The O’Jays, Sunshine | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

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In the 13^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Sunshine” by iconic soul collective, The O’Jays.

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 13^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Sunshine”, performed by The O’Jays.

“You’re the sweetest thing I know / You dim the rainbow’s glow,” The O’Jays sing on one of their less appreciated classics, “Sunshine”. The first verse continues, “There’s no power on this Earth / To separate us, baby.” Ooh-la-la! “Sunshine,” written by Bunny Sigler and Phil Hurtt (Sigler also produces), appears on the soul collective’s seminal LP, Backstabbers. With the likes of “Back Stabbers” and no. 1 hit “Love Train” to compete with, it’s unsurprising “Sunshine” received less fanfare. Furthermore, the single only managed to peak at no. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100.

classic “Sunshine” may have not been the sunniest hit for The O’Jays from a commercial standpoint but critically, it is another showcase of their sheer excellence. The vocals are electrifying, from the soulful, gritty lead and the sweet, supportive backing vocals. The music exemplifies the sophisticated 1970s Soul sound – a once-in-a-lifetime era by my estimations. Of course, theme and lyrics carry ample weight as The O’Jays speak to her angelic, irreplaceable nature. “When it rained on my parade / You were there to light the way.” Woo – that’s a mic drop worthy, dedicated lyric! Of course, the centerpiece, the chorus, is the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement of “Sunshine”: “You are my sunshine / You are mine, all mine.”