Ashford & Simpson, “Solid” | Throwback Vibez

In the 115^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Solid” by legendary husband-wife songwriting duo, Ashford & Simpson. 

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 115^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Solid”, performed by Ashford & Simpson. 

Theme & Lyrics  

“We build it up / And build it up / And build it up.” Build what up, Ashford & Simpson? Why, L-O-V-E, of course! The result of this build is something that can best be described as “Solid”.  “Solid” appeared on the husband-wife duo’s 1984, Grammy-nominated album, Solid. “Solid,” the single marked the iconic singer/songwriting duo’s biggest hit, peaking at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Likely, the record is the reason why the album earned the Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocal.

It’s safe to say that the solidness – the solidarity – runs long. “Solid” runs north of five minutes in duration.  Even so, Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson serve up ample musical excellence. The vocals are on-point, the production is exuberant, and the lyrics are – wait for it – SOLID! “You didn’t bat an eye / When I made you cry,” Ashford sings in the first verse, continuing, “We knew down the line / We would make it better.” Simpson, who handled much of the intro, holds down most of the pre-chorus, which focuses on building up that love. The chorus, as to be expected, is the centerpiece. it’s catchy as albeit – definitely solid as a rock!

“And now it’s solid
Solid as a rock
That’s what this love is
That’s what we’ve got, oh
Yes, it is
Solid
Solid as a rock
And nothing’s changed it, oh
The thrill is still hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot, hot.”

Final Thoughts  

Ashford & Simpson are most renowned for their songwriting contributions – the list is endless.  However, they earn their own, timeless R&B/pop hit with “Solid”.  It’s SOLID as albeit, particularly the chorus.  Furthermore, the message is lit !

Ashford & Simpson • Solid • Capitol • 1984

Ashford & Simpson, “Solid”: Throwback Vibez No. 115 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype]