Valerie Simpson, I Believe I’m Gonna Take This Ride | Throwback Vibez

In the 63^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “I Believe I’m Gonna Take This Ride” by Valerie Simpson.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. There is truly nothing like a classic oldie to energize you and put you in a great mood! The selections featured in this column highlight musical gems from the 20^th century, though there are occasional exceptions. All genres are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 63^rd edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “I Believe I’m Gonna Take This Ride” performed by Valerie Simpson.

Word. Valerie Simpson (b. 1945) is renowned for her songwriting and collaborations with her husband, Nickolas Ashford (1941 – 2011).  However, Simpson was also a solo artist.  In 1972, she recorded the superb single, “I Believe I’m Gonna Take This Ride”. It originally appeared on her self-titled solo album.  It also appears on the Motown compilation, The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 12B: 1972. “I Believe I’m Gonna Take This Ride” was written and produced by Ashford and Simpson.

“I Believe I’m Gonna Take This Ride” shines from the get-go.  The backdrop oozes with soul. I mean, do we expect anything less from a 1970s Motown cut? The orchestration is superb.  The band is tight. I love the guitar riffs and the robust bass line. Biting horns up the ante. Later, there’s a fine saxophone solo, ‘triggered’ by a timely modulation.  As high-flying as the instrumental is, Valerie Simpson is the star. Her angelic, silky smooth mezzo-soprano vocals soar.  Simpson also gets the support of strong background vocals.  The melodies are tuneful, while the lyrics are simple and memorable, particularly the chorus, excerpted earlier.  “So if you don’t mind a little company,” she sings the verses, and continues, “I wanna go with you all the way / To see what the end’s gonna be.” Note: The ride is a committed relationship.  All told, Valerie Simpson brings it on “I Believe I’m Gonna Take This Ride”, a delightful soul gem that deserves far more recognition. 

---

Various Artists » The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 12B: 1972 » Motown / UMG Recordings, Inc. » 2013

Valerie Simpson, I Believe I’m Gonna Take This Ride: Throwback Vibez No. 63 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown / UMG Recordings, Inc.; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

---