15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 7 | Playlist

1. Rick Astley, “Never Gonna Give You Up”

Whenever You Need Somebody • BMG Rights Management (UK) Limited • 1987

“Never gonna give you up / Never gonna let you down / Never gonna run around and desert you.” Aww, how sweet and dedicated of you, Rick Astley.  Honestly, when it comes to the 1987 pop classic, “Never Gonna Give You Up”, little analysis or explanation is necessary. “Never Gonna Give You Up” was massively successful, peaking at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. as well as in multiple countries throughout the world.  To date, the RIAA has certified the single as quintuple platinum, while its parent album, Whenever You Need Somebody, is double platinum in its own right.  Face it, this is one of those quintessential 80s songs that never grow old, still resonating to this day.

So, what makes “Never Gonna Give You Up” so iconic? The production, in all its exuberance, is a huge selling point.  It’s incredibly groovy and those keys (synths) pop, including synthesized strings.  Also, supporting Astley’s warm lead vocals are inspired background vocals, which give this record more oomph – more punch.  Does Astley’s performance feel cheesy and dare I say, schmaltzy? Of course, it does! It’s not helped by seeing the compelling music video , which incited rickrolling (it’s the dancing for sure, y’all).  Also, while Astley, who was 21 at the time, was a handsome young man, he also comes off as dorky – no disrespect.  The lyrics in the song do matter, but the big takeaway is that Rick is going to remain dedicated to you FOREVER, it seems.  Furthermore, doesn’t it seem like “Never Gonna Give You Up” is the type of song that will last forever? 

Appears in :

• Rick Astley, “Never Gonna Give You Up”: Throwback Vibez 110 (2022)
• 11 Songs U Need 2 Listen UP 2 (2022)

2. Ray Parker Jr., “Ghostbusters”

Ghostbusters (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) • Arista • 1984

“If there’s something strange / In your neighborhood / Who you gonna call? / Ghostbusters!” “Ghostbusters” is a record that really needs no introduction, period. This Ray Parker Jr. joint is a surefire vibe – a classic years after its genesis in 1984.  The lyrics are silly – cheesy as albeit – but that’s part of the charm.  Furthermore, Parker Jr. sings well and sells the utter ridiculousness of being GHOSTBUSTERS.  Add brilliant production work, that screams 1980s aesthetic, and “Ghostbusters” is easily one of the greatest pop gems of all time.

“Ghostbusters” is by far the biggest hit that Ray Parker Jr. is known for.  Shocking to many is the fact that while it’s his sole no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, he experienced success prior to “Ghostbusters” – looking at you, Raydio! Ultimately, “Ghostbusters” would be his sole gold single, while the Ghostbusters soundtrack was ultimately certified platinum.  Focusing a bit more energy on the record itself, it is the ample personality shown from start to finish is what really makes “Ghostbusters” excel.  There’s no way you don’t grin when you hear Parker Jr. proclaim, “I ain’t ‘fraid of no ghost” or the scandalous “Bustin’ makes me feel good,” which is likely to be misinterpreted by those of us with a dirty mind!  Even with other hits to his name, Ray Parker Jr. will forever be known for one song and one song only: “Ghostbusters”.  Safe to say, he wrote, produced, and recorded a surefire classic. “Who you gonna call? / Ghostbusters!”

Appears in :

• Ray Parker Jr., “Ghostbusters”: Throwback Vibez 102 (2022)
• 11 Spooky Songs About Monsters, Mythical Creatures & Such (2022)

3. Brenda Holloway, “Every Little Bit Hurts”

Every Little Bit Hurts • Motown • 1964

“Every little bit hurts / Every little bit hurts.” Hmm, why Brenda Holloway, why? “Every night I wonder why / You treat me cold / You won’t let me go.” Yep, just as I suspected – those pesky matters of the heart! “Every Little Bit Hurts” is the biggest hit of the Motown singer/songwriter, peaking at no. 13 on the pop charts. “Every Little Bit Hurts” appears on Holloway’s album of the same title, fittingly – it is that epic of a soul cut.

