Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 3

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Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 3 features music courtesy of Bobby Caldwell, Cheryl Lynn, Elton John, Funkadelic, and Ohio Players.

Ah, the 1970s – what a time, what a time! What better way to reminisce on the decade than to select some of its best songs.  There were plenty of kick a$$ rock, pop, disco, soul/funk/R&B records that stand the test of time.  Honestly, there are far too many awesome musicians to recognize in one musical compendium – at least with blurbs involved. After beginning the process with 🎧 Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 1 and 🎧 Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 2, we return with 🎧 Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 3. 🎧 Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 3 features music courtesy of 🎙 Bobby Caldwell, 🎙 Cheryl Lynn, 🎙 Elton John, 🎙 Funkadelic, and 🎙 Ohio Players among others.  So, get into the spirit of the 1970s and check out these epic musical classics!

1. Cheryl Lynn, “Got To Be Real”

💿 Cheryl Lynn • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 🗓 1978

“What you think, ah! / What you feel now / What you know, ah! / To be REAL!” WOO! 🎙 Cheryl Lynn experienced real, legitimate success with her exuberant, funky debut single, 🎵 “Got to Be Real”. “Got to Be Real” commences Lynn’s 1978 debut album, simply titled, 💿 Cheryl Lynn. Her biggest hit, “…Real” peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100; it is her only single certified platinum by the RIAA. Cheryl Lynn is also Lynn’s sole RIAA certified album, achieving gold status. She penned the beloved disco/funk/soul gem alongside 🎼 ✍ David Foster, and David Paich (of 🎙 Toto). Paich also produced the track alongside his father, the late 🎛 Marty Paich.

“Got to Be Real” is a vibe, period! Cheryl Lynn gives an electrifying vocal performance, showing off the power of her pipes. One of the notable aspects of that performance is how she slides up to select notes. Furthermore, the harmonized vocals add to the allure and color of “Got to Be Real.” Additionally, she conveys a big personality, which perfectly delivers lyrical gems like, “Ooh… / Your love is for real now / You know that … / Your love is my love / My love is your love / Our love is here to stay.” Thematically, “Got To Be Real” is simple: it’s all real love ❤️, baby! Adding to the excitement is the infectious, funky groove, jubilant horns, and key modulations. 🎵 “Got to Be Real” is REALLY GOOD – DUH!

Appears in 🔻:

Cheryl Lynn, Got To Be Real: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 90 (2023)

2. Jerry Butler, “Ain’t Understanding Mellow”

💿 The Very Best of Jerry Butler • 🏷 The Island Def Jam Music Group • 🗓 1992

🎙 Jerry Butler delivered the epic ballad, 🎵 “Ain’t Understanding Mellow”, which appeared on his 1971 album, 💿 The Sagittarius Movement. Penned by 🎼 ✍ Herscholt Polk and Homer Talbert, Butler collaborates with 🎙 Brenda Lee Eager. Their vocal chemistry is amazing. Furthermore separately, both compel in the lead role. Because of the sound of this record, and the high-flying vocals, “Ain’t Understanding Mellow” was a pop hit, peaking at no. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Thank God for you,” Butler sings early on, continuing, “You were woman enough / Girl, not to try to hide / Didn’t try to hide your love / For this other guy.” Woo! Eager paints a similar picture, asserting, “Thank the angels for you / You’re the kind of man you are to be so understanding.” So, basically, there’s a break-up in play but they don’t hate each other! “Wherever you go, you have but to call on me / I’m gonna be right by your side.” Fittingly, this 1970s soul classic sounds churchy – to some extent. The gospel piano and robust bass line go a long way! Furthermore, what about those lush, warm strings and those horns! The arrangement (James Mack) is terrific, as is the production by Butler and 🎛 Gerald Sims. Another fine moment on this five star masterpiece is the outro, which marks a change of pace, and keeps 🎵 “Ain’t Understanding Mellow” incredibly fresh.

