Sam Cooke, “(What A) Wonderful World” | Throwback Vibez

In the 7^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “(What A) Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke.

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 that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 7^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “(What A) Wonderful World”, performed by Sam Cooke.

Apparently, the late, great Sam Cooke didn’t know much about various things – academics specifically. See Exhibit A : “Don’t know much about history / Don’t know much biology / Don’t know much about a science book / Don’t know much about the French I took.”  So, is the iconic soul musician totally inept on “(What A) Wonderful World”? Absolutely not! While the soulful Cooke may not be well-versed in the things mentioned throughout this highlight, he probably isn’t interested in learning either. Why? The focus is love.

See Exhibit B :

“But I do know that I love you

And I know that if you love me, too

What a wonderful world this would be.”

Yes, Cooke makes it clear that he is no genius, but he understands the power of love above all! Ultimately, “(What A) Wonderful World” is a bright, optimistic sounding vintage soul classic.  It has a simplistic vibe and sensibility yet feels potent to the n^th degree. The lyrics are memorable and catch, while  the backdrop is terrific, too.  Cooke penned “(What A) Wonderful World” alongside Lou Adler and Herb Alpert – yeah, that Herb Alpert!  This gem would peak at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 back in 1960, among Cooke’s highest charting hits.

Sam Cooke • The Man Who Invented Soul  • RCA • 2000

 Sam Cooke, “(What A) Wonderful World”: Throwback Vibez No. 7 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; RCA; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via Pixabay]