Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 5 | Playlist 🎧

Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 5 features music courtesy of Bob Marley & The Wailers, Joe Simon, John Denver, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr, and Prince. 

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, Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 3 (2023), and  Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 4 (2024), we return with Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 5. Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 5 features music courtesy of Bob Marley & The Wailers, Joe Simon, John Denver, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr, and Prince among others.  So, get into the spirit of the 1970s and check out these epic musical classics! 

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1. Prince, “I Wanna Be Your Lover”

2. Gladys Knight & The Pips, “Midnight Train to Georgia”

3. Joe Simon, “Drowning in a Sea of Love”

4. The Pointer Sisters, “Fire”

5. Johnnie Taylor, I Believe in You (You Believe in Me) 

6. Betty Wright, “Clean up Woman” 

7. King Floyd, “Groove Me”

8. Rufus & Chaka Khan, “Sweet Thing”

9. John Denver, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

10. Bob Marley & The Wailers, “Crazy Baldhead”  

11. KC & The Sunshine Band, “(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty”

12. Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)”

13. Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose, “Too Late to Turn Back Now”

14. The Three Degrees, “When Will I See You Again”

15. Joe Cocker, “You Are So Beautiful”

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1. Prince, “I Wanna Be Your Lover” 

Prince // NPG / Legacy Recordings // 1979 

“I wanna be your lover / I wanna be the only one that makes you come running.” After failing to find commercial success with his 1978 debut album, For You, iconic musician extraordinaire Prince (Prince Rogers Nelson) needed a hit. With “I Wanna Be Your Lover”, The Purple One attained the first top-40 hit of his career. The highlight from Prince peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1980, performing even better on the R&B charts where it spent two weeks at no. 1 💪.  

  

“I Wanna Be Your Lover” truly showcases Prince’s abilities as an artist – incredible musicianship.  Vocally, he sounds magnificent, wowing with a falsetto for the ages.  Instrumentally, the soul factor is full force with an infectious groove where the rhythm section is ‘in the pocket.’ Melodically, the lines Prince sings are memorable, checking off the tuneful box we love for pop music to have.  The songwriting is infectious too. The Purple One is infatuated, so much so that he asserts in verse two, “I wanna be your brother / I wanna be your mother and your sister too.” Woo – he wants to be her all and everything! The love is pronounced on “I Wanna Be Your Lover” and we wouldn’t have it any other way.  Adding to the allure is the instrumental outro with Prince is in no rush to close things out.  He lets it ride out 💪.   

Appears in 🔻:   

• Prince, I Wanna Be Your Lover: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 125 (2023)  
• 13 Songs You Don’t WANNA Miss (2023)  

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2. Gladys Knight & The Pips, “Midnight Train to Georgia” 

Imagination // RCA // 1973 

“L.A. / Proved too much for the man (Too much for the man, he couldn’t take it).” Ah, that seems to be a common sentiment that Gladys Knight & The Pips sing in the first couple of lines of their ace-in-the-hole, “Midnight Train to Georgia”. Gladys Knight and company continue singing, “So he’s leavin’ the life / He’s come to know.” This Grammy-winning, no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, penned by Jim Weatherly, is the biggest hit of the soul group’s career, period.  In terms of Knight’s career, “Midnight Train to Georgia” marks one of two no. 1 hits (“That’s What Friends Are For” wouldn’t arrive until the 1980s, however). This beloved soul staple commences Gladys Knight & The Pips 1973, gold-certified album, Imagination.  Unsurprisingly, “Midnight Train to Georgia” also gave the collective a gold-certified single, a big deal back in the day 💪.    

The man that Gladys Knight sings about is exiting the City of Angels in search of a happier life.  In the chorus, she and Pips make it clear, “He’s leavin’ (leavin’) / On that midnight train to Georgia.” So, how does this affect Gladys? Well, in his return “to a simpler place and time,” she asserts, “I’d rather live in his world / Than live without him in mine.” So, she’s going with him – she loves him! Throughout the record, Knight sounds amazing.  She oozes with soul, blessing us with that rich alto.  Her ad-libs are on point, with The Pips providing sensational backups.  Beyond marvelous songwriting, lead vocals, and backing vocals, the arrangement, production, and sound of the record is breathtaking. “Midnight Train to Georgia” is idiomatic of 1970s soul with its horns, strings, and, of course, the rhythm section anchoring things down.  With many hits to their name, Gladys Knight & The Pips’ crowning achievement will always be “Midnight Train to Georgia”.    