Appears in 🔻:

Jerry Butler, Ain’t Understanding Mellow: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 79 (2023)

3. Debby Boone, “You Light Up My Life”

💿 You Light Up My Life • 🏷 Curb • 📅 1977

“So many dreams / I’ve kept deep inside me,” 🎙 Debby Boone sings, continuing, “Alone in the dark / But now you’ve come along.” Oh, the feels! Per Boone, on the dominant, no. 1 pop hit, 🎵 “You Light Up My Life” (1977), she was singing to God 🙌. Fair enough. The chorus of “You Light Up My Life” is incredibly inspirational, and could parallel walking with God and giving him praise:

“And you

Light up my life

You give me hope

To carry on

You light up my days

And fill my nights

With song.”

That said, the original intent of this song, penned by 🎼 ✍ Joseph Brooks for the movie, 🎦 You Light Up My Life, wasn’t directed toward God. The power of love, however, is a key whether this uplifting number is viewed religiously or secularly – romance. Notably, Boone DID NOT originally record her one-hit wonder 🤯. The original vocalist was 🎙 Kasey Cisyk on the soundtrack for the film. Regardless, Boone’s recording earned her 10 weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, two Grammys (Song of The Year and Best New Artist), and the record won the Academy Award for Best Song. Still to this day, the light shines bright when it comes to 🎵 “You Light Up My Life” particularly the Debby Boone rendition.

Appears in 🔻:

4. Bobby Caldwell, “What You Won’t Do For Love”

💿 What You Won’t Do for Love • 🏷 Big Deal • 🗓 1978

“I guess you wonder where I’ve been / I searched to find a love within.” The late, great 🎙 Bobby Caldwell does a fabulous job of singing about L-O-V-E on his beloved song, 🎵 “What You Won’t Do For Love”. Caldwell continues singing, “I came back to let you know / Got a thing for you and I can’t let go.” Oh, the feeling is SOOO relatable, sigh. “What You Won’t Do For Love” is by far his most successful single, peaking at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. He penned this beloved record from his 1978 album, also titled 💿 What You Won’t Do For Love, alongside 🎼 ✍ Alfrons Fernando Kettner.

First and foremost, the biggest selling point of “What You Won’t Do For Love” is Caldwell. He sounds utterly amazing delivering commanding, nuanced lead vocals. The centerpiece is the chorus, featuring the titular lyric:

“What you won’t do, do for love

You’ve tried everything, but you don’t give up

In my world, only you

Make me do for love what I would not do.”

Beyond awesome vocals, relatable songwriting, and a tuneful melody, the sound of “What You Won’t Do For Love” is DEFINITELY A BIG DEAL. The horns sound utterly fantastic, while the strings add warmth and lushness. The rhythm section cooks with the prominent bass line, chill electric piano, rhythm guitar, and of course, the drum groove. The sound is idiomatic of blue-eyed soul and pop-soul. Adding to the allure of 🎵 “What You Won’t Do For Love” is the fact that the record is in no rush, allowing the celestial instrumental to ride out well beyond the final note Caldwell sings.

Appears in 🔻:

Bobby Caldwell, What You Won’t Do For Love: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 113 (2023)

5. George Benson, “On Broadway”

💿 Weekend in L.A. • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 1978

“They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway / They say there’s always magic in the air.” Gifted jazz/R&B guitarist/singer 🎙 George Benson shines on the 1978, no. 7 Billboard Hot 100 hit, 🎵 “On Broadway” (💿 Weekend in L.A.). He continues singing, “But when you’re walking down that street / And you ain’t had enough to eat / The glitter rubs right off and you’re nowhere.” Well, George, that’s sort of buzzkill, even if it is an accurate read on attaining superstardom. That said, Benson CANNOT be credited to penning the lyrics. He also can’t be credited to composing the music… While “On Broadway” became HIS song and won him a 🏆 Grammy, he was not the original performer 🤯.

“On Broadway” was written by 🎼 ✍ Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. The original performers were 🎙 The Drifters. Recorded in 1963, The Drifters’ version preceded Benson’s by 15 years 🤯! Even so, Benson made “On Broadway” his own, so much so that it serves as the definitive take. This includes magnificent production (🎛 Tommy LiPuma), balancing R&B, pop, and jazz. Among the jazziest features of “On Broadway” is the scatting, which sounds incredibly cool. His vocals are also expressive beyond the improvisation as he wows with his tone and nuance. Also, alongside the scatting, Benson impresses with his guitar soloing, which is lit 🔥. Truly unbelievable that 🎵 “On Broadway” in the hands of Mr. Benson is a cover and not an original.

