Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 4

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Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 4 features music courtesy of Al Green, Barbara Streisand, Eric Carmen, Jean Knight, Jimmy Buffett, and Talking Heads.

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. Following Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 1 (2023), Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 2, and Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 3 (2023) we return with Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 4. Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 4 features music courtesy of Al Green, Barbara Streisand, Eric Carmen, Jean Knight, Jimmy Buffett, and Talking Heads among others.  So, get into the spirit of the 1970s and check out these epic musical classics!

1. The Emotions, “Best of My Love”

Rejoice // Columbia // 1977

“Demonstrating love and affection / That you give so openly, yeah / I like the way you make me feel about you, baby / Want the whole wide world to see.” Woo! When it comes to renowned R&B/soul collective The Emotions, the first song that comes to mine is… “Best of My Love”. Most often, The Emotions were a trio, originally comprised of siblings Wanda, Sheila, and Jeanette Hutchinson. Notably, their younger sister, Pamela (1958 – 2020), joined beginning with the collective’s best known album, Rejoice (1977). Why is the platinum certified LP their best known album? Because it features the Grammy-winning, platinum certified, no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Best of My Love” spent five weeks in the penthouse on the pop charts, and four weeks atop the R&B charts. Impressive!

It should be noted that the infectious “Best of My Love” was written by Al McKay and Maurice White. White, who also produced the track, is famous in his own right as a member of an iconic funk/R&B/soul collective: Earth, Wind & Fire. Naturally, with his work behind the boards, catchy songwriting, and tuneful melodies, The Emotions thrived. The minute the bombastic, exuberant introduction is played, “Best of My Love” is instantly recognizable – one of the biggest soul records of the 1970s. The groove is electrifying, the horns sound incredibly ripe on the hits and riffs, while the rhythm section is DEFINITELY ‘in the pocket’ as they say. The vocals are elite as well, bringing plenty of attitude as the sisters celebrate L-O-V-E. The chorus is the section to beat – DUH! Sing it with me: “Whoa, whoa, you got the best of my love.” Even so, the verses are epic too, showing off the best of the group. “Best of My Love” speaks for itself as the crème de la crème of the soul catalog.

Appears in 🔻:

The Emotions, Best of My Love: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 132 (2023)

2. Talking Heads, “Take Me To The River”

More Songs About Buildings and Food // Sire // 1978

Sometimes, an original song doesn’t get the same buzz as a cover, at least, initially. It even happens to a musical giant like Al Green who wrote (alongside Mabon “Teenie” Hodges) and recorded “Take Me to the River” first for his 1974 album, Al Green Explores Your Mind. It wasn’t released as a single, and was recorded by another soul artist, Syl Johnson, who earned moderate chart success. However, Johnson’s success was ultimately eclipsed by the rock band, Talking Heads, who earned top-40 success with their cover (no. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979). “Take Me to the River” appears as the 10th track on their 1978, gold certified album, More Songs About Buildings and Food.

So, how did Talking Heads make “Take Me to the River,” a great, if initially underappreciated Al Green song, their own? In their hands, the tempo is slower. The band takes their time establishing the groove – letting it cook if you will. Even though it’s a departure from the overt, gospel-infused, Memphis soul sound, this cover still has ample soul. Some of the sounds that truly fuel the fire is the use of bluesy organ, distorted guitars, and its own, irresistible groove anchoring things down. Perhaps the biggest shoes to fill are the vocals considering the anointed, once-in-a-lifetime pipes of Green. Ultimately, David Byrne shines, serving up incredibly playful vocals dipped in S-O-U-L. As “Take Me to the River” progresses, his pipes grow more dynamic with some of his best moments occurring in the bridge. Speaking of the bridge, this section has the argument as the crowning achievement in this epic take. Look at it this way, if the original version couldn’t get its just due, what rendition of “Take Me to the River” is more deserving than Talking Heads? It totally rocks!

