Wilson Pickett, known as the “Wicked Pickett,” was a force of nature in the world of soul music. With his electrifying voice and energetic stage presence, Pickett became one of the most iconic figures of the genre. His music blended gospel, R&B, and rock influences, creating a sound that was both gritty and passionate. Pickett’s career was marked by a string of hits that have stood the test of time, earning him a place in the pantheon of soul music legends. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best Wilson Pickett songs of all time, exploring the stories behind these iconic tracks and the impact they had on the music world. From his early days with The Falcons to his solo career at Atlantic Records, Pickett’s music continues to inspire and move audiences around the globe. Join us as we celebrate the life and music of this soulful powerhouse, counting down his greatest hits and rediscovering the magic of Wilson Pickett.
1. Fire and Water
Wilson Pickett, often referred to as the “Wicked Pickett,” left an indelible mark on soul and R&B music with his powerful voice and energetic performances. One of his most iconic songs, “Fire and Water,” showcases his raw, emotive style and his ability to infuse passion into every lyric.
Released in 1968 as the title track of his album, “Fire and Water” is a soulful ballad that highlights Pickett’s vocal prowess and his knack for storytelling through music. The song’s arrangement, featuring a dynamic horn section and a driving rhythm, perfectly complements Pickett’s vocals, creating a memorable and impactful listening experience.
“Fire and Water” became a hit for Pickett, reaching the top of the R&B charts and solidifying his status as a soul music legend. Its enduring popularity has led to its inclusion in various compilations and lists of the greatest soul songs of all time, ensuring that Wilson Pickett’s legacy continues to thrive.
With “Fire and Water,” Wilson Pickett not only delivered a timeless soul classic but also cemented his place in music history as one of the greatest voices of his generation.
2. Sugar Sugar
Wilson Pickett’s rendition of “Sugar, Sugar” stands out as a vibrant and soulful take on The Archies’ bubblegum pop hit. Released in 1970, Pickett’s version injects the song with his signature style, transforming it into a lively and infectious soul track.
Pickett’s powerful vocals are front and center, infusing the song with energy and charisma. Backed by a lively arrangement featuring funky guitars, groovy basslines, and upbeat percussion, Pickett’s rendition of “Sugar, Sugar” is a testament to his ability to make any song uniquely his own.
Despite the departure from his usual gritty soul sound, Pickett’s version of “Sugar, Sugar” was a commercial success, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity helped introduce Pickett to a wider audience and further solidified his reputation as a versatile and dynamic artist.
Today, “Sugar, Sugar” remains a beloved part of Wilson Pickett’s discography, showcasing his ability to take a pop hit and infuse it with soul and personality.
3. Land of 1,000 Dances
Wilson Pickett’s rendition of “Land of 1,000 Dances” is a soulful and energetic take on the classic R&B song. Originally written and recorded by Chris Kenner in 1962, Pickett’s version, released in 1966, became one of his signature songs and a staple of his live performances.
Pickett’s powerful voice drives the song, infusing it with a sense of urgency and excitement. Backed by a tight rhythm section and a horn arrangement that perfectly complements his vocals, Pickett’s version of “Land of 1,000 Dances” is a high-energy romp that is impossible to resist.
The song’s catchy chorus and infectious groove make it a favorite among audiences, and Pickett’s impassioned delivery elevates it to iconic status. His ad-libs and vocal improvisations add a sense of spontaneity and fun, making each performance of the song a unique experience.
“Land of 1,000 Dances” is not only one of Wilson Pickett’s most popular songs but also a classic of R&B and soul music. Its enduring popularity and timeless appeal are a testament to Pickett’s talent as a vocalist and performer, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
4. Funky Broadway
Wilson Pickett’s “Funky Broadway” is a funky, upbeat soul track that showcases his dynamic vocal delivery and the raw energy that made him a standout in the genre. Originally recorded by Dyke and the Blazers, Pickett’s cover, released in 1967, became a hit and a signature song for him.
Pickett’s version of “Funky Broadway” is characterized by its infectious groove, driven by a tight rhythm section, punchy horns, and Pickett’s own soulful vocals. The song’s catchy chorus and danceable beat made it a favorite on the R&B charts and a staple of Pickett’s live performances.
Pickett’s gritty, passionate delivery adds an extra layer of soulfulness to the song, making it a standout in his extensive discography. His ability to convey emotion and intensity through his voice is on full display in “Funky Broadway,” solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest soul singers of his time.
Today, “Funky Broadway” remains a classic of the soul genre and a testament to Wilson Pickett’s enduring talent and influence. Its timeless appeal and infectious groove continue to captivate listeners, cementing its status as one of Pickett’s most popular and enduring songs.
5. I’m In Love
“I’m In Love,” released in 1967, is a soulful ballad that showcases Wilson Pickett’s versatility as a singer. Known for his energetic and dynamic performances, Pickett demonstrates a softer, more tender side in this track.
