The Pointer Sisters, Yes We Can Can | Throwback Vibez

In the 123^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Yes We Can Can” by The Pointer Sisters.  

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 123^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Yes We Can Can”, performed by The Pointer Sisters.

It is amazing the work that can be put in with a vamp.  Never underestimate the power of repetition because it can be the catalyst for a great, great song. Grammy winners The Pointer Sisters have no shortage of hits – they mark one of the great girl groups of the 1970s and 80s.  They struck gold on their 1973 album, fittingly titled The Pointer Sisters, with an , Allen Toussaint-penned funk record, “Yes We Can.” Originally performed by Lee Dorsey (1924 – 1986), it would be The Pointer Sisters who would make “Yes We Can Can” into a pop hit. “Yes We Can Can” just missed the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, settling for a no. 11 peak (still awesome). As far as success on the R&B charts, “Yes We Can Can” also performed well, peaking at no. 12. Focusing on this cover (hard to believe ), that fat bass line, emphasizing a C chord faithfully, riding a funky groove is EPIC ( David Rubinson produces)!

It’s not just the simple music that’s lit – potent AF.  It’s also the vocals by The Pointer Sisters, led by Anita Pointer. The ladies ooze with musicianship, personality, and, what else, soul! That groove, which runs the course of six minutes, is plenty of fuel for the fire.  Anita’s lead – melody and riffs – are on autopilot. “Now’s the time for all good men / To get together with one another,” she sings, adding, “We got to iron out our problems / And iron out our quarrels / And try to live as brothers.” Preach, girl! Likewise, her sisters’ harmonized vocals are locked-in, adding to the sheer excellence of “Yes We Can Can”.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, which is catchy, infectious, and memorable to the nth degree!

“I know we can make it

I know darn well we can work it out

Oh yes we can, I know we can-can

Yes we can can, why can’t we?

If we wanna, yes we can-can.”

The Pointer Sisters • The Pointer Sisters • UMG Recordings, Inc. • 1973

The Pointer Sisters, Yes We Can Can: Throwback Vibez No. 123 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc.; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]