Music soul r&b combines gospel and blues influences with more contemporary sounds. At first, only African Americans purchased rhythm and blues records; however, during the late ’50s producer Jerry Wexler introduced white teens to rhythm and blues music through Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, The Delfonics, & Percy Sledge productions of Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes as well as The Delfonics and Percy Sledge performances by producer Wexler’s productions of Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, The Delfonics & Percy Sledge productions by producer Jerry Wexler.
Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy and popular during the 1960s, featured call-and-response vocals similar to black gospel tunes that became staples on its hits.
Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life
Stevie Wonder was one of the greatest artists and writers ever, an unparalleled musical genius renowned for creating timeless classics that have left their mark on music. He was masterful at mixing genres to produce works that transcended musical genres; his melodies filled with love, happiness and hope have touched people all over the globe and helped promote equality among people everywhere. Furthermore, as an exceptional humanitarian he contributed much of his time and talent towards supporting charities and children’s causes.
Songs in the Key of Life is undoubtedly Stevie Wonder’s most renowned work, being his eighteenth studio album released through Motown and often considered his finest work to date. This double album showcases many styles and themes ranging from love songs to political protest songs as well as being an excellent blend of funk, soul, pop, jazz. Furthermore, its tracks display both his impressive piano skills as well as an intriguing spiritual side.
“Isn’t She Lovely,” an emotional tribute to Wonder’s daughter that serves as an upbeat and joyful celebration of life, features an infectious melody with harmonica playing by Wonder himself. Another excellent track on the album is “Black Man”, an outstanding track addressing issues of racial inequality in America with lyrics that resonate powerfully and emotive singing that make for a memorable listen.
Stevie Wonder was joined on his album by an impressive lineup of musicians, such as Minnie Riperton and Deniece Williams for backing vocals, Herbie Hancock on Fender Rhodes on “As” from track “As”, with over 130 people working together to produce it! This production feat alone deserves praise!
Songs in the Key of Life was met with much critical acclaim when released in 1976 and became one of the best-selling albums that year. Considered an innovative work, Songs in the Key of Life marked a breakthrough for more experimental musical work; its release marked a turning point that encouraged greater artistic freedom for musicians, making this masterpiece worthy of every music enthusiast’s collection.
Otis Redding’s Songs in the Key of Life
Otis Redding’s Songs in the Key of Life was an iconic soul music compilation album that showcased his immense talent. Although Redding died far too early, his legacy speaks volumes for his talent and impact in soul music. On this record he demonstrated how adept he was at adapting existing songs into something truly his own; for instance “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” illustrates this well with emotive vocals conveying feelings of longing and introspection from Redding himself.
Redding’s distinctive voice could capture raw emotion effortlessly, which made him an essential voice of soul music. This was most evident on “Pain in My Heart”, an emotive ballad which showcases his talent at conveying despair and pain with ease. The backing horns and emotive vocals give “Pain in My Heart” its powerful signature sound; thus making this timeless classic.
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)”, featuring Redding’s emotive vocals and Steve Cropper’s iconic guitar riff, stands out as another stand-out track in this collection. Redding’s emotive vocals come to a powerful climax over backing horns and Steve Cropper’s unforgettable guitar riff.
Redding concludes his record by covering Billy Stewart’s classic ballad “Try a Little Tenderness.” Redding’s powerful and vulnerable vocals are perfectly captured on this classic track; his powerful yet tender performance transforms this traditional ballad into an irresistibly soulful performance that remains widely acknowledged today as the definitive rendition of this tune.
Redding’s collection also includes his upbeat track “These Arms of Mine.” Although more playful than his other material, this tune still exudes melancholy and longing, reminding listeners that even during difficult times there are always things for which they should be thankful.
Redding’s Songs in the Key of Life is an impressive album that beautifully showcases his ability to combine blues, gospel and R&B elements into one seamless whole. A must-own for fans of soul music alike and sure to remain an enduring classic for generations.
James Brown’s The Payback
The Payback by James Brown represents his finest hour of funk improvisation. Not for the faint of heart or easily consumed (one song on it runs nearly twelve minutes long!), it provides a rewarding funk workout with each song offering something new in his musical legacy.
Brown’s 1974 record The Payback serves as the direct sequel to his 1972 soundtrack work for Larry Cohen’s Black Caesar film. Just like its predecessor, this 1974 release finds Brown at his very best; opening with its title track — an R&B number one hit — it features revenge themed lyrics as well as an important message about not letting others take advantage of you and demanding they pay for their mistakes.
A stomping beat and a slinky bass line form the basis of this bluesy tune with strings adding melancholy melancholia that’s distinct from typical funk sound at that time. Additionally, the band creates an austere yet surprising groovy atmosphere between instruments which is both tightrope-tightening tightrope groove and outright tightrope groove at once.
As the album progresses, its intensity increases gradually as Brown’s voice and his band become ever more energetic. Mind Power serves as the final act on this record and is its ultimate climax; featuring devilishly funky guitar riffs slithering across its tempo while an ominous bass line is accented with occasional booms to create an unsettling ambience that culminates with vocalist shouting out “Ku da ka ku koo!” to complete it all.
Brown would experience a decline after this remarkable record, yet his performance here was nothing short of outstanding and showcased the incredible virtuosity of both his band and himself on every track – this record stands as an outstanding testament to funk’s influence in late sixties and early seventies music culture.
Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On
Marvin Gaye’s 1971 classic What’s Going On remains one of the most controversial soul albums ever released, taking Motown superstar Marvin Gaye from smooth crooner to social consciousness agitator. Influenced by civil rights movements, Frankie’s death in Vietnam and Detroit racial unrest he made a bold left turn into political awareness by exploring themes like inner city poverty, systematic racism, heroin abuse and environmental degradation.
Gaye’s political message made an immediate and dramatic statement with its debut. It became a wake-up call that prodded other Black (and some white) artists to new creative heights; Isaac Hayes soon followed suit by writing “Black Moses,” while John Lennon released “Imagine,” an obvious nod to Gaye’s foray into social consciousness.
What’s Going On remains one of the most iconic albums ever released in music, thanks to its outstanding musical compositions of funk-infused psychedelia and jazzy soul. Recording sessions were said to include lots of marijuana smoke and rounds of Scotch; which allowed Marvin Gaye’s unique multi-layered vocal approach which continues today in R&B and hip-hop music.
Music aside, What’s Going On’s lyrics really grip you in. Addressing topics such as inner city poverty, systematic racism, heroin addiction, environmentalism and war; its songs offer surprising depth while their melodies may seem sparse or shallow at times – often bordering on scat singing territory.
But the true magic of this record lies in how seamlessly its tracks flow together; each track seamlessly transitions from one song to the next for an unforgettable listening experience that transcends genre boundaries while simultaneously conveying timeless human truths.
Though What’s Going On has its detractors, its timeless charms make it hard to deny. Some may find its glossy production too glossy and overbearing; others find Gaye’s constant Christian-trumpeting alienating; however if these concerns can be managed What’s Going On becomes an exceptional album that stands the test of time and universal adoration.