Isaac Hayes, Do Your Thing | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 116th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Do Your Thing” by Isaac Hayes.

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 116th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Do Your Thing” performed by Isaac Hayes.

“If the music make you move / ‘Cause you can dig the groove / Then groove on, groove on.” Say that, Isaac Hayes (1942 – 2008)! Those groovy lyrics hail from Hayes’ classic, “Do Your Thing”. In its extended form, this funked-up joint, which runs nineteen and a half minutes, is the 14^th track from Hayes’ 1971 album, Shaft.  The single version, which ultimately peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, runs under three and a half minutes. The single version has appeared on multiple compilations, including Ultimate Isaac Hayes: Can You Dig It? (2015) and Stax Records Presents (2024). In the extended version, beyond the vocal portion, the band has an extended jam session, which is a surefire V-I-B-E. Hayes wrote and produced this glorious soul gem. “‘Cause whatever you do / Oh, you’ve got to do your thing.” Couldn’t say it better myself, Isaac!

Throughout “Do Your Thing,” Hayes encourages us to do just that – do your thing! What things specifically, Isaac? Make love (“love on”), say something (“Rap on”), scream (“Scream on”), sing (“Sing on”), and make love all night (“Right on”). I’m digging the latter! With his sexy, soulful voice, anything that Hayes encourages you to do, you’re going to do it, without a doubt! Beyond the tuneful melodies, memorable lyrics, and buttery smooth baritone vocals, the musical accompaniment is heavenly.  The horn orchestration and riffs electrify, idiomatic of the 1970s funk through and through. The rhythm section is tight with the anchoring drums, colorful percussion, and keys (including organ), guitar, and bass further amplifying the striking listening experience. “Theme From Shaft” was the bigger hit from Shaft, obviously, but “Do Your Thing” marked another triumph from one of soul’s greatest musicians of all time.  This thang never grows old!