The Chi-Lites, Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So) | Throwback Vibez

In the 85th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)” by The Chi-Lites.   

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 85^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)” performed by The Chi-Lites.

“‘Cause I’m so, so tired, oh, you set my soul on fire / I’m so tired, well, you set my soul on fire.” Woo! Chicago R&B quartet The Chi-Lites dropped fire with their 1970 single, “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)”. “Are You My Woman?” is the opening track from their 1970 album, I Like Your Lovin’ (Do You Like Mine?). “Woman” was modestly successful on the pop charts, peaking at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100. It performed much better on the R&B charts, reaching number eight. Of course, The Chi-Lites experienced more substantial success with the likes of “Oh Girl” and “Have You Seen Her?”. Lead vocalist Eugene Record (1940 – 2005) wrote and produced “Woman.” 

The musical backdrop is one of the biggest selling points of “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So).” Famously, the Beyoncé contemporary R&B/hip-hop classic, “Crazy In Love”, samples it.  It features an epic percussion and drum groove from the beginning. It is funky to the nth degree! The horns sound utterly electrifying. As always, Eugene Record brings the heat on lead vocals. Beyond his lead, there are great use of the various voices of the group that bring a lot of personality to the track. The chemistry in this group is a sight to behold; rather, it is ear-catching.  Those bass vocals in particular are lit.  The chorus is the centerpiece – the crème de la crème:

“Are you my woman? Tell me so

Are you my woman? Tell me so

Well, are you my woman? Tell me so

Well, if you’re not my woman, let me go.”

Word. An early gem by The Chi-Lites, “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)” is fun, funky,  and well-rounded. 

The Chi-Lites // I Like Your Lovin’ (Do You Like Mine?) // Brunswick Record Corp. // 1970

The Chi-Lites, Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So): Throwback Vibez ️ No. 85 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]