Wilson Pickett is one of the most legendary figures in the history of soul music. With his electrifying stage presence and unforgettable voice, Pickett helped define the sound of the genre in the 1960s and 1970s, delivering a string of classic hits that continue to inspire and influence musicians today. From the driving rhythms of “In the Midnight Hour” to the funky grooves of “Funky Broadway,” Pickett’s music was defined by its energy, passion, and raw emotion. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 best Wilson Pickett songs of all time, exploring the stories behind these iconic tracks and highlighting the contributions that Pickett made to the world of music. From timeless classics like “Mustang Sally” and “Land of 1000 Dances” to deep cuts like “Engine Number 9” and “Don’t Knock My Love,” these songs showcase the immense talent of one of the greatest soul singers of all time and offer a glimpse into the rich history of the soul and R&B genres.
1. Land of 1000 Dances
“Land of 1000 Dances” by Wilson Pickett is a classic R&B and soul anthem that was released in 1966. The song opens with a catchy and upbeat horn riff that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. The lyrics are an invitation to dance and have a good time, with Pickett encouraging the listener to try out a variety of popular dances of the time. The chorus features the famous refrain, “Do you know how to Pony like Bony Maronie? Do you know how to Twist?” which became a sing-along favorite for audiences everywhere. The song’s infectious energy and joyful spirit make it a timeless party anthem that continues to be played at weddings, barbecues, and dance parties to this day. With its lively rhythm, driving beat, and catchy hooks, “Land of 1000 Dances” is a classic example of the soulful sounds of the 60s.
2. In the Midnight Hour
“In the Midnight Hour” is a classic soul and R&B song by Wilson Pickett that was released in 1965. The song features a driving rhythm, a funky guitar riff, and Pickett’s signature gritty vocals, which combine to create a timeless and unforgettable sound. The lyrics describe a longing for love and companionship, with Pickett singing about his desire to be with his lover in the midnight hour. The song’s catchy chorus, “I’m gonna wait till the midnight hour, that’s when my love comes tumbling down,” became an instant classic and is still sung by audiences to this day. The song’s simple yet effective structure, with its memorable melody and infectious groove, helped establish Pickett as one of the greatest soul singers of all time. With its blend of funk, R&B, and soul, “In the Midnight Hour” remains a beloved classic and a testament to Pickett’s enduring legacy.
3. I Found a Love
“I Found a Love” is a classic soul song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1962. The song features Pickett’s powerful vocals, backed by a driving rhythm section and a gospel-inspired chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has finally found true love, and how it has transformed his life. Pickett’s impassioned delivery captures the joy and excitement of this newfound love, making the song a timeless classic of the soul genre. The song’s memorable chorus, “I found a love, I found a love, I found a love that I need, oh yeah,” has become an iconic part of Pickett’s legacy.
4. Funky Broadway
“Funky Broadway” is a funky and upbeat soul song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1967. The song features a groovy guitar riff, a driving rhythm section, and Pickett’s signature vocals, which combine to create an irresistible party anthem. The lyrics describe the joy and energy of the Broadway scene in New York City, with Pickett singing about the “funky Broadway” and how it “sure looks good to me.” The song’s catchy hooks and danceable rhythm make it a classic of the soul and R&B genres, and its influence can be heard in countless funk and hip-hop songs that followed.
5. Mustang Sally
“Mustang Sally” is a soul and R&B classic by Wilson Pickett, released in 1966. The song features a driving rhythm, a funky guitar riff, and Pickett’s signature gritty vocals, which combine to create a timeless and unforgettable sound. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who loves her Mustang car more than her lover, and how she would rather go for a ride than spend time with him. The song’s catchy chorus, “Ride, Sally, ride,” has become an iconic part of Pickett’s legacy, and the song has been covered by countless artists in a variety of genres. With its irresistible groove and classic soul sound, “Mustang Sally” remains a beloved classic of the genre.
6. Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You
“Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” is a soul and R&B classic by Wilson Pickett, released in 1970. The song features a funky and upbeat groove, with Pickett’s signature vocals urging the listener not to be fooled by the green grass on the other side. The lyrics describe how material possessions and success can sometimes lead to disappointment and heartbreak, and how true happiness can only be found by looking within. The song’s catchy chorus, “Don’t let the green grass fool you, don’t let it change your mind,” has become an iconic part of Pickett’s legacy, and the song remains a beloved classic of the genre.
7. 634-5789
“634-5789” is a classic soul and R&B song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1966. The song features a driving rhythm, a catchy guitar riff, and Pickett’s signature gritty vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable sound. The lyrics describe a man who is always available to his lover, no matter what time of day or night. The title of the song refers to the man’s phone number, which his lover can call whenever she needs him. The song’s infectious energy and catchy hooks helped establish Pickett as one of the greatest soul singers of all time, and its influence can be heard in countless R&B and funk songs that followed.
8. Engine Number 9
“Engine Number 9” is a funky and upbeat soul and R&B song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1970. The song features a driving rhythm, a groovy guitar riff, and Pickett’s signature vocals, which combine to create an irresistible party anthem. The lyrics describe the excitement and energy of a train ride, with Pickett singing about the “engine number 9” and how it’s “moving down the railroad line.” The song’s catchy hooks and danceable rhythm make it a classic of the soul and funk genres, and its influence can be heard in countless songs that followed. With its infectious groove and classic soul sound, “Engine Number 9” remains a beloved classic of the genre.
9. Don’t Knock My Love, pt. 1
“Don’t Knock My Love, pt. 1” is a soul and R&B classic by Wilson Pickett, released in 1971. The song features a funky and upbeat groove, with Pickett’s signature vocals urging the listener to embrace love and not judge others for their choices. The lyrics describe how love can be found in unexpected places, and how it can transform our lives for the better. The song’s catchy chorus, “Don’t knock my love, don’t knock my love, don’t knock my love,” has become an iconic part of Pickett’s legacy, and the song remains a beloved classic of the genre.
10. Don’t Fight It
“Don’t Fight It” is a classic soul and R&B song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1965. The song features a driving rhythm, a catchy guitar riff, and Pickett’s signature gritty vocals, which combine to create an unforgettable sound. The lyrics describe a man who is confident in his ability to love and satisfy his partner, urging her not to resist his advances. The song’s infectious energy and catchy hooks helped establish Pickett as one of the greatest soul singers of all time, and its influence can be heard in countless R&B and funk songs that followed. With its irresistible groove and classic soul sound, “Don’t Fight It” remains a beloved classic of the genre.
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.