Appears in 🔻:   

• Gladys Knight & The Pips, Midnight Train to Georgia: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 137 (2023)   
• 13 Songs Where GEORGIA is On the Mind (2024)  

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3. Joe Simon, “Drowning in a Sea of Love”  

Drowning in the Sea of Love // Ace // 1972    

The introduction, with its recurrent riffs, signals a legendary soul classic. One of the biggest hits of the late, great Joe Simon is “Drowning in the Sea of Love”. “Drowning in the Sea of Love” commences his 1972 album, Drowning in the Sea of Love. Writing and producing this hit is the dynamic tandem of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, renowned for being proponents of the Philly soul movement of the 1970s. The instrumental is lush and refined.  The symphonic elements (horns and strings) are everything.  Combined with the rhythm section – rhythmic guitar, robust bass, colorful keys, and the drum groove – “Drowning in the Sea of Love” is ear catching to the nth degree. It’s worth noting, Simon, was born in the south, and fits into southern soul circles as opposed to northern soul. Simon delivers an awesome vocal performance, showing off his deep, masculine, and soulful pipes. He sings with ease on the verses, yet packs a punch, nonetheless. “I’ve been down one time / I’ve been down two times,” he asserts, confirming “But now, I’m drowning, drowning in the sea of love.” In the chorus, he gets a lift from sensational backing vocals, in addition to the dynamic, illustrious backdrop. In the verses, he sings ‘the blues’ regarding love. “Baby, when you came my way, I thought I’d found my protection,” he asserts, adding, “But a strong wind came into my life, surely took me by surprise / And I can’t seem to control these tears that’s falling from my eyes.” Bummer! He adds, “But now you gone and deserted me, can’t you see that I’m in desperation.” Love will make you feel a range of emotions, something that Simon captures superbly.  The love can “Make me feel alright,” as well as “Make me cry all night long.” The greatness of “Drowning in the Sea of Love”, which reached no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, speaks for itself.    

Appears in 🔻:   

• Joe Simon, Drowning in the Sea of Love: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 39 (2024)  
• Don’t Drown in These 11 Drowning Songs (2024)  

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4. The Pointer Sisters, “Fire” 

Energy // Sony Music Entertainment // 1978

“My words say split / But my words they lie / ‘Cause when we kiss, ooh, fire.” Fire 🔥, indeed, The Pointer Sisters! “Fire” marks one of the biggest hits by the iconic, Grammy-winning,  sister group comprised Anita Pointer (1948 – 2022), June Pointer (1953 – 2006), and Ruth Pointer (1946 – ). Anita sings lead on this gem, which performed superbly on the pop charts, peaking at no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979 (it debuted in 1978).  It should be noted that “Fire” is NOT an original 🤯. The Pointer Sisters made a Bruce Springsteen song, originally intended for Elvis Presley, and recorded by Robert Gordon and Springsteen himself, a gargantuan hit. In addition to its chart accolades, “Fire” was certified gold by the RIAA. Likewise, the parent album, Energy, was also certified gold.

The premise of “Fire” is matters of the heart – L-O-V-E ❤️. Essentially, Anita Pointer is giving mixed signals. She doesn’t like him, but she does, as the excerpted lyrics suggest. Before those fiery lines, in the first verse, Anita sings, “You’re pullin’ me close / I just say no / I say I don’t like it / But you know I’m a liar.” Oh, Pinocchio 🤥! Similarly, in the second verse, she asserts, “I say I wanna be alone / I say I don’t love you / But you know I’m a liar.”  The lyrics are self-explanatory – easy to follow and ultimately, enjoyable.  Furthermore, the vocals by Anita as well as her sisters are strong and harmonious.  Furthermore, the backdrop is distinct.  This is technically an R&B record, but the backdrop also has pop/rock influence, which makes it stand out.  The guitar, organ, and tambourine are some of the most delicious instruments appearing on the track. The Pointer Sisters’ “Fire” is fire 🔥🔥🔥.  

Appears in 🔻:   

• The Pointer Sisters, Fire: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 170 (2023) 
• 11 Epic Songs Filled with Fire 🔥 (2023)  

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5. Johnnie Taylor, I Believe in You (You Believe in Me)  

Taylored in Silk // Stax / Concord //1973   

“I feel sorry for any man out there / When he can’t look around and say / ‘This is my woman, my woman alone.’” Woo! How did The Philosopher of Soul, the late, great Johnnie Taylor (1934 – 2000), never win a Grammy? What a tragedy and a travesty! Taylor just missed the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his no. 11 hit, “I Believe In You (You Believe In Me)”. “I Believe in You (You Believe in Me),” which was written and produced by Don Davis, appears as the fifth track on his 1973 album, Taylored in Silk.  

Ultimately, Johnnie Taylor has a woman he can fully believe in, invest in, and trust.  You might say the bond that they have is “Solid as a rock”! “People talking, trying to pull us apart, no / Always ticking pins and needles in both of our hearts,” Taylor sings, adding “But our love together, don’t care about no stormy weather.” He follows up those lyrics with the titular lyrics – the centerpiece: “I believe in you / You believe in me too.” Like many soul songs of the 1970s, the backdrop – the production – is ear catching, led by the electric piano and of course the colorful, smooth orchestration.  What makes “I Believe in You (You Believe in Me)” interesting is how the verses are written – a bit nontraditionally.  This unorthodox approach, coupled with a stellar, tuneful melody is part of the charm of the record.  Of course, Taylor is a beast on the vocals – oozing with authenticity and soul. Even though others have bad intentions for the love on “I Believe In You (You Believe In Me)”, him and his lady won’t be broken up given their belief in each other 😍. Believe in the sheer excellence of this early 70s gem 💪.  

  

Appears in 🔻:   

• Johnnie Taylor, I Believe In You (You Believe In Me): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 119 (2023)  
• 11 MORE Excellent Songs You’ll Totally Believe In (2023)  

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6. Betty Wright, “Clean up Woman” 

I Love the Way You Love // Alston // 1972 

“A clean up woman is woman who / Gets all the love we girls leave behind.” Late, great, Grammy-winning R&B artist Betty Wright adds in the first verse of “Clean up Woman”, “The reason I know so much about her / Is because she picked up a man of mine.” This 1971 gem was composed by Willie Clarke and Clarence Reid. Right on, fellas, or should I say, write on! It earned a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female at the 15th Annual GRAMMY Awards. One of two top-10 hits, “Clean up Woman” reached no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972.

“Was making it easy for the clean-up woman  

To get my man’s love, oh yeah  

Just making it easy, for the clean-up woman  

To get my baby’s love.” 

Apparently, Betty.  Of course, she sings with ample attitude and incredible power.  Notably, Wright was still a young lady when “Clean up Woman” was released – 18 years of age! Beyond her vocal skills and energy, and the ear-catching lyrics, the music shines. How about that funky guitar playing? Give credit to the incredibly talented Little Beaver, ladies and gents! Also, the robust bass line is another part of the excellence.  And we can’t forget about those exuberant, soulful horns! All in all, “Clean up Woman”,  the sixth track from her 1972 album, I Love the Way You Love, is utterly sublime.   

Appears in 🔻: 

• Betty Wright, Clean up Woman: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 12 (2024) 

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7. King Floyd, “Groove Me” 

King Floyd // Malaco // 1971

“Come on, and groove me, baby / I need you to groove me.” WOO! New Orleans soul singer King Floyd (1945 – 2006) is best known for his sole, top-10 pop hit, “Groove Me”. “Groove Me” peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching no. 1 on the R&B charts. Fittingly, given its title, the record features an electrifying groove.  Furthermore, the bass line is robust – incredibly present, athletic, and fat, baby! Adding to the instrumental excellence are the horns, which add color to this once-in-a-lifetime soul gem.  “Groove Me” graces Floyd’s 1971 album, King Floyd.  Notably, Floyd penned the record while the late, great Wardell Quezergue produced.   

Besides a superb groove and great production, King Floyd brings the heat vocally.  He sounds amazing: nuanced, expressive, and soulful to the nth degree.  Furthermore, he has ample personality. Providing fuel for King’s fire is the different ‘groove’ on “Groove Me” – one concerned with matters of the heart and bedroom! “Hey there sugar darlin’ / Let me tell you something,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “Girl, I’ve been trying to say, now / You look so sweet / And you’re so doggone fine.” King wants to get with her, badly! “Girl, between you and me, nah-nah / We don’t need no company / No other man, no other girl / Can enter into our world / Not as long as you can groove me, baby.” Word.  “Groove Me” = one of the preeminent soul songs of the 1970s, PERIOD.   

Appears in 🔻:  

• King Floyd, Groove Me: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 2 (2024)  
• 15 Songs Focused Only on ME (2024)  

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8. Rufus & Chaka Khan, “Sweet Thing” 

Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan // MCA // 1975

“Oh-oh, sweet thing / Oh, you know you’re my everything.” Word! “Sweet Thing” appears as the sixth track on the gold-certified album, Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan, which was released in 1975. “Sweet Thing” marks one of four top-10 hits by Grammy-winning soul icon, Chaka Khan.  As for Rufus, “Sweet Thing” marks one of two top-10 hits, the first being “Tell Me Something Good”. Chaka penned this no. 5 Billboard Hot 100 hit alongside Tony Maiden, the lead guitarist of the band. Both Chaka and Maiden put in some serious work on this ultra-sweet, soulful gem. “I think you are the one for me / Here is where you ought to be,” Chaka asserts in the first verse of the song. She adds, “I just want to satisfy you / Though you’re not mine, I can’t deny it.” Woo! I smell infidelity 😈! The desire is ‘turnt up’ to the nth degree for Chaka: “You are my heat, you are my fire / You make me weep with strong desire / To love you, child, my whole life long / Be it right or be it wrong.” The infatuation is loud and clear.  Equally loud and clear are those dynamic Chaka vocals. Khan is one of the greatest singers of all time, PERIOD.  Helping to fuel her fire is, well, Rufus, who provides awesome accompaniment – smooth, groovy, and electrifying. How is the sweet “Sweet Thing” best experienced? Simply listening – its greatness speaks for itself!   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Rufus & Chaka Khan, Sweet Thing: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 18 (2024)  
• 11 Songs That Are Incredibly Sweet, Vol. 3 (2024) 

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9. John Denver, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” 

Poems, Prayers and Promises // RCA //1971   

“Almost heaven, West Virginia / Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River.” The late, great John Denver, who has four number-one hits to his name, is best known for one song: “Take Me Home, Country Roads”.  He continues singing, memorably in the first verse, “Life is old there, older than the trees / Younger than the mountains, growing like a breeze.” “Take Me Home, Country Roads” appears as the seventh track on the country/folk singer/songwriter’s 1971, platinum album, Poems, Prayers and Promises.  Lucky number seven indeed! His most popular song, however, failed to reach no. 1, settling for no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 🤯.   

Denver penned this beloved gem alongside Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert. The music and lyrics are perfect, period. A portrait of those country roads and the memories of home are perfectly captured. “Dark and dusty, painted on the sky,” Denver sings in the second verse, continuing, “Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye.” Stunning.  Of course, the crème de la crème is the glorious, singalong chorus: “Country roads, take me home / To the place I belong / West Virginia, mountain mama / Take me home, country roads.” This once-in-a-lifetime song, sung with great authenticity and expression by Denver, was certified platinum by the RIAA, and added to The National Recording Registry of The Library of Congress. The instrumental – heavy on guitar – is rhythmic and lively, fueling the spiritedness of the track. All told, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” = one of the greatest songs of all time.   

  

Appears in 🔻:   

• John Denver, Take Me Home, Country Roads: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 22 (2024)  
• John Denver vs. Lana Del Rey: Head 2 Head No. 7 (2024)  

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10. Bob Marley & The Wailers, “Crazy Baldhead”  

Rastaman Vibration // The Island Def Jam Music Group // 1976  

According to Bob Marley & The Wailers, “We gonna chase those crazy baldheads out of towns / Chase those crazy baldheads out of our town.” Ooh wee! “Crazy Baldhead” appears as the sixth track on the iconic musician and collective’s 1976 album, Rastaman Vibes.  “Crazy Baldhead” is set in a minor key which is fitting given its protest-driven, socially conscious nature. In the context of a reggae song, it’s idiomatic through and through with the chill, lazy groove, and those guitar chops.  Harmonized backing vocals amplify the vibe.    

  

The songwriting on “Crazy Baldhead” is simple but memorable and telling.  Marley is socially conscious, about the state of his people and his country, from start to finish.  He’s angry regarding what has happened in his native land, singing, “Didn’t my people before me slave for this country? / Now you look me with a scorn / Then you eat up all my corn.” Shameful! Furthermore, he sings, “Built your penitentiary / We build your schools / Brainwash education to make us the fools / Hatred’s your reward for our love / Tellin’ us of your God above.”  While Marley aims this at Jamaica, this story is a familiar one, particularly in the United States regarding racism, slavery, etc. A classic from Bob Marley & The Wailers, arguably, “Crazy Baldhead” deserves even more love.    

