Ann Peebles, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” | Throwback Vibez

In the 99^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “I Can’t Stand The Rain” by Ann Peebles. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 99^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “I Can’t Stand The Rain”, performed by Ann Peebles.

Theme & Lyrics

Eight words: “I can’t stand the rain against my window.”  In soul music circles, those lyrics are immortal.  Ann Peebles famously performed “I Can’t Stand The Rain”, which was released in 1973.  Fittingly, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” appeared on Peebles’ album – wait for it – also titled, I Can’t Stand The Rain, which arrived in 1974.  As you’d expect, this marked the biggest hit of Peebles’ career, peaking at no. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100.  As is the case with many soul classics, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” performed stronger within its own genre chart, peaking at no. 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (also Peebles’ highest charting song on that chart).

Unfortunately, I Can’t Stand The Rain (the album) wasn’t a success, settling for a tepid peak at no. 155 on the Billboard 200.  Ouch! Despite this, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” (the song) is a triumph. It is a prime example of the Memphis soul sound, cultivated by the late, great producer, Willie Mitchell, who was famous for collaborating with soul icon, Al Green.  Peebles penned this classic alongside Bernard Miller and Don Bryant. It’s safe to say the songwriting is elite, as Peebles expresses heartbreak: “Hey windowpane, do you remember / How sweet it used to be? / … Now that we’ve parted / There’s just one sound / That I just can’t stand.” Rain often receives a negative connotation and in the case of this ended union, the rain gets a bad name once more.  Also, the empty pillow in verse two isn’t Peebles’ friend either because that’s “Where his head used to lay.” Sigh. The best moment, of course, is none other than that beloved chorus:

“I can’t stand the rain against my window

Bringing back sweet memories

I can’t stand the rain against my window

‘Cause he’s not here with me.”

Final Thoughts

“I Can’t Stand The Rain” may not have been a huge pop success, but it’s unquestionably one of the elite soul gems.  Many artists have shown their respect for this classic including Grammy winners Tina Turner and Seal, who covered this gem.  Furthermore, another Grammy winner, Missy Elliott sampled the classic for her own renowned joint, “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”. “I Can’t Stand The Rain” is #EPIC!

Ann Peebles • I Can’t Stand The Rain • Hi / Fat Possum • 1974

Ann Peebles, “I Can’t Stand The Rain”: Throwback Vibez No. 99 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Fat Possum, Gerhard G., Hi, JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype]