15 Soul Oldies That Tickle My Fancy | Playlist 🎧

1. Earth, Wind & Fire, “In the Stone”

💿 I Am • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 1979

“In the stone, you’ll find the meaning / You’re not standing tall.” 🎵 “In the Stone” serves as the superb opening cut from 💿 I Am, the 1979 album by iconic funk, soul collective, 🎙 Earth, Wind & Fire.  Honestly, there is no better way to commence a stone-fueled list than this groovy, fusion of disco, funk, and R&B.  As far as soul bands are concerned, EW&F rank at the top of the list, delivering no shortage of hits. The heavenly, potent lead vocals of 🎙 Philip Bailey and the musicianship of the instrumentalists make EW&F a ‘once in a lifetime collective.’

In addition to “In the Stone,” parent album I Am also featuring other notable career hits 🎵 “After the Love Has Gone” (📉 peaked at no. 2) and 🎵 “Boogie Wonderland” (📉 peaked at no. 6).  Both songs eclipsed the performance of “In the Stone” (📉 peaked at no. 58), but that doesn’t inhibit it from ranking among the best of the Earth, Wind & Fire catalog. For all the reasons mentioned, “In the Stone” is electrifying. Additionally, throw in excellent songwriting, starting with the timeless chorus (excerpted), as well as the lyrics on the verses. Elaborating more on the instrumental, the riffs are incredibly impressive, particularly those accented passages from the horns.  Also, can’t leave out one of my favorite sections of the song, the vamp:

“Never, never, my darling
Never you'll be alone
Ever, forever, my darling
True love is written in the stone.”

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Stone: 5ive Songs No. 74 (2021)

2. Evelyn “Champagne” King, “Shame”

💿 Smooth Talk • 🏷 RCA • 📅 1977 

“Shame, ooh / My mother says you’re playing a game / And what you do to me is a / Shame.” There’s nothing shameful about kicking things off with a certified classic.  That’s where 🎙 Evelyn “Champagne” King comes into play! With some hits under her belt, among her classics is 🎵 “Shame,” which appears on her 1977 album, 💿 Smooth Talk. There’s no shame in the song nor King’s game.  This is a glorious musical experience through and through.  Can you say iconic?

“Shame” is groovy, in the style of 70s disco – it sounds very 1977.  The second you hear the record it makes you want to dance. The use of the saxophone adds additional color and soulfulness to a backdrop comprised of keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums/percussion. The percussive component of the music is utterly sublime, truly inciting those feet to dance.  Of course, beyond that fiery backdrop, we get superb, commanding, and highly energetic vocals by King.  Furthermore, terrific background vocals help accentuate her lead.  What more can you say? “Shame” is a prime example of infectious R&B that’s nothing short of classic.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 12 Songs Filled with Utter Shame

3. The Temptations, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”

💿 All Directions • 🏷 Motown • 📅 1972

It should be noted, I was this close to including The Temptations’ classic, 🎵 “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” on 🎧 September: 5ive Songs 70 (2021). Why, you ask? That legendary opening lyric, sung by 🎙 Dennis Edwards: “It was the third of September / That day I’ll always remember, yes I will / ‘Cause that was the day, that my daddy died.” Honestly, that sole reference to the ninth month of the year would’ve been enough to justify its inclusion!  That said, the reference to a ‘stone’ in the title easily earns the song inclusion on this list.

Before Edwards ever sings those lyrics, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” takes its time setting up, thanks to an incredibly classy, extended music intro (more on that later). As far as songwriting is concerned on this lengthy classic from 1972’s 💿 All Directions (🎼✍ Barrett Strong and 🎼✍ Norman Whitfield), it’s authentic, honest, and utterly sublime.  The best moment is the chorus, which I’d argue, is one of the greatest choruses on one of the greatest songs of all time:

“Papa was a rolling stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
(And when he died) all he left us was alone.”