 

Appears in 🔻:   

• Bob Marley & The Wailers, Crazy Baldhead: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 44 (2024)  
• 15 Fantastic, Utterly CRAZY Songs (2024)  

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11. KC & The Sunshine Band, “(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty” 

KC & the Sunshine Band, Pt. 3… and More // Warner Strategic Marketing // 2004

“Shake, shake, shake, shake, shake, shake / Shake your booty! Shake your booty!” Woo! KC & the Sunshine Band had some hits back in the day.  Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch had a mighty pen game, writing songs for the band as well as others (see George McCrae).  The energetic, fun, and utterly infectious “(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty” reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1976.  Notably, it’s one of five no. 1 hits by the band.  In 2022, the single was certified gold by the RIAA. Depth is not the modus operandi, but it’s hard not to move the body, particularly the booty, to this one!   

“Ah everybody, get on the floor, and let’s dance!” Fo’ sho’ KC & the Sunshine Band! “(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty” begins with a bang thanks to a lit groove – drums, rhythm guitar, and a robust bass line.  Furthermore, the horn arrangement is fabulous. Even though the booty shaking is set in a minor key, it’s one of the happier minor-keyed records you’ll ever hear.  Casey sings jubilantly, even with ultra-simple lyrics.  Regardless, those potent words, particularly in the infectious chorus, incite the discoing. Honestly, nothing more needs to be said regarding “(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty” as this disco-era classic speaks for itself. “Ah, don’t fight the feeling!”  

Appears in 🔻:   

• KC & the Sunshine Band, (Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 28 (2024)  
• 13 Songs That Say It Thrice (2024) 
• 13 Songs That Make You Wanna Shake (2024)  

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12. Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)” 

I Hope We Get to Love in Time // Sony BMG Music Entertainment // 1976 

“Baby, come as you are / With just your heart / And I’ll take you in.” Aww! “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)” marks one of the most exuberant soul cuts of all time.  Furthermore, it marked the sole no. 1 hit by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr..  McCoo and Davis, who are married, previously earned two no. 1 hits with The 5th Dimension, including “Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)”.  Focusing on the superstar song at hand, McCoo & Davis won the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Duo, Group, or Chorus. “You Don’t Have to Be a Star” was written by James Dean and John Glover. It was produced by Don Davis (1938 – 2014). 

  

Davis did a sensational job behind the boards.  The instrumental supporting McCoo & Davis is stupendous. “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)” features hella smooth, soulful vibes.  The rhythm section cooks, while the orchestration is lush, picturesque, and simply exquisite.  Specifically, the flutes – well – they’re fluting! The songwriting is marvelous as well, particularly the incredibly catchy, tuneful chorus:     

“You don’t have to be a star, baby  

To be in my show (To be in my show)  

You don’t have to be a star, baby, to be in my show.”  

Woo! Of course, the two most important pieces of “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)” are Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis, Jr., of course! Davis Jr. handles the leads in the first half of the three verses, showcasing a commanding, soulful set of pipes. McCoo complements her husband superbly in the second half, which plays out like a ‘pre-chorus’ (“Now, I don’t need no superstar / ‘Cause I’ll accept you as you are / You won’t be denied / ‘Cause I’m satisfied / With the love you inspire”).  All told, while being a star isn’t a requirement for the love-driven “You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)”, there is no doubt in my mind that this song shines as bright as a star!   

Appears in 🔻:  

• Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., You Don’t Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 16 (2024) 

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13. Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose, “Too Late to Turn Back Now”  

The Story of Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose // Capitol // 1996   

“It’s too late to turn back now / I believe, I believe / I believe I’m falling in love.” Those iconic lyrics hail from the Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose soul classic, “Too Late to Turn Back Now”.  Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose were a relatively short-lived, family R&B collective. Despite a brief career, they released a pair of top-3 Billboard Hot 100 hits, led by the song at hand.  “Too Late to Turn Back Now” reached no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  What held off this Eddie Cornelius-penned, Bob Archibald-produced hit from reaching no. 1? “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. Understandable! 

