The Top Soul Songs of 1970
Contents
A list of the top soul songs of 1970, as well as a look at the year in soul music.
Introduction
When it comes to soul music, 1970 was a definitive year. A number of artists released what would become some of the most classic and well-known soul songs of all time. From Diana Ross’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” these are the top soul songs of 1970.
What made 1970 a great year for soul music?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what made soul music so special in 1970, but there are a few things that stand out. First, it was a time when the genre was truly starting to come into its own. With artists like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder leading the charge, soul music was finally starting to get the mainstream attention it deserved.
Second, 1970 marked the beginning of what is now known as the “golden age” of soul music. This was a time when artists were experimenting with different sounds and styles, and the result was some truly groundbreaking music. From funk to disco to R&B, soul music in the 1970s had something for everyone.
And lastly, 1970 was simply a great year for great soul songs. From classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Let’s Get It On” to hidden gems like “I’ll Take You There” and “September,” there are too many good songs to list them all here. But trust us, if you’re a fan of soul music, you need to check out these tunes from 1970.
The top soul songs of 1970
1970 was an amazing year for soul music. So many great artists released incredible songs that are still loved today. If you’re a fan of soul music, then you’ll definitely want to check out this list of the top soul songs of 1970.
“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
“Ain’t No Sunshine” is a song by Bill Withers from his 1971 album, Just As I Am. The song was written by Withers and produced by Booker T. Jones. The record featured musicians Donald “Duck” Dunn on bass guitar, Al Jackson Jr. on drums and Stephen Stills on guitar.
The song was released as a single in September 1971 and became a breakthrough hit for Withers, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the R&B chart. It also won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1972. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Michael Jackson, who recorded it for his 1995 album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.
“Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” is a soul classic and one of the top soul songs of 1970. Released in the summer of 1973, the song was an instant hit, topping the charts for two weeks and becoming one of Gaye’s signature tunes. The lyrics are suggestive, but also celebratory of love and intimacy, making it a perfect song for a summer night.
“War” by Edwin Starr
“War” is a song written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield for the Motown label in 1969. The song was first recorded by the Temptations, who included it on their album Cloud Nine. “War” was also released as a single, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a million-seller in 1970. It was later released by Edwin Starr, whose version peaked at number three on the Hot 100.
“What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” was not only the singer’s most successful single, it was also one of the most important soul tracks of the early ’70s. The song tackles the Vietnam War, racism, and police brutality, among other social issues, with a message of hope and love. It marked a change in direction for Gaye, who had previously been known for his romantic ballads. “What’s Going On” became an instant classic, and its impact is still felt today.
“I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers
“I’ll Take You There” is a song written and recorded by The Staple Singers. It reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Hot Soul Singles chart in 1972. It was also a crossover hit, reaching number five on the Country Singles chart. The song became the group’s signature tune and one of their most popular songs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top soul songs of 1970 were “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers, “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye, and “War” by Edwin Starr. While these three songs topped the charts, there were many other great soul songs released in 1970. Other popular soul songs from 1970 include “I’ll Take You There” by The Staple Singers, “Love the One You’re With” by Stephen Stills, and “Take Me to the River” by Al Green.
