Chicago Deep House Music Classics You Need to Hear

From the early ’90s to the mid-2000s, deep house music reigned supreme in Chicago clubs. Here are some of the classics you need to hear.

Introduction

Deep house is a subgenre of house music that originated in the 1980s. It has a minimalistic and raw feeling, often with jazz or garage influences. If you’re looking for some good deep house music to listen to, check out these classics from Chicago artists.

Frankie Knuckles – Your Love

Frankie Knuckles’ 1986 track “Your Love” is a stone-cold classic of Chicago house music. The song’s simple but effective synth line, combined with Knuckles’ masterful use of drum machines and samples, make for a track that is both danceable and moving. “Your Love” was originally released on Trax Records, one of the most important house music labels of the 1980s, and has been covered and re-interpreted by numerous artists over the years.

Mr. Fingers – Can You Feel It

Few tracks embody the true essence of deep house music better than Mr. Fingers’ “Can You Feel It.” The track was released in 1986 on the Chicago-based label Trax Records and quickly became a staple of the city’s underground house scene.

The song is built around a simple but effective piano line, with subtle drums and bass providing the perfect foundation for Mr. Fingers’ soaring vocal performance. It’s a track that perfectly captures the emotions of love and loss, hope and despair, all while making you want to dance your heart out.

If you’re looking for a deep house track that truly embodies the spirit of Chicago, look no further than Mr. Fingers’ “Can You Feel It.”

Farley “Jackmaster” Funk – Love Can’t Turn Around

This 1986 track by Farley “Jackmaster” Funk is a certified Chicago deep house classic. The track samples Daryl Hall & John Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)”, and the result is an infectiously catchy deep house groove that is sure to get your feet moving. The track also features vocals from Darryl Pandy, who delivers a powerful performance that perfectly complements the hypnotic instrumental. If you are a fan of deep house music, then this is one track that you need to check out.

Marshall Jefferson – Move Your Body

Marshall Jefferson’s “Move Your Body” is a timeless house track that was originally released in 1986. The track has a simple, yet effective, drum pattern that is accompanied by a catchy piano riff. The track also features a sample of the late Larry Heard saying “keep on movin”, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the track. “Move Your Body” is a classic house track that is sure to get even the most skeptical listener moving their body.

Rhythim Is Rhythim – Strings of Life

This is one of the most well-known deep house tracks and for good reason – it’s been sampled by everyone from Jay-Z to Disclosure. The original was released in 1987 on Derrick May’s Transmat label and was written and produced by May under his Rhythim is Rhythim alias. The track features a simple, yet effective, drum machine rhythm with a catchy chord melody that is punctuated by a now iconic string sample.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are some of the best Chicago deep house music classics that you need to hear. If you are a fan of the genre, then make sure to give them a listen. You won’t be disappointed.