Appears in 🔻:

3. The Pointer Sisters, “Yes We Can Can”

The Pointer Sisters // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1973

It is amazing the work that can be put in with a vamp.  Never underestimate the power of repetition because it can be the catalyst for a great, great song. Grammy winners The Pointer Sisters, one of the great girl groups of the 1970s/80s, struck gold on their 1973 album, The Pointer Sisters, with an Allen Toussaint (1938 – 2015) penned funk record, “Yes We Can.” Originally performed by Lee Dorsey, The Pointer Sisters made “Yes We Can Can” into a pop hit. “Yes We Can Can” peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no. 12 on the R&B charts. Focusing on this cover (hard to believe 🤯), that fat bass line, emphasizing a C chord faithfully, riding a funky groove is EPIC (David Rubinson produces)!   It’s not just the simple music that’s lit 🔥 – potent AF.  It’s also the vocals by The Pointer Sisters, led by Anita Pointer. The ladies ooze with musicianship, personality, and, what else, soul! That groove, which runs the course of six minutes, is plenty of fuel for the fire.  Anita’s lead – melody and riffs – are on autopilot. “Now’s the time for all good men / To get together with one another,” she sings, adding, “We got to iron out our problems / And iron out our quarrels / And try to live as brothers.” Preach, girl! Likewise, her sisters’ harmonized vocals are locked-in, adding to the sheer excellence of “Yes We Can Can”.  The centerpiece is the chorus, which is catchy, infectious, and memorable to the nth degree!  

“I know we can make it 

I know darn well we can work it out 

Oh yes we can, I know we can-can 

Yes we can can, why can’t we? 

If we wanna, yes we can-can.” 

Appears in 🔻:  

4. Heatwave, “Boogie Nights”

Too Hot to Handle // Sony Music Entertainment UK // 1977

“Got to keep on dancing, keep on dancing.” For sure, Heatwave! The international disco/funk/soul collective formed in London is comprised of Johnnie Wilder, Jr. and Keith Wilder (vocals), Eric Johns (guitar), Rod Temperton (composer/keys), Mario Mantese (bass), and Ernest (Bilbo) Berger (drums/percussion). The musicianship exhibited is utterly superb specifically on their disco classic, “Boogie Nights”, the second track off their platinum certified, 1977 LP, Too Hot to Handle. “Boogie Nights” peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Heatwave one of three platinum certified singles.

“Boogie Nights” commences with a jazz introduction that is #EVERYTHING. In addition to the jazzy intro, the backing vocals are sweet as well, idiomatic of the style. Also, worth noting, is the harp playing at the beginning, courtesy of the renowned, late Shelia Bromberg. Post-intro, “Boogie Nights” transforms into an epic disco/funk joint. The groove is electrifying thanks to top-notch drumming, a bass line that is funky as albeit, superb rhythm guitar, and colorful keyboard work. The riffs utilized throughout are on point. There are tuneful melodies and well-rounded lyrics in all sections of the song.

“(Boogie nights) Get that groove, let it take you higher

(Boogie nights) Make it move, set this place on fire

Dance with the boogie, get down

(Dance with the boogie, get down)

‘Cause boogie nights are always the best in town.”

The vocals are soulful from all parties (primarily Johnnie Wilder). By the end of the record, “Boogie Nights” returns to that dreamy harp playing + jazzy groove, adding the lushness of the string orchestra. All told, “Boogie Nights” is one of the cleverest disco songs of all time.

Appears in 🔻:

Heatwave, Boogie Nights: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 124 (2023)

5. Barbara Streisand, “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)”

A Star Is Born // Sony Music Entertainment // 1976  

“You and I will make each night a first / Everyday a beginning.” One of the most evergreen 🌲 songs ever is the gorgeous “Evergreen”.  Iconic, EGOT winner Barbra Streisand nails this ballad, best known as the love theme from the 1976 film, A Star is Born, which she stars in alongside country musician and actor, Kris Kristofferson. “Evergreen” peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Streisand her second of five no. 1 hits.  The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1977. Furthermore, at the 20th Annual GRAMMY Awards, “Evergreen” was nominated for three awards, winning two of them: Song of the Year, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female (it lost Record of the Year).  Safe to say, this is a decorated Babs classic!  

What makes “Evergreen” so iconic? Barbra Streisand sounds incredible, blessing our ears with her radiant pipes. Her tone is clear and pure. Initially, she sings with a cool, calm, and collected approach – more poised. But Streisand also rises to the occasion, without ever over singing.  She penned this record alongside Paul Williams, superbly capturing the universal, relatable topic of L-O-V-E.  “Love soft as an easy chair / Love fresh as the morning,” Streisand sings early on, continuing, “One love that is shared by two / I have found with you.” Aww 🥰! Of course, the evergreen nature must be confirmed by the utterance of the word, “Love ageless and evergreen / Seldom seen by two,” recurring at the end (“Time won’t change the meaning of one love / Ageless and ever evergreen”). Further confirming the brilliance of “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)” is its sound, incorporating a unique harmonic progression, stupendous production (Streisand and Phil Ramone), and a fabulous arrangement (Ian Freebarin-Smith).  This song right here – truly timeless!  

