme in general. A huge hit, “You Don’t Own Me” peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.

Of course, the centerpiece of this uplifting, feminist anthem is the chorus, which is varied each and every time. In the second chorus, Gore asserts, “I don’t tell you what to say / I don’t tell you what to do / So just let me be myself / That’s all I ask of you.” Woo! Furthermore, Gore is “young and I love to be young / I’m free and I love to be free.” Understandable, particularly since she was only 17 when “You Don’t Own Me” was recorded and released. The big takeaway regarding “You Don’t Own Me” is how it takes a confident stance for girls everywhere. It’s a message of, “You do you,” and don’t let anybody, especially the boys, tell you what to do and how to live.

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14. Raydio, “You Can’t Change That”

Rock On • Arista • 1979

“‘Cause you’re the only one I love / And you can’t change that,” Raydio sings in the memorable chorus of their late, 1970s hit, “You Can’t Change That”. They continue, “You’re the only one I need / And you can’t change that.” You heard Raydio loud and clearly, right? YOU CAN’T CHANGE THAT – his feelings for her! Long before Ray Parker Jr. would earn a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Ghostbusters”, Raydio earned top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 (no. 9) with “You Can’t Change That.” Notably, Parker Jr., as well as Arnell Carmichael, sing on this gem.

The modus operandi is simple for Raydio – love, love, LOVE. “There’s nothing you can do or say / I thought about this for many a day / And my mind’s made up to feel this way / And” – wait for it – “You can’t change that!” “You Can’t Change That” features exuberant production, characteristic of the 70s R&B/funk sound . Furthermore, in addition to producing the record, Parker Jr. also wrote it. Ah, “You Can’t Change That” is a certified gem! Great vocals, great songwriting, and great production solidify the classic status of this joint!

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Raydio, “You Can’t Change That”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 48 (2023)

15. Bloodstone, “We Go A Long Way Back”

We Go A Long Way Back • Columbia • 1982

“You and me, girl / Go a long way back / And I’m so proud, I’m so proud.” Oh, the love! Oh, the soulful vibes! Oh, Bloodstone, such a gifted R&B/soul collective! Bloodstone is best known for their 1972, pop breakthrough hit, “Natural High”. Yes, that’s their ‘ace in the hole,’ but the group also has other bops in its arsenal, including the 1982 hit, “We Go A Long Way Back”. Fittingly, their album was also titled, We Go A Long Way Back. Sadly, the record didn’t earn the pop accolades that “Natural High” did but honestly, a lack of crossover appeal doesn’t take away from its excellence. It’s safe to say that songwriter and vocalist Charles Love knocks this romantic gem right out of the park!

In the first verse, Love recalls how tough the relationship was early on: “I remember when loving you wasn’t easy /… Sugar, we made it through it all.” In the second verse, he flips the script, taking responsibility for his own contributions to love difficulty. Ultimately, Love asserts, “But you stuck on in there with me and you see? Huh, we made it.” Essentially, through thick and thin, Charles Love and his lady, they have history, and they want to continue to make even more. Beyond the sentimental, thoughtful lyrics, the sound, production, and overall aesthetic is awesome. The bass line is robust, just like we desire in an R&B classic, the groove is electric for a slow jam, and the vocals – both Love’s and the backing vocals from Bloodstone – are marvelous. Looking back on “We Go A Long Way Back”, it is so hard to fathom that this single did not perform well on the pop charts. Come on Billboard Hot 100!

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15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 11 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, Arista, Columbia, Concord Music Group, Inc., Mercury, MJJ Productions, Inc., Motown, Sony Music Entertainment, UMG Recordings, Inc., Warner Music Group – X5 Music Group, Westbound; Siala, Kiddkos from Pixabay]

15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 11 | Playlist

Published by the musical hype on June 28, 2023June 28, 2023