In the 101st edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on โZoomโ by legendary soul collective, Commodores.ย
The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ! Throwback Vibez ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.ย The records that grace this column are older, but that doesnโt necessarily mean that theyโre ancient โ no fossils ๐ฆด! All genres of music are welcome. In the 101st edition of Throwback Vibez ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ (2023), we recollect and reflect on ๐ต โZoomโ, performed by ๐ Commodores.
โOh, Zoom / Iโd like to fly far away from here / Where my mind can be fresh and clear.โ Sigh, I feel you ๐ Lionel Richie! ๐ต โZoomโ is one of the best songs from ๐ Commodoresโ catalog, PERIOD.ย It graces the ๐ Grammy-winning soul collectiveโs 1977, self-titled album (it was the setโs third single). Notably, Commodores wouldnโt win their sole Grammy until 1985, post-Lionel Richie.ย โTis a shame, considering they delivered so many classic cuts in the 70s.ย Richie penned โZoomโ alongside ๐ผ โ Ronald LaPread.ย The spectacular, seven minute joint was produced by Commodores and ๐ James Anthony Carmichael.
The sound of โZoomโ is DEFINITELY a big deal.ย 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.ย The warmth of the horns and strings is amazing.ย Specifically, the signature horn riff gives โZoomโ one of its most memorable and defining moments.ย Sampled many times, among the biggest repurposing came via ๐ Fergie in 2006: ๐ต โAll That I Got (The Make Up Song)โ.
Of course, itโs not all the backdrop, even if it is, celestial.ย 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.ย He is in tremendous voice on โZoomโ as he seeks happiness.ย Not only does he seek happiness for himself, but he wants happiness for the world, too: โI wish the world were truly happy / Living as one / I wish the word they call freedom, someday would come.โ The thing is, approaching 50 years later, the world is still longing for happiness and freedom.ย Of course, the chorus is where the escapism is ripest.ย โOh, Zoom / Iโd like to fly far away from here / Where my mind can be fresh and clear,โ he sings in the chorus, continuing, โAnd Iโll find the love that I long to see / People can be what they wanna be.โย So much more could be said about ๐ต โZoomโ but itโs best to let this glorious music speak for itself.
๐ Commodores โข ๐ฟ Commodores โข ๐ท Motown โข ๐ 1977
Commodores, โZoomโ: Throwback Vibez ๐ถ๏ธ๐ถ No. 101 (2023) [๐ท: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via ย Pixabay]