Eddie Kendricks, Keep On Truckin’ | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 38^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Keep On Truckin’” by Eddie Kendricks. 

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 38^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2023), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Keep On Truckin’”, performed by 🎙 Eddie Kendricks. 

“Keep on truckin’, baby / I got to keep on truckin’ / Got to get to your good lovin’,” soul legend, 🎙 Eddie Kendricks sings on his beloved, no. 1 hit, 🎵 “Keep On Truckin’”. In its full, un-edited form, the highlight from the Kendrick’s 1973, self-titled album clocks in at eight minutes long.  Although lengthy, “Keep On Truckin’” yields some of the sweetest music you’ll ever hear from the former 🎙 The Temptations member. The arrangement (horns, strings, vibraphone, keys and such) and production supporting Kendricks is insane – in the most awesome, creative, and soulful way possible.  It is no surprise that “Keep On Truckin’” has been sampled multiple times.

So, is Eddie Kendricks a truck driver? Not in the traditional sense! “I’ve got a fever rising with desire / It’s my love jones,” he asserts at one point, continuing, “And I feel like I’m on fire.” Woo! Furthermore, the anointed tenor and falsetto king asserts, “I’m the red ball express of lovin’ / Diesel-powered straight to you / I’m truckin’.” Let’s just cut straight to the chase – this man is horny.  Honestly, his desire is relatable.  Most importantly, 🎵 “Keep On Truckin’” is incredibly fun. Epic vocals, a top-notch backdrop, and those relatable, desire-laden lyrics make this one a winner for all time.  Also, can’t forget about that diss to his former group: “In old Temptation’s rain / I’m duckin’.”

🎙 Eddie Kendricks •  💿 Eddie Kendricks • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 🗓 1973

Eddie Kendricks, “Keep On Truckin’”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 38 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc.; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]