So, what makes “Too Late to Turn Back Now” the sugar honey iced tea? Well, the lush, string orchestration plays a key role.  Besides those dynamic strings, the rhythm section cooks too – keys, bass, and drums.  Besides being the songwriter, Eddie Cornelius served as the lead vocalist for the collective.  His pipes are steeped in soul, possessing a grittiness. Eddie would later move beyond soul and focus on gospel music, something his voice is perfectly suited for.  He is convincing as he expresses falling in love, singing in the second verse, “I found myself phoning her / At least ten times a day / You know, it’s so unusual for me / To carry on this way.” Love – it’ll make you do crazy, unusual things! Supporting Eddie is the rest of the collective, who shine on equally soulful, harmonized background vocals.  Of course, the centerpiece – the crème de la crème – is the chorus, arguably one of the most tuneful of all time.  The bridge also deserves a shout-out, successfully contrasting the verses, pre-chorus, and chorus.  All told,  “Too Late to Turn Back Now” is one of the greatest soul hits of all time – a huge one from the 70s. 

Appears in 🔻:   

• Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose, Too Late to Turn Back Now: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 41 (2024)   
• Songs Where the Keyword is Now, Vol. 2 (2024)  

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14. The Three Degrees, “When Will I See You Again”

The Three Degrees // Assorted Music, Inc. d/b/a Philadelphia International // 1973

“When will I see you again? / When will we share precious moments?” R&B trio The Three Degrees was comprised of Sheila Ferguson, Fayette Pinkney, and Valerie Holiday at the time they released their beloved, 1973 classic, “When Will I See You Again”.  This no. 2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 appeared as the fourth track on their Philadelphia International debut, simply titled, The Three Degrees. The record was written and produced by iconic Philadelphia soul architects Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff.  With a lush backdrop (rhythm section, horns, strings), superb songwriting, and the compelling lead vocals of Ferguson, “When Will I See You Again” is epic.   

As the excerpted lyrics suggest, matters of the heart drive the narrative of “When Will I See You Again.” This is always a great theme for a soul record.  The Three Degrees have questions regarding the state of the relationship… or lack thereof, possibly.  “When will our hearts beat together?” Ferguson asks, continuing, “Are we in love or just friends? / Is this my beginning or is it the end?” The lyrics are simple but ultra-relatable.  When it comes to someone you like in a romantic way, you want to see them frequently.  In this case, the trio isn’t sure exactly where things stand, hence why this utterly sublime joint is titled with a question, “When Will I See You Again”.  At just about three minutes in duration, this song right here is the definition of three minutes of heaven 😇.    

Appears in 🔻: 

• The Three Degrees, When Will I See You Again: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 172 (2023)   

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15. Joe Cocker, “You Are So Beautiful” 

I Can Stand A Little Rain // A&M // 1974

“You are so beautiful / To me / You are so beautiful / To me / Can’t you see.” Sigh, those beloved, iconic lyrics hail from the Joe Cocker classic, “You Are So Beautiful”. That said, it must be noted that Cocker’s version came second.  Yes, that’s right! Billy Preston originally recorded it on his album, The Kids & Me. While both albums, released on A&M, arrived in 1974, Preston’s was released first while I Can Stand A Little Rain (Cocker) arrived later.  Furthermore, Preston penned this top-five hit for Cocker alongside Bruce Fisher.  We know that Preston is a legend in his own right, with three no. 1 hits to his name, but it is Cocker who owns the definitive take on “You Are So Beautiful.” 

How did Joe make this the beloved hit that it is today? Easy, his distinct voice.  The English singer possessed a dynamic, truly powerful instrument – truly one-of-a-kind. A gritty, rough-around-the-edge vocalist, which was part of his appeal and charm.  Here on “You Are So Beautiful,” Cocker shows more tenderness, while also exhibiting grit and even a dash of falsetto (at the end).  Listening to him sing, you believe it – he’s incredibly sincere. “You’re everything I hoped for / You’re everything I need,” he sings memorably, continuing, “You are so beautiful to me.” Making “You Are So Beautiful” even more compelling is the backdrop (Jim Price produces).  The core instrumentation is simple but effective – piano (Nicky Hopkins) and bass (Dave McDaniel).  Strings enter the mix, adding incredible lushness and warmth. What more needs to be said? “You Are So Beautiful” is one of the greatest songs of all time by a legendary artist.   

  

Appears in 🔻:  

• Joe Cocker, You Are So Beautiful: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 7 (2024) 

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Incredible Songs: 1970s, Vol. 5 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; A&M, Ace, Assorted Music, Inc. d/b/a Philadelphia International, Capitol, Concord, The Island Def Jam Music Group, Legacy Recordings, Malaco, MCA, NPG, RCA, Sony Music Entertainment, Stax, Warner Strategic Marketing; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, OpenClipart-Vectors, Werner Moser from Pixabay]

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