Top Ten 70's Soul Songs

While it’s true soul music came into prominence in the 60’s, the 70’s was certainly its golden age. Its popularity was certainly no more in question and perhaps as a result, there was greater scope for artistic expression. Artists like Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder pushed boundaries and established templates that would inspire thousands of artists in the ensuing years.

Ten

Settle for My Love

Patrice Rushen

Pizzazz (1979)

Although she’s best known for her hit single, “Forget Me Nots”, (or as it’s best known today, the “Men in Black” sample), this sultry ballad is arguably the best song in her impressive catalog. In her sweet falsetto she makes an earnest plea to her lover to understand the depth of her love.

Nine

Rock with You

Michael Jackson

Off the Wall (1979)

It wasn’t Jackson’s first number one single (whether as a solo artist or as part of The Jacksons/Jackson 5), and it certainly wasn’t his last. But there’s a case for this song being one of the best songs he’s ever done. This Temperton-penned, disco-infused classic not only charted in several countries, it became a staple in Jackson’s world tours.

Eight

Everybody Loves the Sunshine

Roy Ayers

Everybody Loves the Sunshine (1976)

Although it was never actually released as a single (and as such never charted), this song is undoubtedly Ayers’ signature song and a staple of 1970’s soul music. Till today it’s the song Ayers closes his live shows with and it has been sampled over a 100 times by other musical acts including Pharrell, Dr. Dre and Mary J. Blige.

Seven

Inside my Love

Minnie Riperton

Adventures in Paradise (1975)

Although the late crooner was best known for her chart-topper, “Loving You”, this sultry piece is perhaps the greatest testament to the queen of the whistle register. This top 30 hit was written and produced in collaboration with her husband, Richard Rudolph and late producer, Leon Ware. The lyrics are sensual yet playful, tender yet suggestive. It has been covered and sampled numerous times since its release.

Six

September

Earth, Wind & Fire

The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire (1978)

“Do you remember, the 21st night of September?” The opening line of Earth, Wind & Fire’s smash 1978 hit still remains as one of the most iconic lines in contemporary American music. This ode to the ninth month of the year is all triumphant trumpets, cascading keys and ecstatic vocals all wrapped in an irresistible groove. Unsurprisingly, the song charted in numerous countries between 1978 and 1979. But its appeal can be best measured by the fact that it is still covered and referenced till this day in commercials, movies and television shows.

Five Always and Forever Heatwave Too Hot to Handle (1976)

The second song on this list that was penned by the late, great Rod Temperton. This sweet ballad not only charted in several countries, it helped Heatwave’s debut, Too Hot to Handle to international recognition. Although this Heatwave classic would go on to be covered by artists like Diana Ross, Luther Vandross and Silk, the original by lead singer, Johnnie Wilder is still the definitive version. Temperton's lucid lyrics being expressed in the late singer's velvet falsetto is the stuff of dreams.

Four

Let’s Stay Together

Al Green

Let’s Stay Together (1971)

As far as all round vocalists go, it’s hard to find many greater than Al Green. He’s had a prolific career spanning almost five decades and he’s still seen as a reference point for generations of soul and gospel singers. Yet for all the great songs he’s released, none can top his signature hit, “Let’s Stay Together”. His ode to enduring love not only went to the top of the charts in 1972, it got inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress in 2010. It’s still one of the most covered songs of all time attracting homages from the likes of Tina Turner, Michael Bolton and Boyz II Men.

Three

Superstition

Stevie Wonder

Talking Book (1972)

Of all Stevie Wonder’s numerous classics, “Superstition” just about manages to stand out as the most poignant and powerful. In a post-civil rights era, it was an important reminder for black Americans to not let mental hangups in the form of superstitions trip them up. His urgent lyrics are then backed by a funky backdrop that still makes the song as catchy now as it was almost 50 years ago. Rolling Stone ranked it number 74 on their “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” list and it has been covered by numerous artists like Jeff Beck, Raven Symone and the Jackson 5.

Two

Lovely Day

Bill Withers

Menagerie (1977)

Truth be told it was difficult trying to pick between “Lovely Day”, “Ain’t No Sunshine” and “Lean on Me”, as each of these classic songs merit a place in a list of this nature for different reasons. What slightly tips the scales towards “Lovely Day” is the universality of the message. Withers’ lyrics inspire hope, and faith in the listener and still warm the soul over 40 years since its release. It has been covered by several musical acts in the pop, gospel and jazz genres since its release and has also surfaced in several movie soundtracks. He may have recently passed but his music will continue to inspire generations long after his death.

One

What’s Going On

Marvin Gaye

What’s Going On (1971)

Released early on in the decade, this song (and album of the same name) would end up not only shifting the dynamic of Motown (arguably the biggest record label in America) but also influencing the sound and subject matter of soul music. Despite Motown boss, Berry Gordy’s reluctance, Gaye decided to make a song questioning the injustices and social ills prevalent in his surroundings. As he famously told Gordy, “With the world exploding around me, how am I supposed to keep singing love songs?” The single would not only end up topping the charts and getting Grammy nominations, it inspired artists like Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield to compose socially conscious music. It has inspired countless covers and was ranked number 4 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. Not bad for a song Gordy once called “the worst thing [he’d] heard in [his] life.”

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