George McCrae & Gwen McCrae, The Rub | Throwback Vibez

In the 67th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “The Rub” by former married singers George McCrae and Gwen McRae.   

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 67^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “The Rub” performed by George McCrae and Gwen McCrae.

“Let’s rub / Rub a dub, dub, dub.” Yes, the lyrics that hail from the chorus of “The Rub” are sensual.  It is understandable why.  At the time, Floridian disco/funk/soul musicians George McCrae (1944 – ), best known for the number one hit “Rock Your Baby”, and Gwen McCrae (1943 – 2025), best known for “Rockin’ Chair”, were married. “The Rub” is the eighth track from their joint 1975 album, Together.  The couple divorced in 1976. William Clarke and Clarence Reid penned “The Rub.” Reid and Steve Alaimo produced it.

Before either McCrae sings on “The Rub,” the music cooks! It features a dynamic bass line. The groove is electrifying. The orchestrations are marvelous, namely the strings and flutes.  Also, the instrumental riffs (violins and flutes) are infectious.  The ‘naughty’ cut is ‘appropriately’ set in a minor key.  George sings the verses.  His smooth pipes set the tone in the first verse. “And now it’s time to turn down the lights / So, give me your hand, baby,” he sings, continuing, “And move in real close / ‘Cause I got something, honey / That you’ll dig the most.” Gwen, in all of her soulfulness, joins in the mix during the pre-choruses (or bridge, if you will):

“Take it easy, baby

Don’t groove too fast

We’ve got to make this good thing last

And if you’re ready, baby.”

Of course, the rubbing takes place during the chorus, excerpted above. Despite ultimately divorcing, George and Gwen McCrae brought the heat on the underrated soul gem that is “The Rub”.  This is an album track that deserved far more attention.  If your soul rotation needs beefing up, look no further than this hot mid-70s bop.

George McCrae & Gwen McCrae // Together // Henry Stone Music // 1975

George McCrae & Gwen McCrae, The Rub: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 67 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Henry Stone Music; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]