The Isley Brothers, Work To Do | Throwback Vibez

In the 66th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Work To Do” 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 66^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Work to Do” performed by The Isley Brothers.

“Oh, I-I got work to do (I got work to do) / I got work, baby! (I got work to do).” The Isley Brothers have hit after hit after hit.  They are one of the most successful funk/soul groups ever.  “Work To Do” marks another triumphant moment for the collective.  It is the fifth track from their 1972 album, Brother, Brother, Brother. Ronald Isley (1941 – ), Rudolph Isley (1939 – 2023), and O’Kelly Isley (1937 – 1986) wrote and produced it. Although it performed better on the soul charts, “Work To Do” impacted the pop charts, peaking at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, what makes this ‘employment’ song a bop? It begins with a sweet, percussion-heavy groove, thanks to the drumming of George Moreland and the conga playing of Karl Potter. Chris Jasper (1951 – 2025) excels on the keys, a ‘key’ cog in the success of the musical backdrop.  Marvin Isley (1953 – 2010) lays down the big, robust bass line.  Meanwhile, Ron Isley ‘eats up’ the lead vocals.  He sounds assertive and expressive, giving his all.  Those pipes ooze with soul. “I’m taking care of business, woman, can’t you see / I gotta make it for you, and I’ve gotta make it for me,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Well, I’d like to spend some more time / But I got so many things to do.” In the second, he asserts, he mentions the necessity for money, advising her, “You might as well get used to / Me coming home a little late.” As for brothers Rudolph and O’Kelly, they back up Ron superbly in the infectious chorus excerpted above. Perhaps Ron does have ample “Work To Do” but regarding this underrated Isley Brothers classic, I have ‘no notes’ – its excellence speaks for itself!  

The Isley Brothers // Brother, Brother, Brother // Sony Music Entertainment // 1972

The Isley Brothers, Work To Do: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 66 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]