Appears in 🔻:

George Benson, On Broadway: Covers No. 12 (2023)

6. Ohio Players, “Ecstasy”

💿 Ecstasy • 🏷 Westbound • 🗓 1973

“I’ll never, never, never / Leave her, leave her, no, no.” Who want you ever leave, 🎙 Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner? Why, his baby, of course! Furthermore, “Loving you, loving you / Is ecstasy to me.” 🎵 “Ecstasy” commences the fourth album by iconic funk collective, 🎙 Ohio Players, also titled, 💿 Ecstasy (1973). This album preceded the breakthrough, Mercury projects by the collective. Even so, the song at hand managed to make some noise on the pop charts, peaking at no. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a brief joint but packs a mighty punch. One of the biggest selling points of “Ecstasy” is the funky production. From the onset, it’s a surefire vibe – it has you moving your body. Furthermore, the lead vocals are energetic, expressive, and wild. Truly, you buy what is being sold through playful, powerful, and sexual vocals. The songwriting is not deep, but it doesn’t need to be. The point is made loud and clear: sex, sex, sex! Ohio Players are renowned for their erotic brand of funk and “Ecstasy” ticks off all the boxes. Sure, later, the collective would do much worse (in the best way possible), but 🎵 “Ecstasy” proved to be a great preface to what followed. Also, shout out the rappers, including 🎙 A Tribe Called Quest, 🎙 Jay-Z, and 🎙 Busta Rhymes for sampling this classic!

Appears in 🔻:

7. Funkadelic, “Hit It And Quit It”

**💿 Maggot Brain • 🏷 Westbound • 🗓 1971**

“If you want to hit it, good God / Hit it and quit it / I want you to.” WOO, 🎙 Funkadelic! Funkadelic marked another brilliant band of the one and only, 🎙 George Clinton (1941 – ), bringing psychedelic rock elements into the mix. The album that the funky, simplistic but potent 🎵 “Hit It And Quit It” hails from, 💿 Maggot Brain, is a masterpiece. While “Hit It And Quit It” failed to achieve pop success, it is considered one of many gems from the Funkadelic catalog. It should go without saying that it’s funky as hell 😈 – in the most heavenly way possible 😇. “You can shake it to the east, shake it to the west / Hit it, good God / Hit it and quit it,” George Clinton sings with ample energy and personality. Besides the fun, memorable lyrics, and enormous amount of spirit on this 70s gem, “Hit It And Quit It” features incredibly dope music. That dopeness includes kick-ass guitar (🎙 Eddie Hazel) and bass (🎙 Billy “Bass” Nelson) riffs and soloing, epic organ (🎙 Bernie Worrell), and of course, a totally lit 🔥 groove. Honestly, 🎵 “Hit It And Quit It” is a funk record that you won’t be able to simply – wait for it – “hit it and quit it!” Deep analysis of this incredible record isn’t necessary – it speaks for itself, more than 50 years after being released!

Appears in 🔻:

8. The Ides of March, “Vehicle”

**💿 Vehicle • 🏷 Warner • 🗓 1970**

“I’m your vehicle, baby / I can take you anywhere you wanna go.” Oh, really? Good to know 🎙 Jim Peterik! Peterik penned and served as the lead vocalist on 🎙 The Ides of March classic, 🎵 “Vehicle” (💿 Vehicle, 1970). “Vehicle” was by far the rock band’s biggest hit, peaking at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. There are plenty of reasons why “Vehicle” is awesome. It begins with the fun, playful lyrics, which, interestingly, were inspired by Peterik’s ‘relationship’. The woman, to which he was a chauffeur to – only a vehicle to her – would become his wife. “I love ya (love ya) / I need ya (need ya) / I wants ya, gots to have you child,” Peterik sings in the second half of the chorus, adding, “Great God in heaven, you know I love you.” Besides the ear-catching lyrics (“Hey, well, I’m the friendly stranger in the black sedan”) and powerful, soulful vocals, the music is equally electrifying. Simply put, “Vehicle” rocks with its biting horns, gritty organ, and of course, standard rock instrumentation. The riffs are lit 🔥, and honestly, probably a big reason why 🎵 “Vehicle” became the pop hit it did. It is a prime example of that 1970s song that appeals to multiple fan bases – the pop, rock, and soul crowd.

