Wilson Pickett was a legendary soul singer who left an indelible mark on the music world during his lifetime. Known as the “Wicked Pickett,” he was a master of the soul and R&B genres and had a career spanning over three decades. With his powerful and distinctive voice, Pickett created some of the most iconic and memorable songs in the history of soul music. From his early hits in the 1960s to his later recordings in the 1970s, Pickett’s music continues to resonate with audiences around the world. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Wilson Pickett songs of all time. From soulful ballads to upbeat and danceable tracks, these songs showcase the incredible range and talent of one of the greatest soul singers of all time. Each song on this list is a testament to Pickett’s enduring legacy and his status as a true icon of the soul music genre.
1. Mustang Sally
“Mustang Sally” is a soulful classic by Wilson Pickett, released in 1966. The song tells the story of a woman who drives around in her Mustang car, causing a stir wherever she goes. Pickett’s powerful and dynamic vocals combined with the upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics make it a favorite among soul music fans. The song’s iconic opening guitar riff and chorus are instantly recognizable, and the energetic performance captures the essence of the Motown sound. “Mustang Sally” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Pickett’s original recording remains the definitive version and a timeless classic.
2. Land of 1,000 Dances
“Land of 1,000 Dances” is another iconic track by Wilson Pickett, originally recorded in 1966. The song is an upbeat and danceable tune that celebrates the joy of music and dancing. Pickett’s raspy vocals and the song’s catchy rhythm and infectious horn section make it a perfect party anthem that gets everyone on their feet. The song’s memorable chorus, “Na na-na-na-na na-na-na-na-na,” is a call to action that inspires listeners to join in the fun. “Land of 1,000 Dances” has been covered by many artists over the years, but Pickett’s original recording remains a beloved classic of the soul genre. The song’s irresistible energy and universal appeal continue to make it a popular choice for dance parties and celebrations of all kinds.
3. In The Midnight Hour
“In the Midnight Hour” is a soulful classic by Wilson Pickett, released in 1965. The song has a driving rhythm, with Pickett’s powerful vocals and the backing band’s tight instrumental work creating an irresistible groove. The lyrics speak of a longing for love and the desire to be with someone at the midnight hour, making it a timeless ode to romance. The song’s iconic opening guitar riff and chorus have become instantly recognizable, and the energetic performance captures the essence of the Motown sound. “In the Midnight Hour” has been covered by many artists over the years, but Pickett’s original recording remains the definitive version and a true soul classic.
4. Funky Broadway
“Funky Broadway” is a funk and soul classic by Wilson Pickett, released in 1967. The song is a celebration of the vibrant nightlife scene on Broadway in New York City, with Pickett’s gritty vocals and the tight instrumental work of the backing band creating a dynamic and infectious groove. The song’s catchy chorus, “Funky Broadway,” has become a favorite of funk and soul fans, and its use of call-and-response vocals and a driving rhythm section make it a perfect party anthem. “Funky Broadway” has been covered by many artists over the years, but Pickett’s original recording remains the definitive version and a true classic of the funk and soul genres.
5. Don’t Knock My Love – Pt. I
“Don’t Knock My Love” is a soulful classic by Wilson Pickett, released in 1971. The song has a smooth and mellow groove, with Pickett’s soulful vocals and the backing band’s subtle instrumentation creating a lush and romantic atmosphere. The lyrics speak of a desire to be accepted and loved for who you are, making it a timeless message of self-acceptance and love. The song’s use of strings and horns adds a touch of sophistication to the soulful sound, making it a favorite of fans of both soul and R&B music. “Don’t Knock My Love” has been covered by many artists over the years, but Pickett’s original recording remains the definitive version and a true gem of the soul genre.
6. 634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)
“634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” is a classic soul track by Wilson Pickett, released in 1966. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics, combined with Pickett’s powerful vocals, create an infectious groove that is impossible not to dance to. The title refers to a real-life phone number that Pickett saw on a bathroom wall, and the lyrics describe a woman who is always on the move but can be reached at that number. The song’s use of horns and the call-and-response vocals of the backing band add to its lively and energetic sound, making it a favorite of soul music fans.
7. Everybody Needs Somebody To Love
“Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” is a soulful classic by Wilson Pickett, originally recorded in 1966. The song is a powerful and dynamic track that showcases Pickett’s remarkable vocal range and ability to convey intense emotion. The lyrics speak of the universal human need for love and connection, making it a timeless message that resonates with listeners of all ages. The song’s infectious rhythm and catchy chorus have made it a staple of the soul and R&B genres, and it has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Rolling Stones and The Blues Brothers.
8. Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You
“Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” is a funky and soulful track by Wilson Pickett, released in 1970. The song’s catchy rhythm and Pickett’s powerful vocals make it an instant classic of the funk and soul genres. The lyrics caution against falling for someone who may seem attractive on the surface but is not genuine or trustworthy. The song’s use of horns and the backing band’s tight instrumental work add to its funky sound, making it a favorite of fans of both funk and soul music. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” has been covered by many artists over the years, but Pickett’s original recording remains the definitive version and a true gem of the soul genre.
9. I’m In Love
“I’m In Love” is a soulful track by Wilson Pickett, released in 1967. The song’s driving rhythm and Pickett’s powerful vocals create an irresistible groove that captures the essence of the soul genre. The lyrics describe the joy and excitement of being in love, making it a timeless celebration of romance. The song’s use of horns and the call-and-response vocals of the backing band add to its lively and energetic sound, making it a favorite of soul music fans.
10. Hey Jude
“Hey Jude” is a classic track originally recorded by The Beatles, but famously covered by Wilson Pickett in 1968. Pickett’s version of the song is a soulful interpretation that puts a unique spin on the iconic track. Pickett’s powerful and emotional vocals, combined with the backing band’s soulful instrumentation, give the song a new depth and intensity that has made it a beloved classic of the soul genre. The song’s use of call-and-response vocals and the added gospel choir give it a powerful and uplifting sound, making it a favorite of fans of both The Beatles and soul music. Pickett’s cover of “Hey Jude” is a true testament to the power and versatility of soul music, and remains a cherished classic to this day.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