I could continue to swoon over the lyrics and story told of the ‘no-good-dad,’ as well as how the unique voices of each member of The Temptations come together harmoniously, but I’ll reserve the last bit for the instrumental.  Man, oh man, does “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” have one of the best productions/arrangements (Whitfield) of all time! The drum groove! That bass line! The rhythmic guitar! The strings, accentuating the dark vibes of that B-flat minor key! The trumpet solo! “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” a no. 1 Hot 100 hit, is a masterpiece, period!

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Stone: 5ive Songs No. 74 (2021)

4. Sade, “Like a Tattoo”

💿 Love Deluxe • 🏷 Sony • 📅 1992

When listing the smoothest bands/singers, 🎙 Sade (fronted by Helen Adu), easily makes the cut.  The sound is nothing short of chill – buttery smooth.  That’s the case on 🎵 “Like a Tattoo,” the fourth track from Love Deluxe, released in 1992.  “Like a Tattoo” keeps the dynamics soft and the timbre kinder and gentler yet manages to pack a punch in the process.  Per Adu, “As I reveal my shame to you / I wear it like a tattoo.”

So, what is the gist of “Like a Tattoo?” There’s a dark vibe, being honest, even with love playing a role.  A war veteran – presumably a Vietnam vet – bears a tattoo of shame for his actions.  He’s responsible for killing a man, and the man’s lover witnessed the act.

“‘Fourteen years,’ he said
‘I couldn’t look into the sun
She saw him laying at the end of my gun’
Hungry for life
And thirsty for the distant river.”

Wow – that hits different.  Later, the guilty man asserts, “Like the scar of age / Written all over my face / The war is still raging inside of me.” William Tecumseh Sherman said it best: “War is hell.” Sade, somehow, manages to make this gorgeous song, despite the disturbing backstory.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 15 Inked Up, Tattoo Songs

5. Jimi Hendrix, “Purple Haze”

💿 Are You Experienced • 🏷 Sony • 📅 1967

“Purple haze all in my brain / Lately things, they don’t seem the same.” 🎵 “Purple Haze” appears as the opener on 💿 Are You Experienced, the 1967 album by iconic musician, 🎙 Jimi Hendrix. “Purple Haze” is undoubtedly among the most instantly recognizable rock songs of all-time – a surefire classic.  What makes this 1967 classic the juggernaut that it is? Well, it all starts with Hendrix’s untouchable, bloody brilliant guitar playing.

The riffs used throughout “Purple Haze” are awesome.  This, obviously, includes the guitar, but isn’t limited to it – the other instruments have superb moments. While the instrumental aesthetic and vibe solidifies the iconic, legendary status of this record, the vocals by Hendrix are sweet too.  “Purple haze all around,” he sings on the second verse of Jimi is aggressive and commanding in his performance, which is the cherry on top of this timeless purple gem.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 11 Songs That are Purple Through & Through

6. Aretha Franklin, “Chain of Fools”

💿 Lady Soul • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 1967

“Chain, chain, chain / Chain, chain, chain / Chain, chain, chain / Chain of fools.” 🎙 Aretha Franklin.  🎵 “Chain of Fools.” 💿 Lady Soul (1967).  Enough said, right? This is one of the best, most iconic gems from the late soul singer’s collection.  The 🏆 Grammy-winning icon brings attitude, sassiness, and powerhouse vocals.

So, what, exactly fuels Franklin’s sassiness?  What’s got her so riled up? Well, how about a no good, totally trifling M-A-N? Yeah, Aretha, you should’ve left that fool alone! What a bum!

“You told me to leave you alone
My father said, ‘come on home’
My doctor said, ‘take it easy’
Oh, but your loving is much too strong.”

Of course, the heart wants what it wants but so many times it totally messes you up.

