The Best Soul Hits of the 70s
Contents
A blog dedicated to the best soul hits of the 70s. You’ll find artist interviews, album reviews, and more.
Introduction
The ’70s was a golden era for soul music. With the likes of Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder dominating the charts, it’s no wonder that the decade produced some of the best soul hits of all time.
Here are just a few of the classic soul tracks that defined the decade and continue to be cherished by fans today:
– Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On” (1971)
– Al Green – “Love and Happiness” (1972)
– Aretha Franklin – “Rock Steady” (1971)
– Stevie Wonder – “Superstition” (1972)
– The Isley Brothers – “That Lady” (1973)
– The Spinners – “I’ll Be Around” (1972)
– The Staple Singers – “Respect Yourself” (1971)
What is Soul Music?
Soul music is a genre that emerged out of the African-American experience in the United States in the 1950s and 60s. It is a blend of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz, with a focus on emotional expression and personal experience. The lyrics often deal with love, heartbreak, and other aspects of the human condition. The music is typically characterized by a strong backbeat, driving bassline, and soaring vocals.
The Best Soul Hits of the 70s
The best soul hits of the 70s were a wide variety of songs that captured the hearts and minds of people across the globe. These songs were about love, loss, and everything in between. They spoke to the human condition in a way that was both relatable and deeply moving. If you’re looking for a way to get lost in the music of the 70s, these are the soul hits you need to hear.
I’ll Take You There – The Staple Singers
“I’ll Take You There” is a song written and produced by Mavis Staples and father Pops Staples that was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. The song became The Staple Singers’ biggest hit, spending two weeks atop the chart in June 1972. It also peaked at number one on the Cash Box Top 100 Singles chart and number five on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. The Staple Singers won a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance by a Duo or Group for the song in 1973.
Ain’t No Sunshine – Bill Withers
“Ain’t No Sunshine” is a song by Bill Withers from his 1971 album Just As I Am, produced by Booker T. Jones. The record featured musicians Donald “Duck” Dunn on bass guitar, Al Jackson Jr. on drums and Stevie Wonder playing harmonica. “Ain’t No Sunshine” was released as a single in September 1971, becoming a breakthrough hit song for Withers, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number three on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart, where it stayed for 15 weeks. In the UK, the single spent three weeks at number two in September 1971.
The song is in the key of A minor. The verse follows a I-vi-IV-V chord progression (A-F#m7-D-E), while the chorus has a iii-ii-I-V/vi (C#m7-Bm7b5-A/E) progression.
Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” is a landmark soul album, and one of the most sexual records ever made. Upon its release in 1973, the record was banned by many radio stations due to its graphic lyrics. However, the record quickly became a smash hit, spending 14 weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 chart. “Let’s Get It On” is considered one of Marvin Gaye’s finest works, and is often cited as one of the greatest soul albums of all time.
Lean on Me – Bill Withers
“Lean on Me” is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Bill Withers. It was released in April 1972 as the first single from his second album, Still Bill. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Michael Jackson, who took the song to number one in 1972 with his version
Feelin’ Alright – Joe Cocker
“Feelin’ Alright” is a song written by Dave Mason of the rock group Traffic. first recorded by Traffic in 1968, it was included on their self-titled debut album Traffic. Joe Cocker’s cover, which he recorded in 1969, became a considerable hit single in both the United States and the United Kingdom in early 1970. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Cocker’s version No. 385 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best soul hits of the 70s were a great time for the music industry. Many different artists came out with hit songs that are still popular today. If you are a fan of soul music, then you should definitely check out some of the best hits of the 70s.
