Sonya Alexander
I Love Music – The O’Jays
20 March 2018
Sometimes the simplest things are not only the most sophisticated, but the most enjoyable. The O’Jays’ 1975 hit “I Love Music” is a musically tight-as-a-drum musing on two of life’s greatest pleasures, good music as it’s associated with love. Written by the inimitable songwriting duo Gamble and Huff, it’s a a joyous celebration of big audio dynamite and big love…
Too Late to Turn Back Now – Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose
5 March 2018
A lot of 70s music, no matter the genre, was full of optimism, sweetness and love. “Too Late to Turn Back Now” by Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose is a dip into the soulful side of the 70s, when R&B had some of the most beautiful love songs ever written…
One Fine Morning – Lighthouse
27 February 2018
Following on the heels of the Chicago Transit Authority, many bands in the late 60s and early 70s had a dynamic horn section that made their sound supersonic and vibrant. This Toronto, Ontario band formed in 1968 and they’re still rocking the house. They had several songs that made the charts, but “One Fine Morning” was their highest charting, reaching #24 on the US Hot 100…
Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl) – Looking Glass
20 February 2018
Some bands have decades of songs, others have one or two signature songs that not only define them, but an era. Looking Glass’ “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” is one of those tunes. Wistful, earthy and soul searching, “Brandy” is an ode to a world-weary woman’s life. It was their only #1 hit, staying in that position for a week. There other hit, “Jimmy Loves Mary-Anne,” was a Top 40 hit and has a slinky, sexy 70s feel, too.
Out in the County by Three Dog Night
13 February 2018
Three Dog Night, originally known as Redwood, started up in the late 1960s and are still going strong today. They have 11 studio albums and string of chart-topping hits under their belt, including “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” “Joy to the World” and “Black and White.” Like The Guess Who, they have a American rock sound with inspirational lyrics and a multicolored tones and a long run at the top of the charts. “Out in the Country” isn’t one of their most popular songs, but it’s a signature 70s tune that’s sweet, innocent and embraces nature…
Saturday In The Park – Chicago
30 January 2018
The band Chicago, which was originally Chicago Transit Authority, had a unique sound when they hit the scene. They blended a little rock, a little soul and a little jazz, a mixture that made them a sort of rock version of Earth, Wind & Fire. Both groups always had a stage full of musicians and a supersonic horn section…
I’m Not in Love – 10cc
16 January 2018
A lot of songs in the 70s addressed various aspects of being in love, from first crush to falling in love to heartbreak. The band 10cc took it a step further and claimed to not be in love at all. “I’m Not in Love” came out in 1975 and was noted for its unique back tracking, which consisted of the band’s multitracked voices. It was the UK group’s first global hit and has enjoyed lasting popularity.
Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do) – Aretha Franklin
18 December 2017
With her heart-wrenching vocals, pristine tone and divine notes, Aretha Franklin is rightfully called the “Queen of Soul.” With roots in gospel, she started her secular music career in the early 60s, but didn’t really strike gold until the late 60s, with her first #1 “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)”. From that point on, she ruled the charts until the mid-80s with a plethora of unforgettable hits…
How Long – Ace
12 December 2017
“How Long” by 1970s British rock group Ace was the band’s highest charting hit, reaching #3 in the U.S. It had a slow, smoky groove like another Brit band hit, the Climax Blues Band’s “Couldn’t Get It Right.” It’s been kept alive not only by frequent airplay, but by a plethora of covers. From soul songster Bobby Womack to country chanteusse Barbara Mandrell to rock royalty Rod Stewart. The song lends itself to a voice that’s rough like sandpaper, yet smooth as satin. All of the notable covers do it justice, but Ace’s version remains ace.
Love’s in Need of Love Today – The Sachal Ensemble and Jim James
5 December 2017
My Morning Jacket’s Jim James is a vocal chameleon. One minute he sounds like a heightened alt-rock singer, the next like the quintessential neo-soul singer. His solo endeavors have been fruitful, yielding ripe, soul-nourishing tracks. Proving that he’s a musician’s musician, he’s not afraid to experiment and go outside the box.
Hey Deanie – Shaun Cassidy
28 November 2017
While there was plenty of soft rock, country rock and hard rock in the 70s, there was also a plethora of bubblegum rock. The Bay City Rollers, Leif Garrett, Donny Osmond and David Cassidy were some of the performers who belted out teen-dream lyrics. David’s image blew up when he was a member of the fictional television family band The Partridge Family…
Dance With Me – Orleans
21 November 2017
Dance, like music, is universal and while the title of Orleans’ “Dance with Me” may seem simple, it does get straight to the point. It was the group’s first Top 40 single, peaking at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was on their third studio album Let There be Music. Written by the then husband-and-wife team of John and Johanna Hall, the 1975 release has a catchy melody and romantic lyrics that are sure to make you sway to the music.