Soulfulness is the key word when characterizing “Every Little Bit Hurts.” This is not a cutesy, tongue-in-cheek vintage soul cut, something some early Motown cuts are renowned for, particularly from female artists. Brenda Holloway sings beautifully, but also packs a punch vocally. Her instrument is dynamic, perfectly adorning the lush backdrop, which includes gospel-tinged piano and lush strings.  Listening to “Every Little Bit Hurts,” you can hear the pain.  She asserts, “My love is strong for you / I’d do wrong for you,” but does not get the same energy from him, evidenced by the lyrics, “I can’t take this / Loneliness you’ve given me / I can’t go on / Giving my life away.” She has a point.  That said, the fact that she begs is bothersome:

“Oh, come back to me

Darling, you’ll see

I can give you all the

Things that you wanted before

If you will stay with me.”

Love is a five-letter word that begins with a B and ends in an itch.  We know and understand this far too well, worldwide.  That said, Brenda Holloway does a magnificent job of capturing this on “Every Little Bit Hurts”.

Appears in :

• Brenda Holloway, “Every Little Bit Hurts”: Throwback Vibez 125 (2022)
• Brenda Holloway Alicia Keys: Head 2 Head No. 3 (2023)

4. The Jackson 5, “Never Can Say Goodbye”

Maybe Tomorrow • Motown • 1971

“Never can say goodbye / … No, no, no, no I / Never can say goodbye.” The original version of the beloved soul classic, “Never Can Say Goodbye”,  belongs to the iconic, Motown family group, The Jackson 5.  A mega success for Michael Jackson and company, “Never Can Say Goodbye” topped the R&B charts and peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It’s easy to hear why – it’s well-written ( Clifton Davis) and sensationally performed by the collective.

“Even though the pain and heartache / Seems to follow me wherever I go,” 12-year-old Michael Jackson sings in the first verse, continuing, “Though I try and try to hide my feelings / They always seem to show.” Even if the romantic vibes of “Never Can Say Goodbye” feel the slightest bit young for a pre-teen (though not totally far-fetched), there’s just something special about hearing that boyish lead on this surefire highlight from Maybe Tomorrow (1971).  And with the support of his brothers, “Never Can Say Goodbye” is 1970s Motown at its best.  Perhaps the best line: “It says, ‘Turn around, you fool / You know you love her more and more.” Sigh, the nostalgia!

Appears in :

• The Jackson 5, “Never Can Say Goodbye”: Throwback Vibez 103 (2022)
• The Jackson 5 vs. Isaac Hayes vs. Gloria Gaynor: Head 2 Head 42 (2022)

5. Ike & Tina Turner, “Sweet Rhode Island Red”

Sweet Rhode Island Red • Capitol • 1974

Years before she made a comeback for the ages in the mid 1980s, Tina Turner made a name for herself recording with her husband, Ike Turner.  The duo had no shortage of hits.  The thing is, a gem like “Sweet Rhode Island Red”, from their 1974 album, also titled, Sweet Rhode Island Red, is lesser known.  Notably, Sweet Rhode Island Red was created exclusively for the international market, which explains why it is a rarer LP. Even so, the Tina Turner-penned titular joint shines, showing off her dynamic voice and once-in-a-lifetime personality.  Honestly, “Sweet Rhode Island Red” goes H.A.M. from the onset.

“Born in Louisiana in a town called Franklin / I was fully matured by the time I reached the age of 10,” Tina Turner sings expressively.  She continues in the colorful first verse, “Mulatto girl, that’s what they called me / And us mulattos have no trouble at all with men.” That is probably true.  For those who do not know, a mulatto is defined as a person of mixed white and black ancestry. Britannica adds in their entry, “today in North America mulatto is considered to be a dated and offensive term.” In the 70s, however, this term was acceptable. The pre-chorus which follows – “All the men say that I’m sweet as honey / ‘Cause I’m 34, 28, and 22 at the tummy” –  sets up the epic chorus which highlights the titular lyric.  Cock-a-doodle-doo! There is even more of a narrative component beyond the first verse.  Tina sings about attending church, school, and how Pastor Taylor and Deacon Jones treated her (“They were just too hot headed to leave me alone”).  Furthermore, it is captivating when Turner sings, “People there said it was a shame and a pity / When old Mayor Daley gave me the key to the city [New Orleans].” Woo!  Beyond the energetic, fun lyrics, the music backing Tina is epic, produced by Ike.

