Tight harmonies, powerful vocals, and impeccable instrumentation. The polished and sophisticated sound of the top.
Go On With Your Bad Self – David Ruffin
After leaving The Temptations in 1968, Ruffin embarked on a solo career, releasing several notable songs and albums. “Go On With Your Bad Self” is a funky and energetic track that showcases Ruffin’s powerful vocals and his ability to infuse soul and R&B with elements of funk. Released in 1970, the song carries a vibrant groove and infectious rhythm that instantly grabs your attention. The track’s catchy chorus and lively instrumentation make it a standout piece in Ruffin’s discography.
Staying Power – Ben E. King
Ben E. King gained prominence as the lead vocalist for The Drifters before launching a successful solo career. “Staying Power” is a soulful and captivating track that showcases King’s smooth and velvety vocals, which became his trademark. Released in 1980, the song carries a timeless quality that remains relevant even today. It’s a testament to King’s enduring talent and his ability to create music that resonates with listeners across generations.
Stop – Spyder Turner
Turner’s ability to deliver a performance that is both powerful and nuanced. His vocal control and dynamic range allow him to convey a sense of urgency and raw emotion, capturing the listener’s attention from start to finish. Released in 1966, the song carries a timeless quality that continues to captivate audiences today.
One Man’s Leftovers – 100 Proof Aged in Soul
A soul-infused track that showcases the group’s tight harmonies, spirited instrumentation, and infectious energy. Released in 1971, the song carries a vibrant and groovy vibe that embodies the essence of the soul music of the era. The group was initially formed as a spin-off from the popular Motown act, The Reflections. After The Reflections disbanded, members Steve Mancha, Eddie Holiday, Joe Stubbs, and Steve’s brother Mark Mancha joined forces to create a new musical project, which eventually became known as 100 Proof Aged in Soul. In 1969, 100 Proof Aged in Soul signed with the Hot Wax/Invictus label, which was founded by the legendary songwriting and production duo Holland-Dozier-Holland after their departure from Motown Records.
Listen To The Message – D.J. Rogers
Released in 1976, the song carries a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners today. It’s a testament to Rogers’ talent as a vocalist and his ability to deliver messages of hope and inspiration through his music. Throughout his career, Rogers collaborated with notable artists such as Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Bobby Womack, further cementing his influence in the soul and gospel music scenes.
I Don’t Want to See You Cry – Ken Boothe
A soulful and emotive track that showcases his exceptional vocal abilities and his talent for conveying deep emotions through his music. Released in 1974, the song carries a timeless quality that continues to resonate with listeners today. It stands as a testament to Boothe’s talent as a vocalist and his ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.
You’re Welcome, Stop On By – Bobby Womack
Womack’s smooth vocals, impeccable songwriting, and ability to blend various musical influences. Released in 1975, the song has become one of Womack’s most beloved and enduring hits.
Right on Jody – Bobby Patterson
As a producer, Patterson has worked with various artists, lending his expertise to create polished and soulful recordings. He has contributed to the success of many projects, helping to shape the sound of artists in the soul and R&B genres. Throughout the 1970s, Patterson released a string of successful singles and albums that solidified his reputation as a respected soul artist.
Burn – Carlton Williams
From the Soundtrack of movie, directed by Ava DuVernay, portrays the historic civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1965. The soundtrack, released on January 6, 2015, features music that complements the film’s narrative and captures the spirit of the civil rights movement. Carlton Williams is a Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter who has made notable contributions to the reggae music scene.
California My Way – The Main Ingredient
The Main Ingredient’s smooth harmonies, catchy melodies, and their ability to create feel-good music. Released in 1974, the song has become one of the group’s signature hits, resonating with listeners with its infectious energy and positive vibes. The group’s vocal blend is impeccable, with lead singer Cuba Gooding Sr.’s charismatic and dynamic voice taking the spotlight. His smooth and expressive delivery adds depth and emotion to the song.
Kung Fu – Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield, in an attempt to remain topical, responded to the 1970s martial arts craze with this brilliant dose of funk from his 1974 album, “Sweet Exorcist”. Here, Mayfield opts to temper the intricate orchestration that dominated much of his earlier solo work in favor of a more direct approach, effectively using a pulsing organ riff to hang the song’s hook on. He relates a strange tale of a boy from the ghetto saddled with the name “Kung Fu.” The song opens with one of Mayfield’s signature sexy smooth bass lines, light-tapping congas, a rhythmic wank of guitar, and a hypnotic Hammond organ grooving on a simple two-chord riff. The drums hold down a rather straight mid-tempo beat, a steady bed of strings building tension underneath the vocals as Mayfield harmonizes on the opening chorus.
Long Time Coming – Ernest Ernie & the Sincerities
A captivating and soulful track by Ernest Ernie & the Sincerities. The group, led by singer-songwriter Ernest Ernie Smith, delivers a refreshing blend of vintage soul, R&B, and funk that pays homage to the classic sounds of the past while infusing them with a modern sensibility. While relatively new on the music scene, Ernest Ernie & the Sincerities have already gained a dedicated following and critical acclaim for their music.
Excedrin Headache #24 – Truth
Truth was formed by music producer, songwriter, and musician Roger Breland. Initially, the group started as a part of the music department at the Baptist-affiliated University of Mobile in Alabama. Over time, they gained recognition for their dynamic performances and commitment to spreading the message of faith through their music.
If He Can You Can – The Isley Brothers
A soulful and inspiring track by the legendary musical group, The Isley Brothers. Known for their longevity and versatility, The Isley Brothers have been active in the music industry since the 1950s, spanning multiple genres such as R&B, soul, funk, rock, and more.
Finders Keepers – Chairmen Of The Board
The Chairmen of the Board is an American soul and funk group that rose to prominence in the 1970s. “Skin I’m In” is a notable album by the Chairmen of the Board, a soul and funk group hailing from the United States. Released in 1974, the album showcases the group’s distinctive sound and their ability to infuse soulful vocals with infectious grooves and memorable melodies.
For the Love of Money – The O’Jays
“Ship Ahoy” is a highly regarded album including MFSB (acronym for Mother, Father, Sister, Brother) was a Philadelphia-based R&B, funk, disco band. The production of The O’Jays’ album was handled by renowned Philadelphia-based producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, who were the driving force behind the success of Philadelphia International Records.
The Playlist
- Go On With Your Bad Self – David Ruffin
- Staying Power – Ben E. King
- Stop – Spyder Turner
- One Man’s Leftovers – 100 Proof Aged in Soul
- Listen To The Message – D.J. Rogers
- I Don’t Want to See You Cry – Ken Boothe
- You’re Welcome, Stop On By – Bobby Womack
- Right on Jody – Bobby Patterson
- Burn – Carlton Williams
- California My Way – The Main Ingredient
- Kung Fu – Curtis Mayfield
- Long Time Coming – Ernest Ernie & the Sincerities
- Excedrin Headache #24 – Truth
- If He Can You Can – The Isley Brothers
- Finders Keepers – Chairmen Of The Board
- For the Love of Money – The O’Jays
Tight harmonies, powerful vocals, and impeccable instrumentation. by Funkologie on Mixcloud