A journey through the most intimate corners of the soul. Each track, whether it’s the resilience of Chuck Armstrong or the vulnerability of Bill Withers, represents a powerful emotional experience. Dive into these timeless classics, feel the pulse of history, and let these songs fill your soul.
You Got to Deal with It (This Superworld) – Chuck Armstrong
The song sets the tone for what soul should feel like: raw, emotional, and unapologetic. Released in 1975, the track is a masterclass in blending gospel fire with soul grit. Armstrong, often overshadowed by bigger names, punches through the noise with a voice that can rattle the bones.
Ruby Lee – Bill Withers
“Ruby Lee“, from his 1974 album “+’Justments“, is a poignant ode to love, dripping with tenderness and sincerity. Withers’ vocals, gentle yet firm, tug at the heartstrings as he paints a picture of longing and connection. His genius lies in his ability to communicate profound emotion without extravagance. A poet in the purest sense, Withers takes the everyday and makes it extraordinary, giving voice to love’s quiet yet powerful moments. Dive deeper into Bill Withers.
(It’s Got to Be) Now or Never – Little Dooley
Urgency pulses through Now or Never, Little Dooley’s impassioned plea from his 1972 album “Living Soul“. Dooley’s gravelly voice, laced with raw emotion, captures the intensity of a relationship on the brink. A lesser-known figure in the soul pantheon, Little Dooley delivers a sound that’s both familiar and unique, his vocals simmering with the weight of impending loss. Discover more about .
Fool for You – The Impressions
The Impressions knew how to turn heartache into harmony. In “Fool for You”, from their 1973 album “Preacher Man”, Curtis Mayfield and the group blend smooth melodies with soul-shaking lyrics, crafting a story of love’s painful delusions. The soaring harmonies contrast with the song’s theme of emotional vulnerability, making the pain feel bearable, even beautiful.
A Long Road – O.V. Wright
Released in 1971, “A Long Road” captures O.V. Wright’s ability to channel deep-rooted pain and resilience into his music. The album “Memphis Unlimited” stands as a testament to his gospel-soaked soul, where every note carries the weight of lived experience. O.V. Wright’s voice, a gritty mix of sorrow and hope, sings of life’s trials with a depth that few artists can match.
Too Beautiful to Be Good – Franciene Thomas
A lesser-known yet captivating voice, Franciene Thomas delivers a haunting performance in “Too Beautiful to Be Good”. Released in 1975, the track from her album “This Heart Belongs to Me” is a bittersweet reflection on love’s fragile beauty. Thomas’ delicate, almost ethereal voice floats over the melody, creating an atmosphere of longing and regret. While she may not have achieved mainstream fame, her ability to evoke deep emotion makes her an undiscovered treasure in the soul world.
Wind, Blow Her Back My Way – Syl Johnson
Syl Johnson’s plea in Wind, “Blow Her Back My Way” echoes the heartache of lost love, wrapped in his signature bluesy soul style. From his groundbreaking 1970 album “Is It Because I’m Black”, this track showcases Johnson’s ability to merge the personal with the political.
Tell Her It’s Over – Millie Jackson
Millie Jackson isn’t just a singer; she’s a force of nature. In “Tell Her It’s Over“, from her 1974 album “Caught Up“, Jackson’s no-nonsense delivery leaves no room for doubt. Known for her brash, unapologetic style, Jackson tears through the emotional fabric of love and betrayal with humor and grit.
Don’t Take My Kindness for Weakness – The Soul Children
The Soul Children’s “Don’t Take My Kindness for Weakness” is a powerful warning wrapped in smooth harmonies. Taken from their 1974 album “Friction”, this track is a lesson in emotional boundaries, delivered with the urgency of gospel and the groove of soul. The quartet’s tight vocal interplay, paired with poignant lyrics, creates a perfect blend of vulnerability and strength. The Soul Children may not have been as commercially successful as some of their peers, but their music remains timeless.
