Marlena Shaw, California Soul | Throwback Vibez

In the 70^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “California Soul” by versatile R&B, soul, and jazz singer Marlena Shaw.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. There is truly nothing like a classic oldie to get you energized and in a great mood! The selections featured in this column highlight musical gems from the 20^th century, though there are occasional exceptions. All genres are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 70^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “California Soul” performed by Marlena Shaw.

Word. R&B, soul, and jazz singer Marlena Shaw (Marlina Burgess, 1939 – 2024) dropped a surefire bop with “California Soul”.  It is the seventh track from her 1969 album, The Spice of Life.  Simply put, this is the song that she is best known for.  That said, “California Soul” is a cover 🤯… BUT Shaw’s version is considered the definitive take. First recorded and released by The Messengers, Nikolas Ashford (1941 – 2011, who also recorded it), and Valerie Simpson (b. 1946) wrote it. Richard Evans and Charles Stepney produced it. 

“California Soul” starts with a bang, featuring divine string riffs, exuberant horns, and a mean, syncopated drum groove. Woo! The orchestration and production slaps. Of course, Marlena Shaw more than holds her end of the deal.  She delivers expressive and nuanced lead vocals.  She’s commanding, infusing plenty of personality into her performance. The lyrics are memorable, and the melodies, well, they’re melodious! “No matter what you do / It’s gonna grab a hold on you,” she sings, and concludes, “California soul / California soul.” Any time the titular lyrics appear, they mark the crème de la crème of the song, essentially serving as the chorus. Notably, shout out to Ashford & Simpson, Cali gets a positive connotation, given descriptions of the sunrise, wind, and surfing lyrically. Besides her own high-flying vocals, Shaw is supported by background vocalists who bring the heat, too. Another reason why “California Soul” the sugar, honey, iced tea is the musical underpinnings –  the harmonic progression.  All told, Marlena Shaw dealt music enthusiasts an unforgettable classic with this joint! This song has been sampled a lot, per WhoSampled, rightfully so.

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Marlena Shaw » The Spice of Life » The Verve Music Group / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 1969

Marlena Shaw, California Soul: Throwback Vibez No. 70 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; The Verve Music Group / UMG Recordings, Inc.; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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