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Jackie Wilson is widely considered to be one of the greatest R&B and soul singers of all time. Known for his electrifying stage presence, powerful vocals, and signature dance moves, Wilson left an indelible mark on the music world. Throughout his career, he released numerous chart-topping hits that continue to be beloved by fans to this day. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the top 10 best Jackie Wilson songs of all time.
Starting with his early hits from the 1950s and ’60s, we’ll explore the songs that helped establish Wilson as a major force in R&B and soul music. From the heart-wrenching ballads to the high-energy dance tunes, we’ll examine what makes each of these songs so special and enduring. Along the way, we’ll also delve into Wilson’s influence on the music world and the legacy that he left behind.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jackie Wilson’s music or simply curious about the iconic singer, this list of his top 10 best songs is sure to offer a deep dive into some of the greatest moments of his legendary career.
1. Higher and Higher – 1967
“Higher and Higher” is a classic soul and R&B song recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1967. The upbeat and infectious melody, coupled with Wilson’s powerful and dynamic vocal performance, make it an undeniable classic of the era. The song’s lyrics celebrate the feeling of joy and elation that comes with being in love, urging the listener to keep reaching higher and higher in pursuit of that feeling. With its catchy chorus and irresistible groove, “Higher and Higher” remains a beloved staple of the soul and R&B canon, and a testament to Jackie Wilson’s unmatched talent and energy as a performer.
2. Lonely Teardrops – 1962
“Lonely Teardrops” is a timeless classic of the R&B and soul genres, recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1958. The song’s emotive lyrics and Wilson’s powerful, soaring vocals make it a standout among his many hits. “Lonely Teardrops” tells the story of a man begging his lost love to come back to him, and Wilson’s performance captures the pain and desperation of the lyrics perfectly. The song’s driving rhythm, punctuated by a memorable horn section, adds to its emotional impact. Decades after its initial release, “Lonely Teardrops” remains a beloved and enduring example of the power of soul music to express deep human emotions.
3. Baby Workout – 1962
“Baby Workout” is an upbeat and danceable R&B and soul song recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1963. The song’s infectious groove and Wilson’s energetic vocal performance make it a standout among his many hits. “Baby Workout” is a call to the dance floor, with lyrics that encourage listeners to let loose and move their bodies. The song’s driving beat, punctuated by catchy guitar riffs and a lively horn section, creates a sense of joyous abandon that perfectly matches the song’s message. Decades after its initial release, “Baby Workout” remains a beloved classic of the R&B and soul genres, and a testament to Jackie Wilson’s unmatched talent and energy as a performer.
4. Night – 1960
“Night” is a classic R&B ballad recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1960. The song’s melancholy lyrics and Wilson’s emotive vocal performance make it a standout among his many hits. “Night” tells the story of a man who is haunted by memories of a lost love, and Wilson’s soaring vocals capture the pain and longing of the lyrics perfectly. The song’s atmospheric instrumentation, featuring a prominent string section, adds to its emotional impact. Decades after its initial release, “Night” remains a beloved and enduring example of Jackie Wilson’s ability to convey deep human emotions through his music.
5. Talk That Talk – 1983
“Talk That Talk” is a posthumous release by Jackie Wilson, recorded in 1983, after his untimely death in 1984. The song is a funky and upbeat R&B track that showcases Wilson’s dynamic vocal range and his ability to work within a more contemporary sound. “Talk That Talk” is a call to confidence and charisma, with lyrics that encourage the listener to speak their mind and command attention. The song’s lively instrumentation, featuring electric guitars and a driving bassline, create a sense of energy and excitement that perfectly matches the song’s message. “Talk That Talk” stands as a testament to Jackie Wilson’s enduring influence on R&B and soul music, even after his passing.
6. I’ll Be Satisfied – 1958
“I’ll Be Satisfied” is a classic R&B and soul song recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1958. The song’s smooth and emotive melody, coupled with Wilson’s powerful and dynamic vocal performance, make it a standout among his many hits. “I’ll Be Satisfied” is a love song, with lyrics that express the singer’s devotion to his partner, and Wilson’s performance captures the passion and longing of the lyrics perfectly. The song’s lush instrumentation, featuring a prominent horn section, adds to its emotional impact. Decades after its initial release, “I’ll Be Satisfied” remains a beloved and enduring example of Jackie Wilson’s unparalleled talent and influence in the world of R&B and soul music.
7. Whispers (Gettin’ Louder) – 1966
“Whispers (Gettin’ Louder)” is a classic soul and R&B song recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1966. The song’s infectious groove and Wilson’s powerful vocal performance make it a standout among his many hits. “Whispers (Gettin’ Louder)” is an upbeat and danceable song with lyrics that describe a man’s determination to win back his lost love, and Wilson’s performance captures the urgency and emotion of the lyrics perfectly. The song’s catchy guitar riffs and lively horn section add to its high-energy sound. Decades after its initial release, “Whispers (Gettin’ Louder)” remains a beloved and enduring example of Jackie Wilson’s unparalleled talent and influence in the world of R&B and soul music.
8. My Empty Arms – 1961
“My Empty Arms” is a classic soul ballad recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1961. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and Wilson’s emotive vocal performance make it a standout among his many hits. “My Empty Arms” tells the story of a man who has been left alone and brokenhearted after his lover has left him. Wilson’s soaring vocals capture the pain and despair of the lyrics perfectly. The song’s atmospheric instrumentation, featuring a prominent string section, adds to its emotional impact. Decades after its initial release, “My Empty Arms” remains a beloved and enduring example of Jackie Wilson’s unmatched ability to convey deep human emotions through his music.
9. Alone At Last – 1970
“Alone At Last” is a soulful ballad recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1970. The song’s emotive lyrics and Wilson’s powerful vocal performance make it a standout among his many hits. “Alone At Last” tells the story of a man who has finally found the love of his life and is cherishing a moment alone with her. Wilson’s soulful delivery captures the passion and tenderness of the lyrics perfectly. The song’s gentle instrumentation, featuring a prominent string section, adds to its emotional impact. Decades after its initial release, “Alone At Last” remains a beloved and enduring example of Jackie Wilson’s unparalleled talent and influence in the world of R&B and soul music.
10. A Woman, a Lover, a Friend – 1960
“A Woman, a Lover, a Friend” is a classic R&B and soul song recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1960. The song’s smooth melody and Wilson’s powerful vocal performance make it a standout among his many hits. “A Woman, a Lover, a Friend” is a love song, with lyrics that describe the singer’s need for a partner who can fulfill all his emotional needs. Wilson’s soulful delivery captures the longing and passion of the lyrics perfectly. The song’s lush instrumentation, featuring a prominent horn section, adds to its romantic and soulful sound. Decades after its initial release, “A Woman, a Lover, a Friend” remains a beloved and enduring example of Jackie Wilson’s unparalleled talent and influence in the world of R&B and soul music.
Simon Robinson 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.