Appears in :

• Ike & Tina Turner, “Sweet Rhode Island Red”: Throwback Vibez 127 (2022)

6. Peter Cetera, “Glory of Love (Theme From The Karate Kid Part II)”

Solitude / Solitaire • Warner • 1986

“I am a man who will fight for your honor / I’ll be the hero you’re dreaming of.” 1986 – what a year! Peter Cetera, the former lead vocalist, and bassist for Chicago, unveiled “Glory of Love”. “Glory of Love” is one of the ‘it’ soft rock/pop classics of the 1980s.  A no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 (unsurprisingly), “Glory of Love,” which appeared in the film, The Karate Kid Part II, was nominated for multiple awards including the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Male Artist. Maybe you can argue that the sound of the record is dated by 2020s standards (it’s 80s soft-rock/pop-rock through and through), but honestly, there’s something utterly delightful about the nostalgia of this gem.

“Glory of Love” also graces Cetera’s 1986, platinum-certified album, Solitude / Solitaire. Cetera sings about dedication – being an upstanding man who wants to do right and truly exemplify the glory of love.  He compliments his lady, asserting in the third verse, “You keep me standing tall / You help me through it all / I’m always strong when you’re beside me.” Oh, the feels! In the chorus, excerpted above, he continues singing, “We’ll live forever / Knowing together / That we did it all for the glory of love.” We can’t neglect the bridge, where he sings, “It’s like a knight in shining armor / From a long time ago / Just in time, I will save the day / Take you to my castle far away.” Okay, maybe it’s a bit cheesy and schmaltzy, but it comes from a good, chivalrous place. “Glory of Love” reminisces back to simpler times when things seemed far less complicated. We should truly appreciate the glory of this Peter Cetera gem.

Appears in :

• Peter Cetera, “Glory of Love”: Throwback Vibez 92 (2022)
• 10 Glorious Glory Songs (2022)

7. Ohio Players, “Fopp”

 Honey • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1975

“Fopped last night and the night before / I had to fopp outside and then I went indoors.”  Woo! That’s some fopping right there,  Ohio Players.  The legendary funk/soul collective was something else in their heyday.  Ohio Players’ music was risqué to say the least.  “Fopp” graces the band’s 1975 album,  Honey, which is best known for the no. 1 hit single on the Billboard Hot 100,  “Love Rollercoaster”.  Even so, “Fopp” garnered success too, peaking at no. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Fopping is dancing, evidenced by lyrics like, “Fopped so hard I made the people roar / They stood back and gave me all the floor.” Clearly, Ohio Players front man  Leroy ‘Sugarfoot’ Bonner has some serious skills on the dance floor, so much so, everybody else lets him do his thing.  That said, given Ohio Players’ risqué musical approach, it seems that a song merely about dancing seems far too innocent.  Don’t let those funky instrumentals and a brand-new word for dance fool you! Bonner isn’t totally being innocent in the second verse when he sings, “Raise your leg and then you hump your back / Do your thing, don’t you give no slack / Shake your hips and then you turn around /… Fopp me right, don’t you fopp me wrong / We’ll be here foppin’ all night long.” All night long, huh? Yeah – there’s more than just dancing going on there OP!  All told, listening to  “Fopp” is the perfect example of heaven – funk heaven, that is!

Appears in :

• Ohio Players, “Fopp”: Throwback Vibez 118 (2022) 
• 13 Big Mood, Surefire Vibe Songs (2023)

8. Jerry Butler, “Only The Strong Survive”

The Ice Man Cometh • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1968

“I remember my first love affair / Somehow or another the whole darn thing went wrong…” Oh, snap, Jerry Butler! Love can totally be a five-letter word that starts with the letter B and ends in an itch – WOO! The legendary soul musician and retired politician continues to say in the intro of his beloved classic, “Only the Strong Survive”, “My mama had some great advice / So, I thought I’d put it into words of this song.” Ultimately, Butler’s words – well his mother’s prudent advice – are about surviving that first taste of heartbreak. She encourages her son, “Oh, there’s gonna be, there’s gonna be a whole lot of trouble in your life / Oh, so listen to me get up off your knees.”