Appears in 🔻:

9. Deniece Williams, “Free”

💿 This is Niecy • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 1976

“But I want to be free, free, free / And I just got to be me, yeah, me, me.” On her 1976 debut album, 💿 This Is Niecy, 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B/soul/gospel musician 🎙 Deniece Williams desired freedom on 🎵 “Free”. “Free” ranks among Williams’ biggest hits, earning success on the pop charts (no. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100). “Free” was written by Williams, 🎼 ✍ Susaye Greene, Hank Redd, and Nathan Watts.

Something that stands out about this soul classic is how chill it is. Williams sings with incredible ease, never breaking a sweat. Her upper register is especially potent – angelic! Likewise, the groovy backdrop is lush and relaxed – a surefire vibe. Why does Williams seek freedom? She wants to be true to herself (“And I just got to be me”), and perhaps most of all, not controlled or tied down by anybody, including a man she clearly enjoys. Early on, she asserts, “Whispering in his ear / My magic potion / Telling him I’m sincere / And that there’s nothing too good for us.” Still, she goes on to tout being free despite telling him what he wants to hear. There’s no doubt that “Free” is the ultimate women’s empowerment anthem. Of course, as Williams has attested, its message can mean different things for numerous folks, men included. All told, “Free” is one of the elite classics of the 1970s.

Appears in 🔻:

10. Orleans, “Still The One”

💿 Waking and Dreaming • 🏷 Elektra • 📅 1976

“You’re still the one who can scratch my itch / (You’re) Still the one that I wouldn’t switch / We’re still having fun and you’re still the one.” Ooh, wee, 🎙 John Hall! When it comes to 💿 Waking and Dreaming, the 1976 album by pop/rock collective 💿 Orleans, the first thing that’s eye-catching is the band’s weird shirtless album cover (see 🎧 Who Signed Off on This Album Artwork?). Regardless, the reason why we should really be talking about Waking and Dreaming is that it features the beloved, top-ten hit, 🎵 “Still the One”. “You’re still the one I want to talk to in bed / Still the one that turns my head / We’re still having fun and you’re still the one.” Sing it, Mr. Hall! The chorus is timeless – the primary reason why “Still the One” is the classic that it is. Furthermore, it’s a bright, utterly energetic cut – infectious. An exuberant pop/rock groove goes far, and that’s how “Still the One” commences. Listening to the brilliance of this fun, love-driven gem, forget about that sus album cover artwork. “But I want you to know, after all these years / You’re still the one I want whispering in my ear,” Hall asserts in the first verse, while the second is more poetic (“When winter came, I just wanted to go /… Deep in the desert, I longed for the snow”). All told, 🎵 “Still the One” is a surefire 70s classic that is beloved to this day.

Appears in 🔻:

11. Carl Douglas, “Kung Fu Fighting”

💿 Kung Fu Fighter • 🏷 Sanctuary • 📅 1974

“Oh-ho-ho-ho / Oh-ho-ho-ho.” Those are the memorable opening lyrics from the 1974 🎙 Carl Douglas disco hit, 🎵 “Kung Fu Fighting” (💿 Kung Fu Fighter, 1974). A no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “Kung Fu Fighting” gave the Jamaican artist his sole top-10 hit. Characterized as a one-hit wonder, it is worth noting that Douglas’ only other entry on the Hot 100 was 🎵 “Dance The Kung Fu” which peaked modestly at no. 48. What is interesting is that Douglas’ ace in the hole wasn’t even intended to be a hit, but ultimately became one of the most beloved songs of all-time, regardless of musical genre.

The centerpiece – the crowning achievement – is the chorus:

“Everybody was kung fu fighting

Those cats were fast as lightning

In fact, it was a little bit frightening

But they fought with expert timing.”