Appears in 🔻:  

6. Jimmy Buffett, “Margaritaville”

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes // MCA // 1977

“Nibblin’ on sponge cake, watchin’ the sun bake / All of those tourists covered with oil…” Sadly in 2023, the great Jimmy Buffett passed away at the age of 76 from a rare form of skin cancer.  Best known for his music, Buffett was also an author and businessman. Still, the best way to memorialize the legendary tropical-infused, country + soft rock singer/songwriter is to highlight his best-known hit, “Margaritaville”. “Margaritaville” marked his sole top-10 pop hit, peaking at no. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977. It appeared as the sixth track off his platinum certified album, Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes (1977).  

“Strummin’ my six-string on my front porch swing / Smell those shrimp, they’re beginning to boil.” Buffett painted quite the aesthetic and vibe with his lyrics on “Margaritaville.”  The first voice sets the tone of an idyllic place – a Xanadu if you will. Well, sort of… The lyrics are carefree and playful throughout, such as in the second verse where he sings, “But it’s a real beauty, a Mexican cutie / How it got here I haven’t got a clue.” He’s referencing his tattoo from his extended stay in… Margaritaville, of course! Fittingly, despite his misfortune cutting his heel in the third verse, it can be atoned for by “Booze in the blender and soon it will render / That frozen concoction that helps me hang on.” Woo! Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which is slightly altered following each verse.  Perhaps the best is where his lost shaker of salt makes him a bit salty 😜!

“Wastin’ away again in Margaritaville 

Searchin’ for my lost shaker of salt 

Some people claim that there’s a woman to blame 

But I know it’s my own damn fault.”  

All told, “Margaritaville” is such an incredibly fun, timeless song.  Buffett sings incredibly well and will always be remembered for this 1970s gem.  Gotta love the blend of country, soft rock, and tropical music – it’s a vibe!

Appears in 🔻:

Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 136 (2023)

7. A Taste of Honey, “Boogie Oogie Oogie”

A Taste Of Honey // Capitol // 1978

“If you’re thinkin’ you’re too cool to boogie / Boy, oh boy, have I got news for you.” What’s that news, A Taste Of Honey? Well, “Everybody here tonight must boogie / Let me tell ya, you are no exception to the rule.” Ooh-wee! Even if you can’t dance worth a sugar honey iced tea, there is no way you can listen to a song as groovy and infectious as “Boogie Oogie Oogie” and NOT move your body.  “Boogie Oogie Oogie,” which appears on A Taste Of Honey’s debut album, A Taste Of Honey, is one of the greatest disco/funk records of all time.  It should come as no surprise that this Janice Marie Johnson and Perry Kibble composed record was a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  Furthermore, A Taste Of Honey would (1) earn platinum certification for both the single and album and (2) win the Grammy for Best New Artist.  

“Get up on the floor 

‘Cause we’re gonna boogie oogie oogie 

‘Til you just can’t boogie no more.”  

WOO! Lyrical depth is not necessary for a feel good, groovy gem like “Boogie Oogie Oogie.” It’s all about dancing (“Listen to the music and let your body flow”). Janice Marie Johnson delivers solid vocals, getting great background vocals from Perry Kibble and the rest of the musicians bringing the F-U-N-K.  Of course, Johnson and Kibble bring it on the bass and keyboards respectively.  The rhythm section is in the pocket – totally locked in 🔒! The robust bass lines, the keyboard riffs, and that guitar solo by Hazel Payne = stellar. Fonce Mizell and Laurence Mizell do a fine job on the production end of things too. No deep analysis is necessary for “Boogie Oogie Oogie”. It’s just an utterly stupendous 70s dance record.

Appears in 🔻:

A Taste Of Honey, Boogie Oogie Oogie: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 175 (2023)

8. Al Green, “Tired of Being Alone”

Gets Next to You // Hi / Fat Possum // 1971  

“I’m so tired 🥱 of being alone / I’m so tired of on-my-own / Won’t you help me girl / Just as soon as you can.” Ooh-wee! Al Green is nothing short of a musical icon.  The Memphis soul standout has plenty of hits including the fabulous “Tired of Being Alone”. “Tired of Being Alone” marks the fourth track from Green’s 1971 masterpiece, Gets Next To You. This love yearning, ‘wanna get back with her’ gem just missed the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, settling for no. 11. It fared better on the R&B charts, peaking at no. 7. Green penned it, while the late Willie Mitchell produced it. Green and Mitchell made a dynamic duo.  