So, what’s mom’s ultimate point? Why the titular line repeated in the centerpiece – the chorus: “‘Only the strong survive / Only the strong survive’ / Hey, you’ve got to be strong, you’d better hold on.” Mom was totally right on this 1968 classic from The Ice Man Cometh, penned by Butler alongside songwriting/production team Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. In the second verse, mom continues to advise: “Don’t go all around with your head hung down / Well I wouldn’t let that little girl / No, I wouldn’t let her know that she made me feel like a clown.”  Spot on, mama! “Only the Strong Survive” performed well on the pop charts peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Notably, the record was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rhythm & Blues Song, deservedly. It is the definition of a classic!

Appears in :

• Jerry Butler, “Only the Strong Survive”: Throwback Vibez 117 (2022)
• Survival: 5ive Songs No. 73 (2022)

9. Bobby Womack, “Lookin’ For a Love”

Lookin’ For A Love Again • Capitol • 1974

One thing was clear in 1974: Bobby Womack was “Lookin’ For A Love”.  Per the late, great soul musician, “Everyday, I’m lookin’ for a love / Well, I’m lookin’ here and there and I’m searchin’ everywhere /… I’m lookin’ for a love to call my own.”  Honestly, can you blame him? We all have, or all are searching for that special person in our lives.  Womack took his search for his lover to the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  In fact, “Lookin’ For A Love” ended up being Womack’s biggest hit.

On this funky gem, Womack tells the audience exactly what purpose and role his future lover will serve. “Someone to get up in the morning and rub my head,” he sings in the verse, adding, “Someone to fix my breakfast and bring it to my bed.” Hmm, when you reexamine this top-10 hit, those lyrics are a bit, um, archaic, close-minded, and dare I say, sexist.  The roles are old-fashioned – too much so – but if you look past these conservative ideals, the point Bobby seems to be making is he wants someone that will be his wife.  He still “needs someone to walk by my side,” which entails more than “to do a little housework,” as he sings at one point.

Appears in :

• Bobby Womack, “Lookin’ For A Love”: Throwback Vibez 119 (2022)

10. Patti LaBelle, “Love, Need and Want You”

I’m In Love Again • Philadelphia International • 1983

“Honey, I love you / I do / More than you’ll ever know / It’s for sure / You can always count on my love / Forevermore.” two-time Grammy winner, Patti LaBelle exhibited no shortage of love and devotion on “Love, Need and Want You”, a single and surefire highlight from her sixth studio album, I’m In Love Again (1983). This smooth, 1980s Philly soul joint was written and produced by a formidable team: Kenneth Gamble and the late, great, Bunny Sigler. One of many career hits, “Love, Need and Want You” had a tough act to follow — “If Only You Knew” graced the same LP, earning pop success as well. “Love, Need and Want You” was a success on the R&B charts but failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 – go figure!

Despite the fact that “Love, Need and Want You” didn’t make a bigger splash on the mainstream, it ranks among the finest songs in the Patti LaBelie catalog.  With elite songwriting and that sweet Philly production supporting her, Ms. Patti is on fire . “Sugar, I want you so bad / I got a burning desire,” she sings so amorously, continuing, “My soul’s on fire / Can’t you see / You’re my everything.” She’s infatuated ! Besides the unifying titular lyrics, arguably the best moment from this beloved Patti classic is when she sings:

“Baby, when we

When we’re together

Said, I’m alright and you’re alright

It’s like paradise

And I just want you to know how I feel

How I feel.”

“Love, Need and Want You” – a surefire, certified, Patti LaBelle classic!