Better Tomorrow Than Today – Betty Everett
Betty Everett, often remembered for her hit The Shoop Shoop Song, shines again in Better Tomorrow Than Today. From her 1975 album Happy Endings, this track offers a soulful optimism that feels like sunlight after rain. Everett’s voice, full of warmth and power, gives you the feeling that no matter how dark today might be, hope is always on the horizon. Her ability to balance vulnerability with resilience makes her a soul icon worth celebrating. Learn more about Betty Everett.
South Side of Soul Street – Genie Brooks
Released in 1970, this track is a testament to Brooks’ ability to infuse groove into storytelling. With a voice that commands attention, he captures the essence of street life while blending in rich harmonies and tight instrumentals.
Half Steppin’ – Randy Crawford
In 1977, Randy Crawford dropped “Half Steppin’,” an empowering anthem of ambition and determination. Crawford’s velvety voice delivers a message of commitment and going all-in on life’s opportunities. This uplifting track, with its smooth yet motivational energy, inspires listeners to pursue their dreams with full force.
It Ain’t Where You Been – Latimore
Latimore (Benny Latimore) is an iconic American blues and soul singer, pianist, and songwriter known for his smooth, deep baritone voice and a career that spans decades. Born in Charleston, Tennessee, Latimore emerged as a prominent figure in the 1970s soul and R&B scene, with his unique blend of Southern soul, blues, and funk .Released in 1974, Latimore croons about redemption and reflection in “It Ain’t Where You Been.” His deep, resonant voice delivers a story of change and moving forward.
We Can Make It If We Try – The Sylvers
In 1973, The Sylvers released the feel-good anthem “We Can Make It If We Try,” radiating positivity and unity. The disco-infused track, with its lush harmonies and infectious energy, became an anthem of perseverance and collective hope. Its joyful sound continues to inspire and uplift listeners to this day.
I Touched a Dream – The Dells
Released in 1980, The Dells’ “I Touched a Dream” is a lush, dreamy ballad that explores themes of love and hope. Their signature harmonies, combined with sweeping instrumentation, create an otherworldly listening experience that transports listeners into a realm of longing and possibility.
What Is Black Music – Cunnie Williams
In 1996, Cunnie Williams offered a thought-provoking reflection on the essence and evolution of Black music with “What Is Black Music.” His career spanned several decades, during which he earned a reputation for his emotive and powerful vocal delivery. Williams’ voice was characterized by its rich, smooth tone and an ability to convey deep emotion, making him a standout artist in the soul music landscape. Tragically, Cunnie Williams passed away in 2024, marking the end of an era for his fans and the music community.
Can’t Stop Loving You – Soul Dog
A soulful punch with “Can’t Stop Loving You”, a song that drips with passion and intensity. Released in 1975, this track is a perfect example of how love and obsession often walk a fine line.
Give Me Your Love – The Sisters Love
The Sisters Love bring their fiery, dynamic energy to “Give Me Your Love”, a funk-infused track from their 1973 album “With Love”. Their sound, a fusion of soul and funk, sets them apart from their peers. The Sisters Love were trailblazers in a male-dominated music world, and their legacy continues to inspire.
The Playlist
- You Got to Deal with It (This Superworld) – Chuck Armstrong
- Ruby Lee – Bill Withers
- (It’s Got to Be) Now or Never – Little Dooley
- Fool for You – The Impressions
- A Long Road – O.V. Wright
- Too Beautiful to Be Good – Franciene Thomas
- Wind, Blow Her Back My Way – Syl Johnson
- Tell Her It’s Over – Millie Jackson
- Don’t Take My Kindness for Weakness – The Soul Children
- Better Tomorrow Than Today – Betty Everett
- South Side Of Soul Street – Genie Brooks
- Half Steppin’ – Randy Crawford
- It Ain’t Where You Been – Latimore
- We Can Make It If We Try – The Sylvers
- I Touched A Dream – The Dells
- What is Black Music – Cunnie Williams
- Can’t Stop Loving You – Soul Dog
- Give Me Your Love – The Sisters Love
A journey through the most intimate corners of the soul. by Funkologie on Mixcloud
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