Commodores, Zoom | Throwback Vibez

In the 101^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Zoom” by legendary 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 that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 101^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Zoom”, performed by Commodores.

“Oh, Zoom / I’d like to fly far away from here / Where my mind can be fresh and clear.” Sigh, I feel you Lionel Richie! “Zoom” is one of the best songs from Commodores’ catalog, PERIOD.  It graces the Grammy-winning soul collective’s 1977, self-titled album (it was the set’s third single). Notably, Commodores wouldn’t win their sole Grammy until 1985, post-Lionel Richie.  ‘Tis a shame, considering they delivered so many classic cuts in the 70s.  Richie penned “Zoom” alongside Ronald LaPread.  The spectacular, seven minute joint was produced by Commodores and James Anthony Carmichael.

The sound of “Zoom” is DEFINITELY a big deal.  It features an epic groove, idiomatic of 70s soul through and through. Also representative of the style is the lush orchestration. It is breathtaking, exquisite, and utterly sublime.  The warmth of the horns and strings is amazing.  Specifically, the signature horn riff gives “Zoom” one of its most memorable and defining moments.  Sampled many times, among the biggest repurposing came via Fergie in 2006: “All That I Got (The Make Up Song)”.

Of course, it’s not all the backdrop, even if it is, celestial.  As always, Lionel Richie is the man in the vocal department. His clear, nuanced, soulful lead, as well as his pen, made Commodores hard to beat.  He is in tremendous voice on “Zoom” as he seeks happiness.  Not only does he seek happiness for himself, but he wants happiness for the world, too: “I wish the world were truly happy / Living as one / I wish the word they call freedom, someday would come.” The thing is, approaching 50 years later, the world is still longing for happiness and freedom.  Of course, the chorus is where the escapism is ripest.  “Oh, Zoom / I’d like to fly far away from here / Where my mind can be fresh and clear,” he sings in the chorus, continuing, “And I’ll find the love that I long to see / People can be what they wanna be.”  So much more could be said about “Zoom” but it’s best to let this glorious music speak for itself.

Commodores • Commodores • Motown • 1977

Commodores, “Zoom”: Throwback Vibez No. 101 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]