Also appears on 🔽:
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7. The O’Jays, “Love Train”

💿 Back Stabbers • 🏷 Epic • 📅 1972

“People all over the world / Join hands / Start a love train / love train.” 🎵 “Love Train” is an elite soul classic, period.  This is one of the 🎙 O’Jays best, most memorable songs.  Furthermore, it appears on a classic LP, 💿 Back Stabbers, from 1972.  Basically, “Love Train” is a record that makes you smile and want to sing along with it.

“All of you brothers over in Africa / Tell all the folks in Egypt, and Israel too.” Sigh, worldwide love 🗺 ❤ – gotta love it! The positivity is lit 🔥 (“Don’t you know it’s time to get on board?”), and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Innocent, unifying songs like “Love Train” are rare.  This one, my friends, is awesome to the nth degree.  

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Train 🚂: 5ive Songs No. 76 (2021)

8. Diana Ross, “Chain Reaction”

💿 Eaten Alive • 🏷 RCA • 📅 1985

“Get in the middle of a chain reaction / You get a medal when you’re lost in action / I wanna get your love all ready for the sweet sensation / Instant radiation.”  Now that is just absolutely sexy to the nth degree.  The song, 🎵 “Chain Reaction,” was written by 🎼✍ Barry Gibb, 🎼✍ Maurice Gibb, and 🎼✍ Robin Gibb, otherwise known as 🎙 Bee Gees.  While they do provide backing vocals, it is 🎙 Diana Ross who serves as the lead artist.  “Chain Reaction” appears on her 1985 album, 💿 Eaten Alive.

Like so many musicians, Ross’ sound when through its own fair share of evolution. A record by 🎙 The Supremes sounds very different than what she served up when she went solo in the 70s, compared to a mid-80s record like this one.  Ross is still true to self, vocally, but “Chain Reaction” does a nice job of fusing the R&B, disco, soul, and funk she’s known for with the pop of the day.  A lot of that is owed to the production, again courtesy of Robin Gibb along with 🎛 Karl Richardson, and 🎛 Albhy Galuten.  Considering the time, “Chain Reaction” was quite sleek in sound, particularly those boxy-sounding drums that dominated the 80s.  As the kids say today, ‘it’s a vibe.’

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 11 Intriguing Songs Associated with Chains ⛓

9. Donny Hathaway, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”

💿 Donny Hathaway • 🏷 Atlantic • 📅 1971

“The Son of Man speaks of Revelation / Oh, he’s reaching, reaching out his hand…” 🎙 Donny Hathaway, sadly, only lived to be 33 years old.  Despite such a short life, Hathaway left an indelible musical legacy.  Had he lived, given the sheer breadth of his collection, there’s no telling how many more classics he would’ve unveiled.  Notably, spirituality plays a gargantuan role in Mr. Hathaway’s music. 🎵 “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”, which appears on his self-titled, 1971 album, provides that perfect blend of gospel and R&B/soul. The classic was penned by 🎼✍ Dorsey Burnette.

“Magnificent Sanctuary Band” This is one of the funkiest records you’ll ever hear.  The groove – infectious to the nth degree! Additionally, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band” has a positive, soul-stirring message, hailing directly from the black church.  “From the book I read, not one but all must follow him,” Hathaway sings on the first verse, continuing, “Come and join the magnificent sanctuary band.” Amen! Donny doesn’t stop there, singing on the second verse, “Seems like temptation rules over the land / You know, those people should just remember his commandments / Come and join the magnificent sanctuary band.” As you’d expect, the centerpiece is the chorus, where Hathaway encourages all to believe, embrace, and embody Christ:

“Singing in the band, talking to the man
Bringing in the sheep all over the world as fast as he can
...Dropping everything you’re doing and join the sanctuary band.”

Hathaway is chocked-full of spirit, singing his face off.  His ministry is felt for sure, forty years after the song first arrived.

