A Taste Of Honey, Boogie Oogie Oogie | Throwback Vibez

In the 175^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Boogie Oogie Oogie” by A Taste Of Honey.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 175^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Boogie Oogie Oogie”, performed by A Taste Of Honey.

“If you’re thinkin’ you’re too cool to boogie / Boy, oh boy, have I got news for you.” What’s that news, A Taste Of Honey? Well, “Everybody here tonight must boogie / Let me tell ya, you are no exception to the rule.” Ooh-wee! Even if you can’t dance worth a sugar honey iced tea , there is no way you can listen to a song as groovy and infectious as “Boogie Oogie Oogie” and NOT move your body.  “Boogie Oogie Oogie,” which appears on A Taste Of Honey’s debut album, A Taste Of Honey, is one of the greatest disco/funk records of all time.  It should come as no surprise that this Janice Marie Johnson and Perry Kibble composed record was a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  Furthermore, A Taste Of Honey would (1) earn platinum certification for both the single and album and (2) win the Grammy for Best New Artist.

“Get up on the floor

‘Cause we’re gonna boogie oogie oogie

‘Til you just can’t boogie no more.”

WOO! Lyrical depth is not necessary for a feel good, groovy gem like “Boogie Oogie Oogie.” It’s all about dancing (“Listen to the music and let your body flow”). Janice Marie Johnson delivers solid vocals, getting great background vocals from Perry Kibble and the rest of the musicians bringing the F-U-N-K.  Of course, Johnson and Kibble bring it on the bass and keyboards respectively .  The rhythm section is in the pocket – totally locked in ! The robust bass lines, the keyboard riffs, and that guitar solo by Hazel Payne = stellar . Fonce Mizell and Laurence Mizell do a fine job on the production end of things too. No deep analysis is necessary for “Boogie Oogie Oogie”. It’s just an utterly stupendous 70s dance record.

A Taste Of Honey • A Taste Of Honey • Capitol • 1978

 A Taste Of Honey, Boogie Oogie Oogie: Throwback Vibez No. 175 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Capitol; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]