“People say that I’ve found a way / To make you say that you love me / Hey baby, you didn’t go for that.” The excellence of “Tired of Being Alone” speaks for itself. Green possesses one of the greatest voices of all time.  He is awesome at delivering balanced performances. He can be poised at times, and gritty at others. Either way, he is potent to the nth degree – he packs a punch 🥊! He brings the lonely lyrics to life sensationally, with tuneful melodies to match. “I guess you know that I, uh, I love you so,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “Even though you don’t want me no more / Hey, hey, hey, hey, I’m cryin’ tears.” Oh, the plight of love! While Green reveals his deck of cards lyrically/thematically early on, it’s relatable and fitting for a soul song.  Also, shout out his backing vocals who bring the heat 🥵 too. Of course, you can’t talk about “Tired of Being Alone” and not mentioning that utterly sublime Memphis soul sound. The horns! The organ! The rhythm section!  

Appears in 🔻:  

9. LaBelle, “Lady Marmalade”

Nightbirds // Sony Music Entertainment Inc. // 1974 

“Hey sister, go sister / Soul sister, go sister.” WOO! LaBelle, prior to Patti LaBelle going solo, dropped a hot one in “Lady Marmalade”, like, “Gitchie gitchie ya ya da da” and, of course, “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir?” When it comes to funk/R&B/soul classics, “Lady Marmalade” is a go-to – it’s entertaining and infectious to the nth degree.  It should come as no surprise that the record spent one week at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, both the single, and the parent album, Nightbirds, was certified gold by the RIAA. LaBelle, which also included Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash, neither wrote nor originally recorded “Lady Marmalade.” The original was recorded the same year as LaBelle, courtesy of The Eleventh Hour. Bob Crewe and Kenny Nolan penned this masterpiece. Allan Toussaint produced this ‘cover,’ alongside Vicki Wickham. 

So, what is “Lady Marmalade” about? A New Orleans prostitute 🤯. “He met Marmalade down in old New Orleans / Strutting her stuff on the street,” Patti LaBelle sings in the first verse, continuing, “She said, ‘Hello, hey Joe’ / You wanna give it a go?” Risqué! Well, the second and third verses push the envelope ✉️ more with the likes of “On her black satin sheets / Where he started to freak,” and, “Touching her skin, feeling silky smooth / Color of café au lait / Made the savage beast inside / Roar until it cried / ‘More, more, more!’” Damn! So, what exactly does the Voulez-vous coucher avec moi, ce soir translate to in English? Do you want to sleep with me tonight? Oh, snap! Patti LaBelle had no clue what the chorus of the song was about.  To this day, “Lady Marmalade” is a recording that is a big deal.  Also, throwing it out there, it’s a beloved gay anthem 🏳️‍🌈.  A remake of the song for the film Moulin Rouge, recorded by Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, Mya, and P!nk spent five weeks at no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2001. That’s a testament to the excellence and strength of the original arriving 27 years earlier.  

Appears in 🔻:

LaBelle, Lady Marmalade: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 176 (2023)

10. The Delfonics, “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)”

The Delfonics // Arista // 1970

“I gave my heart / And soul to you, girl / Didn’t I do it, baby / Didn’t I do it, baby.” Oh, the love is lit! Well, at least from the perspective of the man, he gave his best… What is indisputably lit is the legendary Philadelphia soul collective, The Delfonics. The Delfonics scored two top-10 hits during their career including the Grammy-winning song at hand, “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)”, which reached no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and no. 3 on the R&B songs chart. This special song was penned by Thom Bell (who also produces) and lead singer, William Hart, both of whom died in 2022. Fittingly, “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” appears as the opening track of The Delfonics’ 1970 album, The Delfonics.

There are so many reasons why “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)” is mind blowing 🤯. It begins with the lush production, with an orchestral backdrop, exemplifies the Philadelphia soul sound of the 1970s. The warmth of the signature, opening French horn sets the tone of this amorous classic. Next, what about the vocal chemistry within the collective? The Delfonics sound nothing short of utterly sublime. This includes the lead vocals, which sell the matters of the heart in convincing fashion.

