The excellence of a song is determined partially by how well it stands the test of time. When it comes to artists such as Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Smokey Robinson, the reason why we revere them so much is because they have released songs that have stuck with us in multiple decades, throughout their careers.
And 1975 was a banner year for songs of this ilk. Dance music was at its peak, and some of the greats were merely scratching the surface of what would become mega careers. It was still cool to pine for your love on a record, and jazzy beats paired with soulful lyrics were all the rage. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, look back at these 10 essential R&B songs that not only shaped the way R&B music was perceived 50 years ago but have also maintained relevancy today.
David Ruffin, “Walk Away From Love”
An R&B song that immediately invokes memories of a chill summer’s day, “Walk Away from Love” was featured on the former Temptations singer’s Who I Am album and became the most successful single of his solo career.
People’s Choice, “Do It the Way You Wanna”
Giving us dance, disco and a little bit of soul, “Do It the Way You Wanna” was written and produced by renowned writer and producer Leon Huff. The song was a hit among the masses, making it across the soul singles, pop singles and dance/disco singles charts in 1975.
Natalie Cole, “This Will Be”
“This Will Be” has been featured in commercials, movies and even your favorite department store. A timeless classic, the tune was Natalie Cole’s debut single off the Inseparable album and became an instant hit. The song won 27-year-old Cole the Grammy for best R&B vocal performance, female at the 18th annual Grammy Awards, breaking Aretha Franklin’s eight-year stranglehold on the category. She also won best new artist.
Donna Summer, “Love to Love You Baby”
Millennials will recall this tune from the hook of Beyoncé’s “Naughty Girl,” but long before we were jamming to it in the early aughts, “Love to Love You Baby” was a hit in the ’70s. The song was first released in the Netherlands in the summer of 1975 before Donna Summer’s label released it worldwide that fall.
In an interview with Signed Media from 2019Summer revealed she initially recorded the single with the idea that it would be a demo for someone else as she felt it was “too sexy” for her. However, while she was away in Schwarzwald, Germany, recovering from a heart issue, Italian music producer Giorgio Moroder sold the song, and it catapulted her to superstardom.
Barry White, “I’ll Do for You Anything You Want Me To”
Can we even talk ’70s R&B without mentioning Barry White? The two-time Grammy winner released this smooth tune as part of his fourth studio album, Just Another Way to Say I Love You. Following the Top 10 “What Am I Gonna Do with You,” “I’ll Do Anything You Want Me To” peaked in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and went Top 20 on the U.K. singles chart.
Diana Ross, “Theme from ‘Mahogany’ (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)”
Nominated for Best Original Song at the 48th Academy Awards, “Do You Know Where You’re Going To” was released as the lead single from the soundtrack of the film Mahogany, which starred Diana Ross. It was also the first single off her eponymous seventh studio album. Originally recorded by Thelma Houston in 1973, other singers such as Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez have put out their own renditions.
Michael Jackson, “Just a Little Bit of You”
A deep cut for hardcore Michael Jackson fans, “Just a Little Bit of You” came four years before Off the Wall and was released as part of Jackson’s fourth studio album, Forever, Michael. The tune showcases his crisp falsetto, sharp melodies and the sweet sentiments his later hits would exhibit.
Earth, Wind & Fire, “Shining Star”
If you’re having a bad day, play this song and we guarantee your whole mood will change. The upbeat track is not only an fun song to listen to, but it was giving us affirmations long before it was trendy to do so.
Earth, Wind & Fire released “Shining Star” as part of their album That’s the Way of the World. “Shining Star” became the band’ first and only No. 1 single on Billboard’s Hot 100. It later won a Grammy for best R&B vocal performance by a duo, group or chorus in 1976 and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
Hot Chocolate, “You Sexy Thing”
Hot Chocolate had us at the catchy opener: “I believe in miracles.” Featuring an ultra-funky bassline, this sweeping love song has been a favorite with advertisers over the years, having been featured in commercials for Bud Light, Chevrolet and Burger King, among a slew of others.
Smokey Robinson, “Baby That’s Backatcha”
“Baby That’s Backatcha” was one of three hit singles to come off A Quiet Storm, which was Smokey Robinson’s third solo album after leaving the Miracles in 1972. The other two were the titular single as well as “The Agony and the Ecstasy.” A Quiet Storm also housed “Happy,” which had previously been recorded by Michael Jackson in 1973.
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