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🙏 Donny Hathaway, “Magnificent Sanctuary Band”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 15 (2021)
🔗 🎧 13 More Songs That Provide That Spiritual Refresh
🔗 🗣️ Donny Hathaway vs. Susan Tedeschi: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 29 (2021)

10. Al Green, “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”

💿 Let’s Stay Together • 🏷 Fat Possum • 📅 1972

It’s a tall task to cover a brilliantly penned and performed song.  🎙 Bee Gees ‘put in work’ on 🎵 “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”, a surefire gem from 💿 Trafalgar (1971).  However, 🏆 Grammy-winning soul icon 🎙 Al Green transformed the pop ballad into a Memphis soul ballad.   In the process, Green extended the length of the song to north of six minutes, changed the time signature to a lilting, compound meter (six- or twelve-eight depending how you hear it), and gave it a more relaxed, unhurried vibe.  The melody is intact mind you, but this 1972 version from his legendary 💿 Let’s Stay Together is truly his own.

What makes “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” special in Al Green’s hands is the same reason it’s special in Bee Gees’ hands honestly – the voice.  The Brothers Gibb lean on their remarkable tone and seamless harmonies.  For Green, it’s also a distinct, ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ tone, as well as his expressive, at times, playful approach to the vocals.  The ad-libs are potent, bearing a fierceness that only Green could deliver.  While he has no bros to harmonize with, he does have spirited backing vocals, which remind us of the glorious sounds that dominated 70s soul.  Add in that Memphis soul palette, including guitar, organ, and strings and its further evidence that Green kills it – there’s no other way to characterize it!

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 Bee Gees vs. Al Green: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 28 (2021)

11. Ohio Players, “Love Rollercoaster”

💿 Honey • 🏷 Mercury • 📅 1975

“Roller coaster of love / ‘Say what’ / Rollercoaster / Hah Hah / Ooh, ooh, ooh!” There’s NO better way to conclude this rollercoaster-driven playlist than with a mid-70s funky, soul classic.  🎙 Ohio Players were some risqué mo-fos back in the day.  Not only was their music sexually charged, so was the cover art gracing their albums.  💿 Honey, released in 1975, is no exception.  Among the collective’s most famous songs is 🎵 “Love Rollercoaster.”

Expectedly, sex plays a major role in the script, evidenced by the chorus (“Your love is like a rollercoaster, baby / I wish to ride”).  Sure, Ohio Players aren’t explicit about their actions, but we can all read between the lines – the innuendo is quite pronounced.  And honestly, doesn’t this song just sound like one grandiose orgasm? The production is nothing short of awesome, with the horn arrangements, hard hitting drums, and cool synthesizer work.

Also appears on 🔽:
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🔗 🎧 12 Thrilling Rollercoaster 🎢 Ridin’ Songs

12. Stevie Wonder, “Love’s in Need of Love Today”

💿 Songs in the Key of Life • 🏷 Motown • 📅 1976 

💿 Songs in the Key of Life = one of the greatest albums of all time.  Likewise, 🎙 Stevie Wonder is one of the greatest musicians to ever live.  The 74-time 🏆 Grammy nominee has been victorious 25 times, including winning the highly coveted award for Album of the Year – his third win.  Honestly, you could say that 🎵 “Love’s in Need of Love Today” is a Grammy-winner itself, considering Wonder was awarded Best Pop Vocal Performance for the entirety of the album (that no longer happens, FYI).

“If love and peace you treasure / Then, you’ll hear me when I say.” For sure Stevie Wonder, for sure! There is no better way to conclude this today-driven playlist than with “Love’s in Need of Love Today.” This seven-minute number is simply glorious, thanks to a gorgeous instrumental, an elite vocal by Wonder, and incredibly thoughtful and prudent songwriting.  The chorus is the most important part, summing up the power and necessity of love.

“Love’s in need of love today
Don’t delay
Send yours in right away
Hate’s goin’ round
Breaking many hearts
Stop it please
Before it's gone too far.”