“Ten times or more

Yes, I’ve walked out the door

Get this into your head

There’ll be no more.”

The harmonies during the chorus, the centerpiece, shine particularly bright (“Didn’t I blow your mind this time / Didn’t I”). So much more can be said and spotlighted about “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)”. All told, stellar, relatable songwriting, from the lyrics as well as the melody, harmonic scheme, the vocal performance, and the production make this one of the elite soul classics. Now that is, indeed, mind blowing 🤯.

Appears in 🔻:

11. Sister Sledge, “We Are Family”

We Are Family // Rhino // 1979

“Let me just state for the record / We’re giving love in a family dose.” Yes, yes, yes, Sister Sledge! Sister Sledge is comprised of Debbie Sledge, Kathy Sledge, Kim Sledge, and the late Joni Sledge (1956 – 2017). Kathy performs lead vocals on the collective’s most successful single, “We Are Family”, which appears as the fifth track on the platinum-certified, 1979 album, We Are Family. “We Are Family” peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Furthermore, it was certified gold by the RIAA. Adding to the accolades, “We Are Family” earned a Grammy nomination – the sole Grammy nomination of its career.

“We Are Family” features exuberant sounding production. What makes it so awesome? It’s the marvelous string arrangement, the active, robust bass line, epic rhythm guitar riffs, and those glorious keys. Beyond the instrumental, what about the utterly sublime singing from the collective? It’s perfect in every way. Kathy delivers a compelling lead, with superb backup singing from her sisters. “We Are Family” features one of the catchiest, most infectious choruses of all time. Sing it with me!

“We are family

I got all my sisters with me

We are family

Get up everybody and sing.”

Let’s face it, the writing and production team comprised of Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers put their foot into “We Are Family”. No extensive analysis is necessary to validate its iconic nature and sheer excellence – it speaks for itself!

Appears in 🔻:

Sister Sledge, We Are Family: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 181 (2023)

12. Bobby Womack, “Check It Out”

I Don’t Know What the World is Coming To // Capitol // 1975  

“Checking out see what I’m all about / And in your mind, you can have no doubt / All ya gotta do is check it out.” WOO! If, for some reason, you never checked out the late, great Bobby Womack, you’re totally missing out.  Womack possessed ample soul, particularly in his heyday in the 1970s.  On “Check It Out”, which appears on his 1975 album, I Don’t Know What the World is Coming To, he excels with his gritty instrument.  Furthermore, he performs with incredible authenticity and personality as he desires her to check him out.     

“How can I love you  

If you keep runnin’ away?  

I’m doin’ everything in my power to make  

To make you stay.”  

He has a legitimate point.  Also, in order for a relationship to work out between them, both parties must be willing to indulge.  In the case, Womack asserts, “Oh, I was tryin’ to be a stubborn kind of fellow / But I kept holdin’, holdin’ back my pride.” Word.  Beyond the entertaining lyrics, the music itself is excellent.  The groove is nothing short of infectious.  The production is marvelous with rhythm section, horns, and supporting vocals. Adding to the top-notch musicianship are the harmonic underpinnings, melodic lines, and the arrangement. Sadly, “Check It Out” wasn’t a significant pop hit for Womack.  Despite this, it is easily one of the best songs from his catalog.   

Appears in 🔻:  

13. Eric Carmen, “All By Myself” 

Eric Carmen // Arista // 1975  

“All by myself / Don’t want to be all by myself anymore.” On March 11, 2024, the world lost a talented musician in Eric Carmen (1949 – 2024). Throughout the course of his career, Carmen charted 13 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including three top-five hits. The song to beat, however is the beloved and timeless “All By Myself”, which peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976. Written solely by Carmen, the gold-certified single samples (interpolates) the gorgeous,  Piano Concert No. 2 in C Minor, Opus 18, 2nd Movement by Russian Romantic composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff.  Oft covered, “All By Myself” is one of the great soft rock classics of the 1970s, appearing as the fourth track on Eric Carmen (1975).  

