Bobby Bland, also known as the “Lion of the Blues,” was a renowned American blues and soul singer who gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Tennessee in 1930, Bland began his career as a blues singer in the Beale Street clubs of Memphis. He quickly rose to prominence with his rich, deep voice and emotionally charged performances, earning him a place among the most respected and influential blues artists of his time. Throughout his career, Bland released numerous chart-topping hits, and his music has been covered by countless artists across various genres.
In this article, we will be exploring the top 10 best Bobby Bland songs of all time. These songs showcase Bland’s signature style, which blends soulful vocals with bluesy guitar riffs and upbeat rhythms. From his early hits like “Farther Up the Road” to his later successes like “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,” Bland’s music has left an indelible mark on the blues and soul genres. Through this list, we hope to provide insight into Bland’s musical legacy and introduce new listeners to his powerful and emotive voice.
1. Turn On Your Love Light
“Turn On Your Love Light” is a classic R&B song recorded by Bobby Bland in 1961. The song starts with a soulful guitar riff, followed by Bland’s smooth and passionate vocals that express his desire for his lover to “turn on her love light.” The song’s catchy chorus and energetic horns make it a staple of the genre and a fan favorite. Bland’s powerful voice, combined with the song’s lively rhythm, create a memorable and exciting experience for the listener. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, but Bland’s original remains a timeless classic that has influenced generations of musicians.
2. Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City
“Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” is a soulful ballad recorded by Bobby Bland in 1974. The song was written by Michael Price and Dan Walsh and has been covered by various artists over the years. The song’s lyrics convey the loneliness and heartbreak of urban life and the struggle to find love and happiness. Bland’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery make this song one of his most memorable and beloved works. The song’s arrangement is filled with lush strings, bluesy guitar licks, and a driving rhythm section, adding to the song’s emotional impact. “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today, nearly five decades after its initial release.
3. Members Only
“Members Only” is a soulful ballad by Bobby Bland, released in 1985. The song was written by Jerry Beach, and produced by blues legend Johnny Guitar Watson. The track features Bland’s trademark smooth vocals, backed by a mellow saxophone melody and gentle guitar riffs. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is in love with a woman who belongs to a social club that he cannot join. Bland’s emotive delivery brings out the pain and longing in the lyrics, making the song a soulful and heartfelt expression of unrequited love. “Members Only” became a hit on the R&B charts, reaching number eight, and remains a fan favorite and a staple of Bland’s discography.
4. That’s The Way Love Is
“That’s The Way Love Is” is a classic R&B soul song performed by Bobby Bland, originally released in 1963. The song features a mid-tempo rhythm and a soulful horn section that perfectly complements Bland’s powerful and emotive vocals. The lyrics touch on the ups and downs of love, emphasizing the difficulties and the pain that come with it. Bland’s delivery is both raw and delicate, adding a layer of vulnerability to the song that makes it even more captivating. The track’s production and instrumentation are impeccably crafted, with a steady drumbeat and a melodic piano line that blend seamlessly with Bland’s vocals. The song has become a classic in the soul genre and has been covered by many other artists over the years, including Marvin Gaye and Gladys Knight & The Pips. With its timeless sound and poignant lyrics, “That’s The Way Love Is” remains one of Bobby Bland’s most beloved songs.
5. I’ll Take Care of You
“I’ll Take Care of You” is a soulful and emotional ballad by Bobby Bland that showcases his powerful and smooth vocal style. The song’s lyrics speak of unconditional love and support, as Bland promises to be there for his lover through thick and thin. The slow and steady tempo, accompanied by gentle piano and guitar, adds to the song’s sentimental and heartfelt atmosphere. Bland’s vocal performance is particularly impressive, as he effortlessly transitions between tender and passionate moments, conveying a deep sense of empathy and understanding. “I’ll Take Care of You” has since become a classic in the R&B and blues genres, with its enduring message of love and devotion resonating with listeners across generations.
6. I Pity the Fool
“I Pity the Fool” is a soulful blues song by Bobby Bland, released in 1961. The song features a memorable opening guitar riff and Bland’s soulful, gritty vocals. The lyrics express his frustration with a woman who has taken advantage of his kindness and left him with a broken heart. Bland’s emotive delivery conveys the pain and anguish he feels as he sings, “I gave you all of my money, all of my love and everything, but you left me all alone, to worry and to grieve.” The song’s powerful chorus, “I pity the fool, I said I pity the fool,” has become a well-known catchphrase in popular culture. The song has been covered by many artists, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Rolling Stones, and Buddy Guy. “I Pity the Fool” is considered one of Bland’s signature songs and a classic example of his powerful vocals and emotional delivery.
7. Cry Cry Cry
“Cry Cry Cry” is a soulful and emotional song performed by Bobby Bland. Released in 1960, the song became an instant hit and remains one of Bland’s most beloved songs to this day. The track features Bland’s powerful and soulful vocals, backed by a group of talented musicians who provide a smooth and melodic backdrop for the singer’s voice to soar over. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is heartbroken and in despair over a lost love, and Bland delivers them with raw emotion and passion. The song is a perfect example of Bland’s ability to connect with his audience on a deep and personal level through his music. With its catchy melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics, “Cry Cry Cry” is a timeless classic that continues to move and inspire listeners today.
8. This Time, I’m Gone for Good
“This Time, I’m Gone for Good” is a soulful ballad by Bobby “Blue” Bland that showcases his impeccable vocal range and emotive delivery. The song was released in 1974 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart. It’s a heartbreaking tale of a man who’s been hurt too many times and has finally decided to leave for good, even though he knows it will be painful. Bland’s powerful vocals capture the pain and frustration of the lyrics, while the music, with its slow tempo and gentle guitar licks, adds to the overall emotional impact of the song. The hauntingly beautiful horn section adds to the overall ambiance of the song, giving it a melancholic yet soulful vibe that has become synonymous with Bland’s music. “This Time, I’m Gone for Good” is a classic soul ballad that showcases Bland’s talent as a singer and songwriter and is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates soulful music.
9. Love to See You Smile
A thrilling track from Bobby Bland’s album Come Fly with Me is “Love to See You Smile” (1978). Bobby Bland became known as a master of expressive singing as a result of his vocals that were packed with emotion and helped him convey his message, as in this love ballad. The lyrics of the song make references to a man who longs to see his wife content and in love. This occurs after the woman enters this man’s life and changes him from a lonely man to one who feels valued. No ordinary love song that sounds like flattery is “Love to See You Smile”! The lyrics have the sweetest tone of any confession a guy could possibly make about the love he feels and wants to return.
10. Farther Up the Road
“Farther Up the Road” is a classic blues song by Bobby Bland, originally released in 1957. It features Bland’s smooth and soulful vocals, backed by a swinging rhythm section and a wailing saxophone solo. The song tells the story of a man who has been left by his lover and is now trying to move on with his life. Despite his pain, he still holds out hope that his ex will return to him one day. With its catchy chorus and powerful delivery, “Farther Up the Road” has become a beloved staple of the blues canon and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. It showcases Bland’s ability to infuse his music with emotion and depth, making him one of the most influential and beloved blues artists of all time.
Erica Henderson 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.