Appears in :

• Patti LaBelle, “Love, Need and Want You”: Throwback Vibez 135

11. Solomon Burke, “If You Need Me”

If You Need Me • Atlantic • 1963

“If you need me, I want you to call me / Said if you need me, all ya gotta do is call me,” the late, great Solomon Burke sings on his no. 2 R&B hit, “If You Need Me”. As is so often the case, the Grammy-winning musician was NOT the original person to record “If You Need Me.” The original artist, and co-writer was none other than another soul icon, Wilson Pickett.  Even though Pickett often had the Midas Touch with many hits to his name, in this case, it was Burke who made “If You Need Me” a certified soul classic.  He continues singing, with incredible soulfulness, “Don’t wait too long if things go wrong / I’ll be home (I’ll be home).”

So, what’s the premise of “If You Need Me”? Matters of the heart is the theme with potential reconciliation the goal, and perhaps, the expectation from Solomon Burke.  The relationship has ended, however, Solomon ‘leaves the door open,’ if you well.  Essentially, if she needs him, he advises her to call, and he’ll be there.  Honestly, he asserts, “And I’ll hurry home / Where I belong.” Of course, we get a snapshot into what might’ve gone awry: “People always said, darlin’ / That I didn’t mean you no good / And you would need me someday.” Hmm, interesting! He continues singing, “Way deep down in my heart / I know I’ve done the best I could / That’s why I know that one of these days / It won’t be long, you’ll come…” Fill in the ellipsis!

Appears in :

• Solomon Burke, “If You Need Me”: Throwback Vibez 121 (2022)

12. B.B. King, “Guess Who”

Guess Who • Geffen • 1972

“Someone really loves you / Guess who / Someone really cares / Guess who?” Give credit to Jesse Belvin and Jo Anne Belvin. Why, you ask? Well, the songwriters gave iconic blues musician, B.B. King, a terrific song. “Guess Who” is one of King’s very, very best. The centerpiece of his 1972 album, Guess Who, King sings with the utmost soul, delivering a colorful, gritty, and playful vocal. “So, open your heart / Oh, then surely you’ll see / Oh that the someone / Who really cares / Is me.” It is worth noting, “Guess Who” peaked at no. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Beyond epic vocals, King plays the absolute H-E-double-hockey-sticks out of ‘Lucille.’  His opening guitar solo is one of my personal favorites of all-time and I doubt that I am the only who feels that way! Beyond his top-notch musicianship, the arrangement and production are utterly sublime, with marvelous piano riffs, biting horns, and lush strings.  It is the definition of a – wait for it – VIBE! My guess is, you’ll adore “Guess Who” if you don’t already!

Appears in :

• B. King, “Guess Who: Throwback Vibez No. 129 (2022)
• Guess: 5ive Songs No. 79 (2022)

13. Orleans, “Still The One”

Waking and Dreaming • Elektra • 1976

“You’re still the one who can scratch my itch / (You’re) Still the one that I wouldn’t switch / We’re still having fun and you’re still the one.”  Ooh, wee, John Hall!  When it comes to Waking and Dreaming, the 1976 album by pop/rock collective Orleans, the first thing that’s eye-catching is the album cover.  The band’s shirtless! There’s nothing wrong with shirtless men, mind you – if you’ve got it, then flaunt it – but it’s sort of weird in this case. Orleans’ bodies earned Waking and Dreaming spots on two non-musical lists including Who Signed Off on This Album Artwork?.  However, the reason why we should really be talking about Waking and Dreaming is that it features the pop/rock band’s beloved, top-ten hit, “Still the One”.

“You’re still the one I want to talk to in bed / Still the one that turns my head / We’re still having fun and you’re still the one.” Sing it, Mr. Hall! The chorus is timeless – the primary reason why “Still the One” is the classic that it is. Furthermore, it’s a bright, utterly energetic cut – infectious.  An exuberant pop/rock groove goes far, and that’s how “Still the One” commences.  Listening to the brilliance of this fun, love-driven gem, forget about that sus album cover artwork. “But I want you to know, after all these years / You’re still the one I want whispering in my ear,” Hall asserts in the first verse, while the second is more poetic (“When winter came, I just wanted to go /… Deep in the desert, I longed for the snow”). All told, “Still the One” is a surefire 70s classic that is beloved to this day.

