Jerry Butler, Moody Woman | Throwback Vibez

In the 54th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Moody Woman” by the late, great soul legend, Jerry Butler.   

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 54^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Moody Woman” performed by Jerry Butler.

“(Moody woman) / (Moody woman) / (Moody woman) / (Moody woman).” Hmm, I could be mistaken, but I would suspect that the woman is moody… Just a hunch! In 2025, the music world lost a giant – a legend:  Jerry Butler (1939 – 2025) .  The 85-year-old left an enormous, enduring catalog of music, including the short and sweet gem “Moody Woman”. “Moody Woman” was officially written by Butler, Kenneth Gamble (1943 – ), and “Theresa Bell” (Gamble & Huff).  Bobby Martin and Thom Bell arranged the track while Gamble and Leon Huff (1942 – ) produced it. The opener from Butler’s 1969 album Ice On Ice performed respectably on the pop charts reaching number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Moody Woman” is a classy, refined soul track from the get-go.  It begins with the intro where we learn the title of the song and the state of the woman.  The musical arrangement and instrumental are marvelous (vibes, horn riffs, lush strings, and tight rhythm section), providing Jerry Butler with a terrific backdrop to sing upon.  As always, ‘The Iceman’ is smooth and butter, sounding like he never breaks a sweat as he sings about this moody woman.  “Girl I can’t stand it when you start acting funny,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “And look at me like I’m buggin’ you, honey.” Oh, snap! In the second, he asserts, “You make my day when you say you need me / But, that’s no way to play when you say you’re gonna leave me.” Word! The sentiment is similar in the third verse.  In the chorus, Butler informs her of his love for her, stating, “Moody woman (Moody woman) / I think the world of you.” In the bridge, he can see through her moodiness, knowing that “You love me.” Innocent, short, and sweet, the classicism and elegance of “Moody Woman” speaks for itself.  Music does not sound like this song in the 2020s, yet, revisiting it is incredibly nostalgic and refreshing. Rest in peace, Mr. Butler.

Jerry Butler // Ice On Ice // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1969

Jerry Butler, Moody Woman: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 54 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc.; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]