The Isley Brothers, This Old Heart Of Mine | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 61st edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)” by The Isley Brothers.

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 61^st edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)” performed by The Isley Brothers.

“Maybe it’s my mistake to show this love I feel inside / ‘Cause each day that passes by / You got me never knowing if I’m coming or going.” Oh, snap! Those pesky matters of the heart. Iconic, Grammy-winning soul collective The Isley Brothers sings about love and its complications in the scintillating “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)”. “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You),” which arrived during their Motown days, is the third track from their 1966 album, This Old Heart Of Mine. “This Old Heart of Mine” was a success on the pop charts, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Songwriting Hall of Famers Holland-Dozier-Holland (Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier) and Sylvia Moy (1938 – 2017) wrote this classic. Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier produced it.

“This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)” exemplifies the Motown sound of the 1960s.  The orchestration is magnificent with the biting horns (particularly that baritone saxophone) and lush strings. The rhythm section is on point, particularly the piano and the groove carried by the drums. The vibraphone, a staple of 1960s soul, adds a distinct color.  Vocally, Ronald Isley (1941 –  ) ‘brings the heat’ with his dynamic, nuanced performance. “These old arms of mine miss having you around,” he sings in the second verse, continuing, “Makes these tears inside start pouring down.” Oh, the feels, the feels, the feels! He gets excellent support via background vocals from the rest of The Isley Brothers. The memorable chorus is one of the biggest selling points:  

“‘Cause I, I love you

This old heart, darling, is weak for you

I love you, yes I do, yes I do.”

The timeless “This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)” has been covered by various musicians, including Rod Stewart and Boyzone.  The song right here is one for the ages!

The Isley Brothers // This Old Heart Of Mine // Motown // 1966

The Isley Brothers, This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 61 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]