Commodores, Brick House | Throwback Vibez

In the 164^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Brick House” by Motown funk, R&B, and soul collective, Commodores.

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 they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 164^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Brick House” performed by Commodores. 

Oh, snap, Commodores! First things first, “Brick House” is NOT about a house. The phrase brick shithouse referred to someone of a strong, sturdy build.  The Commodores’ take embraces Urban Dictionary’s definition, defining a brick house as a full-figured female. The legendary, eventual Grammy-winning funk, R&B, and soul collective was describing a dime-piece – one bad chick!  “Brick House”, the sixth track from their 1977 album, Commodores, marked one of their biggest triumphs. A pop hit, it reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100.  In 2005, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.  “Brick House” was written by the face of the group, Lionel Richie (b. 1949), keyboardist Milan Williams (1948 – 2006), Walter Orange (b. 1946), who sings lead on the track, bassist Ronald LaPread, lead guitarist Thomas McClary, trumpeter William King, and Shirley Hanna-King.

The chorus, excerpted above, is the crème de la crème of “Brick House.” “I like ladies stacked and that’s a fact / Ain’t holding nothing back,” Walter Orange asserts, and concludes the chorus, “Well put together, everybody knows / This is how the story goes.”  In the first verse, Orange speaks to her badness in a positive light, characterizing her as enticing and “36-24-36, ow, what a winning hand.” In the second verse, she “Make a old man wish for younger days.” D-d-damn – “Shaka gah shaka now now!” “Brick House” manages to be both sexual and sexy without being explicit. Beyond an energetic, hella fun vocal performance, infectious lyrics, and tuneful melodies, “Brick House” is funky to the nth degree.  The rhythm section is tight, bestowing listeners with a sickening groove, fat bass line, and rhythmic guitars.  Beyond the rhythm sections, the horns (trumpet and saxophone) add spice, and most of all, bite. “Brick House” is timeless: one of the greatest funk records of all time!

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Commodores » Commodores » Motown » 1977

Commodores, Brick House: Throwback Vibez No. 164 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]

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