Appears in :

• Orleans, “Still the One”: Throwback Vibez 109 (2022)
• 12 Utterly Stupendous STILL Songs (2022)

14. Commodores, “Nightshift”

Nightshift • Motown • 1985 

When a famous lead vocalist and songwriter leaves a band/collective, it can be utterly crushing.  Losing Lionel Richie was a big hit for Commodores, who’d thrived with him fronting them.  Of course, Richie would go onto earn a fruitful solo career which earned him four Grammys including the highly coveted, Album Of The Year ( Can’t Slow Down).  Of course, Richie had been nominated for multiple Grammys while a member of Commodores. What’s shocking is the fact that the collective won their sole Grammy for a record that wasn’t written or sung by Richie (Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal).  That record, folks, is “Nightshift”.

“Nightshift” appeared on Commodores’ 1985 album, also titled, Nightshift.  It’s safe to say that it was the big attraction on this album, featuring J.D. Nicholas as the lead vocalist.  Also, it marks one of the final hits for Commodores,  crossing over to the pop charts and peaking at no. 3.  It’s an impressive post-Richie joint, characterized by a silky smooth, hella groovy backdrop.  Thematically, the record remembers two iconic musicians, Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, who both passed away in 1984.  “Marvin, he was a friend of mine,” Nicholas sings in the first verse, adding, “And he could sing a song, his heart in every line / Marvin sang of the joy and pain / He opened up our minds…” Of Wilson, he sings in the second verse, “Jackie, you set the world on fire / You came and gifted us, your love it lifted us higher and higher,” referencing Wilson’s beloved classic, “Your Love (Keeps Lifting Me Higher)”.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus which references the nightshift – the afterlife for Gaye and Wilson:

“Gonna be some sweet sounds, coming down on the nightshift

I bet you’re singing proud, I bet you’ll pull a crowd

Gonna be a long night, it’s gonna be all right, on the nightshift

You found another home, I know you’re not alone, on the nightshift.”

Appears in :

• Commodores, “Nightshift”: Throwback Vibez 108 (2022)
• 13 Ear-Catching Night Songs (2022)
• Commodores vs. Bruce Springsteen: Head 2 Head 45 (2022)

15. Eagles, “Hotel California”

Hotel California • Rhino / Elektra • 1976

“‘Welcome to the Hotel California / Such a lovely place (Such a lovely place) / Such a lovely face.” Honestly, there can be no hotel-themed musical compendium without highlighting the Grammy-winning, platinum-certified classic, “Hotel California”.  “Hotel California” is the greatest hotel song of all time, PERIOD. Eagles need no introduction as one of the greatest rock bands of all-time.  Their 1976 album, Hotel California, has earned diamond certification, selling more than 26 million copies. For those keeping tabs, It is one of the very best-selling albums of all time.  “Hotel California” the no. 1 hit on the pop charts, is a big reason for the album’s success.

The protagonist in “Hotel California” “stops for the night” at quite the destination. “There she stood in the doorway / I heard the mission bell / And I was thinkin’ to myself / ‘This could be heaven, or this could be hell.’” Interesting, Eagles. Is this a literal hotel or is it one of the many metaphors Don Henley, Don Felder, and Glenn Frey serve up on “Hotel California?” The excerpt from the second verse speaks to the narrative established in this heavily analyzed song which receives varying interpretations of its meaning and speculation. In the third verse, the girl receives a name, Tiffany-twisted, which seems to speak to suspect intentions, hellishness, as well as enjoying the finer things in life – take your pick.  Part of the twisted-ness is the fact that “She got a lot of pretty, pretty boys / That she calls friends,” which also opens another can of worms, depending how you read into or hear it sung.  By the fifth and final verse, there are arguably more questions than answers regarding checking out of the hotel: “‘Relax,’ said the night man / ‘We are programmed to receive / You can check out any time you like / But you can never leave.’” All told, “Hotel California” is six-and-a-half-minutes of sheer excellence. It is one of the greatest songs of all time.

Appears in :

• Eagles, “Hotel California”: Throwback Vibez 128 (2022)
• 11 Hotel, Motel, or Inn Songs