Ann Peebles is one of the most distinctive and influential soul singers of all time, known for her powerful vocals, emotive delivery, and songwriting prowess. With a career spanning over four decades, Peebles has produced some of the most memorable and enduring soul hits of all time, influencing generations of musicians with her unique sound and style. In this article, we’ll be exploring the 10 best Ann Peebles songs of all time, highlighting the tracks that showcase the singer’s exceptional talent and artistry. From the soulful groove of “I Can’t Stand the Rain” to the raw emotion of “I Pity the Fool,” our list will showcase the best of the best when it comes to Peebles’ signature sound. We’ll delve into the stories behind each song, examining the unique qualities that make them so enduring and beloved. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the singer’s music, our list is sure to provide a fascinating look into the world of Ann Peebles, and the timeless songs that have made her one of the most important soul singers of all time.
1. Walk Away
“Walk Away” is a song by American singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson, released in 2009 as the second single from her fourth studio album “All I Ever Wanted.” The song was written by Clarkson, Kara DioGuardi, and Cathy Dennis and produced by DioGuardi and Howard Benson.
The song is an upbeat pop rock track that speaks about a toxic relationship and the importance of leaving it behind. The lyrics are empowering, encouraging the listener to stand up for themselves and walk away from a relationship that is causing them pain. The chorus features the catchy refrain, “Walk away, walk away, I don’t wanna hear it, baby, what you gotta say.”
Clarkson’s powerful vocals are the highlight of the song, showcasing her range and ability to convey emotion through her singing. The instrumentation is also noteworthy, with electric guitars and drums creating an energetic and anthemic sound.”Walk Away” was a commercial success, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting in several other countries. The music video for the song features Clarkson performing in a club, surrounded by a lively crowd. The video effectively captures the energy and attitude of the song, making it a memorable visual representation of the track.Overall, “Walk Away” is a fun and empowering pop rock song that showcases Kelly Clarkson’s vocal prowess and songwriting ability. It’s a great reminder that sometimes the best thing to do in a toxic relationship is to walk away and prioritize your own well-being.
2. Give Me Some Credit
“Give Me Some Credit” is a song by American singer-songwriter Jonny Lang, released in 1997 as the second single from his debut album “Lie to Me.” The song was written by Lang and Dennis Morgan and produced by David Z.The song is a soulful blues rock track that speaks about feeling undervalued and overlooked. The lyrics describe a situation in which the narrator feels like they’re constantly putting in effort and not getting recognition for it, with the chorus featuring the memorable refrain, “Give me some credit, baby, for all I try to do.”
Lang’s vocals are the standout feature of the song, with his rich and soulful voice conveying the emotion and frustration of the lyrics. The instrumentation is also noteworthy, with bluesy guitar riffs and a driving drumbeat creating a powerful and energetic sound.”Give Me Some Credit” was a moderate commercial success, charting on several Billboard charts and earning critical acclaim. The song’s bluesy sound and relatable lyrics helped establish Lang as a promising young artist in the blues rock genre.Overall, “Give Me Some Credit” is a soulful and relatable blues rock track that showcases Jonny Lang’s impressive vocals and songwriting ability. Its message of feeling undervalued and underappreciated is one that many listeners can relate to, making it a memorable and impactful song.
3. Part Time Love
“Part Time Love” is a song by British singer-songwriter Elton John, released in 1978 as the lead single from his album “A Single Man.” The song was written by John and Gary Osborne and produced by Gus Dudgeon.The song is a soft rock ballad that speaks about the struggles of a relationship that is based on convenience rather than love. The lyrics describe a situation in which the narrator is in a relationship with someone who only wants them part-time, with the chorus featuring the poignant refrain, “Oh, it’s a part time love, with a full-time hurt.”
John’s vocals are the standout feature of the song, with his emotive and powerful voice conveying the heartbreak and pain of the lyrics. The instrumentation is also noteworthy, with piano and strings creating a lush and emotional sound.
4. I Pity the Fool
“I Pity the Fool” is a blues song originally recorded by Bobby “Blue” Bland in 1961. The song was written by Deadric Malone and produced by Joe Scott.The song is a slow and soulful blues ballad that speaks about the pain and heartbreak of a failed relationship. The lyrics describe a situation in which the narrator has been wronged by their partner, with the chorus featuring the memorable refrain, “I pity the fool that falls in love with you.”Bland’s vocals are the standout feature of the song, with his powerful and emotive voice conveying the heartbreak and pain of the lyrics. The instrumentation is also noteworthy, with soulful horns and a bluesy guitar riff creating a moody and emotional sound.”I Pity the Fool” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart and charting on the Hot 100. The song’s relatable lyrics and soulful sound helped establish Bland as a prominent figure in the blues and soul genres.Overall, “I Pity the Fool” is a powerful and emotional blues ballad that showcases Bobby “Blue” Bland’s impressive vocal range and songwriting ability. Its message of heartbreak and betrayal is one that many listeners can relate to, making it a timeless and impactful song.
5. Slipped, Tripped, Fell in Love
“Slipped, Tripped, Fell in Love” is a blues song originally recorded by Ann Peebles in 1971. The song was written by Peebles, Don Bryant, and DJ Bernard “Bernie” “B” Miller and produced by Willie Mitchell.The song is an upbeat and funky soul track that speaks about falling in love unexpectedly. The lyrics describe a situation in which the narrator has fallen in love after slipping, tripping, and falling, with the chorus featuring the catchy refrain, “Slipped, tripped, fell in love, and there’s no turnin’ back.”Peebles’ vocals are the highlight of the song, with her powerful and soulful voice conveying the joy and excitement of falling in love. The instrumentation is also noteworthy, with a funky bassline and brass section creating a lively and energetic sound.”Slipped, Tripped, Fell in Love” was a commercial success, reaching number 31 on the Billboard R&B chart and earning critical acclaim. The song’s upbeat sound and joyful lyrics helped establish Peebles as a prominent figure in the soul and R&B genres.