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 13 Thrilling Songs About Today

13. The Commodores, “Jesus is Love”

💿 Heroes • 🏷 Motown • 📅 1980

“Father / Help your children / And don’t let them fall / By the side of the road.”  That’s a potent and powerful prayer from 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B icon, 🎙 Lionel Richie. He and 🎙 The Commodores and take the power of Jesus seriously on the soul-gospel gem, 🎵 “Jesus is Love”.  “Jesus Is Love” is a standard in both soul and gospel, but compared to secular songs by the collective, it’s underrated.  Sigh, I guess being 🎵 “Easy” was simply a bigger deal.

“Jesus is Love” may be underrated, but it shouldn’t be, “Easy”, 🎵 “Brick House”, 🎵 “Sail On” or otherwise.  It’s arguably the collective’s deepest, most touching song.  The affirmation of faith coupled with a societal need for faith is deep.

“Jesus is love
He won’t let you down
And I know he’s mine forever
Oh, in my heart.”

The most powerful section of the song occurs towards the end – the breakdown section if you will.  Lionel Richie is totally ‘feeling’ the love – the deference is legit!  “Who can bring you love? (Jesus) / Who can bring you joy (Jesus) / Who can turn your life around (Jesus),” he sings, exuding the utmost spirit.  Later, he goes on to assert that you can “Call him in the mornin’ / Call him in the evenin’ / Call in the midnight hour…” The spiritual refresh is totally real, even from a song more than four decades old.

Also appears on 🔽:
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🔗 🙏 Commodores, “Jesus is Love”: Sunday Refresh 🙏 No. 18 (2021)

14. Earth, Wind & Fire, “September”

💿 The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1• 🏷 Columbia • 📅 1978

Question: “Do you remember, the 21^st night of September?” That’s the iconic opening line from the beloved 🎙 Earth, Wind & Fire hit, 🎵 “September” (💿 The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire, Vol. 1). What better way to celebrate the month than this funk/soul gem? Characterized by exuberant production and orchestration (those horns), spirited vocals (that falsetto), and ear-catching, fun lyrics, “September” is a surefire vibe – a song that puts a smile on your face during any month of the year!

The significance of the 21^st of September, for those wondering, is it’s the final day of summer.  Of course, for many of us, the beginning of September unofficially signals Fall.  Officially, September 22^nd kicks off Fall.  That said, for Earth, Wind & Fire, the date isn’t that important.  As happy as this loving, all good vibes joint is, any date could’ve worked.  Of course, the fact that my birth month was victorious – effing awesome for sure!

“There was a
Ba-dee-ya (Dee-ya, dee-ya), say, do you remember?
Ba-dee-ya (Dee-ya, dee-ya), dancin’ in September
Ba-dee-ya (Dee-ya, dee-ya), never was a cloudy day.”

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 September: 5ive Songs No. 70 (2021)

15. Prince and the Revolution, “Purple Rain”

💿 Purple Rain • 🏷 Warner • 📅 1984

In its updated 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, Rolling Stone dubbed 🎵 “Purple Rain,” the 🎙 Prince and the Revolution classic, the 18^th best song.  That’s high praise, no doubt, but even that feels low for the biggest song in the 🎙 Prince catalog.  Simply put, songs like “Purple Rain” come merely once in a lifetime, and “Purple Rain” more than ‘kicks ass and takes names.’

It’s rare that extended length songs are as successful as “Purple Rain” was for the late musician.  It failed to reach no. 1 on the Hot 100, but no. 2 ‘ain’t bad,’ particularly for a near-nine-minute juggernaut.  Worth noting, “Purple Rain” (the song) won Prince an 🏆 Academy Award (Best Original Song) and a 🏆 Grammy. Throughout the course of the song, Prince gives us some of his best vocals, EVER.  None soar higher than his ripe falsetto, sigh.  Of course, the crowning achievement is the chorus, among the greatest, most memorable, and most recognizable of all time:

“Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
Purple rain, purple rain
I only want to see you
Only want to see you in the purple rain.”

Also, shout out to Prince’s prodigious guitar skills! R.I.P. legend!

Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 11 Songs That are Purple Through & Through