Eric Carmen spares no length on “All By Myself.” The classic runs more than seven minutes in duration.  Of course, it is a magnificent, worthwhile seven minutes! First and foremost, Carmen sings wonderfully. His tone is superb, with no shortage of expression throughout the course of his performance. The melodies he composed are tuneful in the verses, and of course, the centerpiece, the chorus (excerpted above).  Thematically, Carmen feels lonely, hence why he doesn’t “want to live all by myself anymore.”  In the third verse, he sings, “Had to be sure / Sometimes I feel so insecure / And love so distant and obscure / Remains the cure.” Besides strong vocals, relatable and memorable lyrics, and tuneful melodies, the production and arrangement are top-notch.  The brilliance of Rachmaninoff shines through, repurposed masterfully by Carmen.  Combine Russian Romanticism, lush strings, and 70s soft rock cues, and the vibe is epic.  The epic extended instrumental section deserves acknowledgement too! Post-instrumental, Carmen knocks the ending of “All By Myself” out of the park.  

Appears in 🔻:  

14. Jean Knight, “Mr. Big Stuff” 

Mr. Big Stuff // Fantasy Inc. // 1971 

“Mr. Big Stuff / Who do you think you are? / Mr. Big Stuff / You’re never gonna get my love.” WOO! The late, great New Orleans soul singer Jean Knight told y’all arrogant, overconfident dudes that you don’t have a chance with her on “Mr. Big Stuff”. She is NOT impressed! While Knight charted a few other songs on the pop charts, “Mr. Big Stuff,” which appears on her 1971 album, Mr. Big Stuff, marked her sole top-10 hit. How well did this big single perform? Oh, it only peaked at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971.  Furthermore, Knight was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female at the 14th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Oh, we’re not done with accolades yet! In 1996, “Mr. Big Stuff” was certified double platinum by the RIAA. Sure, Mr. Big Stuff thought he was the sugar honey iced tea, but it was Knight’s single that earned those honors!  

So, who penned “Mr. Big Stuff,” one of the greatest, funkiest soul records of all time? That would be Carol Washington, Joseph Broussard, and Ralph Williams. Producing this masterpiece is the late, iconic New Orleans composer/arranger/bandleader/producer, Wardell Quezerque. Quezerque turns up the funk with the lit groove, marvelous rhythm guitar, robust bass line, and those epic, epic horns, WOO! That said, the key piece of “Mr. Big Stuff” is none other than Knight, who oozes with attitude, personality, and soul.  Her vocals are playful and commanding. The backing vocals amplify her lead, adding to the sassy, feminine vibes. Basically, Knight doesn’t have to settle for just any man, and he can’t woo her with material things. “I’d rather give my love to a poor guy that has a love that’s true / Than to be fooled around and get hurt by you.” WORD! “Mr. Big Stuff” was indeed one of soul’s BIG, BIG hits.  Check out Who Sampled – this one is a popular, popular sample.  

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15. Billy Paul, “Me and Mrs. Jones”

360 Degrees of Billy Paul // Epic // 1972 

“Me and Mrs. Jones / We got a thing going on.” Ooh-wee, Billy Paul (1934 – 2016)! It doesn’t take long on “Me and Mrs. Jones”, the crowning achievement of the late, great soul singer’s career, to see that cheating is going down.  The chorus of the highlight from the 1972, gold-certified album, 360 Degrees of Billy Paul, continues, “We both not that it’s wrong / But it’s much too strong / To let it go now.” A no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “Me and Mrs. Jones” earned gold certification from the RIAA, as well as his sole Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male. Paul’s electrifying vocals, alongside songwriting encompassing infidelity, in all its scandalous nature and sexiness, help make “Me and Mrs. Jones” a certified classic. But there is more credit to give where credit is due.   

Billy Paul is part of one of the best movements in soul music: Philly soul! Paul was born in Philadelphia, a place rich in music history and talent.  “Me and Mrs. Jones” was written by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff, and Cary Gilbert – that’s a heavyweight team.  Of course, Gamble and Huff produce, providing that gorgeous, lush, backdrop that made Philly soul, and 70s soul in general, king.  Focusing once more on Paul, he gives his all on this ballad, as him and his mistress navigate their bad behavior. In the first verse, “We meet every day at the same café – 6:30 /… Holding hands, making all kinds of plans.” In the second verse, “We gotta be extra careful / That we don’t build our hopes too high.” Indeed.  It’s dead wrong, but wrong never sounds better and more sensual than on “Me and Mrs. Jones”, among the best of the best when it comes to soul classics, and oldies in general.   

Appears in 🔻:  

Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 4 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Capitol, Columbia, Epic, Fantasy Inc., Fat Possum, Hi, MCA, Rhino, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., Sire, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Antoni Shkraba, cottonbro studio, Kool Shooters from Pexels]

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Published by the musical hype on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024