Overall, “Slipped, Tripped, Fell in Love” is a fun and upbeat soul track that showcases Ann Peebles’ impressive vocal range and songwriting ability. Its message of falling in love unexpectedly is one that many listeners can relate to, making it a memorable and uplifting song.
6. Breaking Up Somebody’s Home
“Breaking Up Somebody’s Home” is a blues song originally recorded by Albert King in 1972. The song was written by Al Jackson Jr., Timothy Matthews, and Jerry “Swamp Dogg” Williams and produced by Don Nix.The song is a slow and soulful blues track that speaks about the pain and guilt of breaking up a relationship. The lyrics describe a situation in which the narrator is involved with someone who is already in a committed relationship, with the chorus featuring the poignant refrain, “I know it’s wrong, Lord, but I just can’t leave her alone.”King’s vocals are the standout feature of the song, with his deep and powerful voice conveying the regret and sadness of the lyrics. The instrumentation is also noteworthy, with a slow and moody guitar riff creating a haunting and emotional sound.”Breaking Up Somebody’s Home” was a commercial success, reaching number 49 on the Billboard R&B chart and charting
7. Somebody’s On Your Case
Ann Peebles is a name that is synonymous with soulful R&B and blues music, and her songs “Somebody’s On Your Case”, “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down”, and “I Can’t Stand the Rain” are among her most iconic works.”Somebody’s On Your Case” is a haunting ballad that speaks to the feeling of being pursued and the paranoia that comes with it. The song’s slow, sultry beat and Peebles’ raw vocals create a sense of urgency and desperation that captures the song’s themes perfectly. The opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable, and sets the tone for the rest of the song. As Peebles sings about feeling like somebody is watching her every move, the listener can feel the weight of her anxiety and fear.The lyrics of “Somebody’s On Your Case” are simple but powerful, and speak to the universal human experience of feeling pursued or threatened. Peebles sings, “Somebody’s on your case / Somebody’s on your case / You know they’ll never leave you alone / You better watch your place”. The repetition of the phrase “somebody’s on your case” throughout the song creates a sense of foreboding, and the listener can’t help but feel a sense of unease as they listen.
8. I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down
“I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” is a completely different kind of song, with a more upbeat and energetic tone. The song’s funky, driving rhythm section and Peebles’ powerful vocals create a sense of strength and defiance that is palpable. The lyrics speak to a sense of frustration and anger, as Peebles declares that she’s not going to take any more mistreatment from her lover. As she sings, “I’m gonna tear your playhouse down / Pretty soon I’m gonna be gone”, the listener can feel the intensity of her emotions.
9. I Can’t Stand the Rain
The guitar riff in “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” is infectious and catchy, and the horns that come in later in the song give it a sense of grandeur and drama. Peebles’ vocals are the real standout, however, as she channels all of her frustration and anger into her performance. The song is a true classic of the genre, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.”I Can’t Stand the Rain” is perhaps Ann Peebles’ most famous song, and for good reason. The song’s iconic opening riff and Peebles’ smooth, soulful vocals create a sense of longing and heartache that is instantly recognizable. The song’s lyrics are simple but powerful, describing the feeling of loneliness and despair that comes with being left alone in the rain. As Peebles sings, “I can’t stand the rain / Against my window / Bringing back sweet memories”, the listener can feel the weight of her emotions.The song’s instrumentation is sparse but effective, with a simple drum beat and a repetitive guitar riff that creates a sense of momentum. Peebles’ vocals are the real standout, however, as she imbues every word with a sense of longing and heartache. The song has been covered numerous times over the years, and has become a true classic of the genre.Overall, these three songs showcase Ann Peebles’ incredible talent as both a singer and songwriter. Each song captures a different emotion and mood, but all of them are united by Peebles’ raw, emotive vocals and the timeless quality of the music itself. Peebles’ ability to channel her emotions into her music is truly impressive, and her songs have stood the test of time for good reason. Whether you’re a fan of soulful R&B and blues music or just appreciate great songwriting and musicianship, these three songs are not to be missed.
10. (You Keep Me) Hangin’ On
“(You Keep Me) Hangin’ On” is a classic song originally recorded by The Supremes in 1966. The track features a driving beat, infectious guitar riff, and powerful vocals that make it a standout in the Motown catalogue.
The song tells the story of a woman who is struggling to break free from a toxic relationship. The lyrics are both empowering and heart-wrenching as the narrator struggles to find the strength to move on.The Supremes’ version of the song became an instant hit and has been covered by many artists over the years, including Vanilla Fudge, Kim Wilde, and Rod Stewart. The song’s universal theme of heartbreak and resilience has made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.The track’s powerful vocals and catchy instrumentation have also made it a favorite for karaoke and cover bands. Its iconic opening guitar riff and upbeat tempo ensure that it remains a popular choice for dancing and sing-alongs.Overall, “(You Keep Me) Hangin’ On” is a classic Motown track that has stood the test of time. Its themes of heartbreak and resilience are as relevant today as they were in the 1960s, and its catchy melody and driving beat ensure that it will continue to be a favorite for generations to come.
Jared Parker 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.