The song features a smooth, melodic arrangement that perfectly complements Pickett’s heartfelt vocals. His delivery is filled with emotion and sincerity, as he sings about the joy and fulfillment of being in love. Despite the more laid-back tempo, Pickett’s vocal power and passion are still evident, highlighting his ability to convey a range of emotions through his voice.
“I’m In Love” was a commercial success for Pickett, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and solidifying his reputation as a soul music icon. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Pickett’s skill as a singer and the universal appeal of his music.
With “I’m In Love,” Wilson Pickett proved that he was not only a master of soulful, high-energy tracks but also capable of delivering heartfelt and emotive ballads. The song remains a classic of the genre and a testament to Pickett’s talent and versatility as an artist.
6. Hey Jude
Wilson Pickett’s cover of “Hey Jude,” originally by The Beatles, is a soulful reimagining of the iconic song. Released in 1968, Pickett’s version transforms the Beatles’ ballad into a dynamic, energetic soul track.
Pickett infuses “Hey Jude” with his trademark style, delivering powerful vocals filled with emotion and passion. Backed by a lively arrangement featuring a driving rhythm section and a horn section, Pickett’s rendition of “Hey Jude” takes the song in a new direction while still honoring the original melody and lyrics.
One of the most notable aspects of Pickett’s cover is its length, clocking in at over seven minutes. This extended version allows Pickett and his band to showcase their musical talents, with instrumental breaks and improvisations adding to the song’s intensity and energy.
Pickett’s cover of “Hey Jude” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying his reputation as a soul music powerhouse. Today, it remains a standout track in Pickett’s discography and a unique interpretation of a classic song.
7. Don’t Knock My Love & Pt. I
“Don’t Knock My Love,” released in 1971, is a soulful and funky track that showcases Wilson Pickett’s ability to evolve with the changing trends in music. Part I of the song, which was released as a single, features a lively and energetic arrangement, with Pickett’s powerful vocals at the forefront.
The song’s upbeat tempo, funky bassline, and catchy chorus make it a standout in Pickett’s discography. His passionate delivery and emotive vocals add depth and intensity to the track, making it a favorite among fans of soul and R&B music.
“Don’t Knock My Love” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and further solidifying Pickett’s reputation as a soul music legend. Its infectious groove and memorable hook have helped it endure as one of Pickett’s most popular songs.
Part I of “Don’t Knock My Love” is a testament to Wilson Pickett’s ability to adapt to changing musical styles while maintaining his signature sound. Its funky, soulful vibe and Pickett’s powerhouse vocals make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
8. In The Midnight Hour
“In the Midnight Hour” is perhaps Wilson Pickett’s most famous and enduring song. Released in 1965, this R&B classic features Pickett’s signature raw, soulful voice and a driving beat that has made it a staple at parties and on radio playlists for decades.
The song’s lyrics speak of longing and desire, with Pickett declaring his intention to wait until the midnight hour to be with his lover. This theme, combined with the song’s energetic rhythm and Pickett’s powerful delivery, helped “In the Midnight Hour” become a massive hit, reaching the top of the R&B charts and crossing over to the pop charts as well.
Pickett’s performance on “In the Midnight Hour” is electrifying, with his voice soaring over the tight instrumentation provided by his backing band. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious groove make it irresistible, and Pickett’s impassioned delivery adds an extra layer of emotion and intensity.
“In the Midnight Hour” has since become a classic of the soul genre and a defining song in Wilson Pickett’s career. Its timeless appeal and enduring popularity are a testament to Pickett’s talent as a singer and performer, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
9. Mustang Sally
“Mustang Sally,” released in 1966, is one of Wilson Pickett’s most iconic songs and a staple of classic rock and soul playlists. Written by Mack Rice, the song tells the story of a young woman who enjoys the finer things in life, including driving around in a Mustang automobile.
Pickett’s version of “Mustang Sally” is characterized by its infectious groove and Pickett’s soulful, gritty vocals. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a favorite among audiences, and Pickett’s energetic delivery adds to its appeal.
“Mustang Sally” was a commercial success for Pickett, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and becoming one of his signature songs. Its popularity has endured over the years, with the song being covered by numerous artists and featured in films, TV shows, and commercials.
Pickett’s performance on “Mustang Sally” is a testament to his talent as a singer and performer. His ability to imbue the song with emotion and personality has made it a classic of the soul genre and a standout track in his extensive discography.
10. Engine Number 9
“Engine Number 9,” released in 1970, is a funky and energetic track that showcases Wilson Pickett’s versatility as a singer. The song features a driving rhythm and a catchy chorus that make it a standout in Pickett’s discography.
Pickett’s vocals on “Engine Number 9” are powerful and dynamic, perfectly complementing the song’s funky groove. His delivery is filled with passion and intensity, adding to the song’s overall impact.
“Engine Number 9” was a commercial success for Pickett, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying his reputation as a soul music icon. Its infectious beat and lively arrangement have helped it endure as one of Pickett’s most popular songs.
Today, “Engine Number 9” remains a favorite among fans of soul and funk music, showcasing Wilson Pickett’s ability to deliver a high-energy performance that gets people on their feet and dancing.
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.