Infectious! Of course, “Kung Fu Fighting” is more than its unforgettable chorus. The melody is tuneful throughout. Beyond its melodic sensibilities, “Kung Fu Fighting” features marvelous music cues and lush production work (🎛 Biddu), including the winds (namely the flute), guitars, a fat bass line, keys, and strings. Following the slower intro, the groove is definitely in the pocket post-intro. Douglas serves up a nuanced, soulful brand of vocals. Furthermore, his performance is packed with personality. Some other important notes regarding this novel, disco smash includes those signature kung fu sounds. Furthermore, Douglas gets superb support from the backing vocalists, while he ad-libs and riffs on the lead. All told, 🎵 “Kung Fu Fighting” speaks for itself.

Appears in 🔻:

12. Elton John, “Your Song”

💿 Elton John • 🏷 Mercury • 📅 1970 

“It’s a little bit funny / This feeling inside / I’m not one of those who can easily hide.” Those, ladies and gentlemen, are the iconic opening lyrics from 🎵 “Your Song”. “Your Song” is one of those PERFECT songs. It appeared on the 1970 🎙 Elton John album, 💿 Elton John! John continues singing, in the first verse, “I don’t have much money, but boy if I did / I’d buy a big house where we both could live.” Aww 🥰, the feels and the sentiment! As has been the case through much of his illustrious career, John penned the music while 🎼 ✍ Bernie Taupin composed the lyrics.  Of course, the distinct, expressive pipes of John brought Taupin’s lyrics to life 💪.     

“Your Song” is one of the best and most recognizable songs from the Elton John collection.  It peaked at no. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the 29 top 10 hits by the iconic 🏆 Academy and Grammy Award winning artist 🤯. The songwriting, in tandem with a tuneful melody makes “Your Song” elite.  The verses are utterly sublime – quite thoughtful and poetic.  The centerpiece, of course, is the chorus:  

“And you can tell everybody 

This is your song 

It may be quite simple, but now that it’s done 

I hope you don’t mind 

I hope you don’t mind 

That I put down in the words 

How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”    

Beyond marvelous songwriting and performance, the instrumental is stupendous.  Besides the rhythm section, warm strings add to the allure of 🎵 “Your Song”, truly a once in a lifetime record.  

Appears in 🔻:  

13. The Stylistics, “I’m Stone in Love with You”

**💿 Round 2 • 🏷 Avco • 🗓 1972**

If he could, 🎙 Russell Thompkins, Jr. asserts, “I would buy you everything / Your little heart desires.” Why? “‘Cause I’m stone in love with you.” 🎵 “I’m Stone in Love with You” marks one of five top-10 hits by the Philly soul collective, 🎙 The Stylistics. Specifically, this gold certified single from their sophomore album, 💿 Round 2 peaked at no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Take one listen to “I’m Stone in Love with You,” and you’ll understand the magic behind the it. Thematically, this soul classic is all about L-O-V-E.

“I’m Stone in Love with You” was written by 🎼 ✍ Thom Bell (who also produces), Linda Creed, and Anthony Bell. The production work is warm, idiomatic of the lush, orchestrated sound of soul music, particularly the Philly soul music of the 1970s. The ears are treated to the rhythm section (including percussion in addition to drums), winds, and of course, strings. Thompkins, Jr. is at his best, singing radiantly in an incredibly ripe, yet tender falsetto. The melody he sings is glorious – incredibly tuneful and easy on the ears. The combination of his voice and the romantic lyrics (“You might say that all I do / Is dream my life away / I guess it’s true / ‘Cause I’m stone in love with you”) is celestial. Other highlights include the harmonic progression – those musical underpinnings – and the background vocals on the titular lyrics. All told, 🎵 “I’m Stone in Love with You” is not only one of the best by 🎙 The Stylistics, but one of the truly epic soul cuts.

Appears in 🔻:

The Stylistics, I’m Stone in Love with You: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 117 (2023)

Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 3 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Avco, Big Deal, Columbia, Curb, Elektra, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Mercury, Sanctuary, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner, Westbound; cottonbro studio via Pexels]

Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 3 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on August 7, 2023August 7, 2023