The Staple Singers have left an indelible mark on the landscape of American music with their soulful harmonies, powerful lyrics, and undeniable talent. Spanning several decades, their career has yielded a remarkable catalog of songs that continue to resonate with audiences to this day. In this article, we delve into the rich musical legacy of The Staple Singers and explore their top 10 best songs of all time. From their early gospel roots to their crossover success in the R&B and soul genres, the group captivated listeners with their unique blend of spirituality, social consciousness, and infectious rhythms. We’ll take a journey through the group’s discography, exploring iconic tracks that encapsulate their musical brilliance, lyrical depth, and unwavering commitment to spreading messages of love, hope, and equality. Whether it’s their timeless anthem “Respect Yourself,” their soul-stirring rendition of “I’ll Take You There,” or the heartfelt plea for social justice in “Freedom Highway,” each song on this list represents a momentous chapter in The Staple Singers’ illustrious career. Join us as we celebrate their remarkable contributions to music and delve into the top 10 best songs that have solidified their place in the pantheon of musical legends.
1. I’ll Take You There
Taking listeners on a spiritual journey, one of The Staple Singers' best songs is a soulful anthem called 'I’ll Take You There.' With its catchy rhythm and upbeat tempo, the song has a feel-good quality that uplifts and inspires. It's an ideal blend of gospel, R&B, and funk that showcases the band's signature sound. 'I’ll Take You There' became an instant hit in 1972, topping the charts for several weeks straight.
The lyrics of the song are simple yet memorable, with Mavis Staples singing about taking someone to a place where there's joy, love, peace, and happiness. The accompanying music video is equally captivating, with the band performing live in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years but nothing compares to the original.
Interestingly enough, despite being around for almost four decades now since its release,' I'll Take You There' still resonates with listeners today. It remains one of those timeless classics that bring people together and injects positivity into their lives.
If you want to experience some soulful goodness and take your spirits soaring high then give it a listen – we promise you won't regret it.
Let's do it again? Sounds like a plan, as long as we're talking about listening to The Staple Singers and not attempting a group skydiving excursion.
2. Let’s Do It Again
Let's revisit the unforgettable music of The Staple Singers with their classic hit that will never go out of style. This soulful tune has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences old and new.
- Let's Do It Again captivates listeners with its infectious rhythm, sharp lyrics, and signature harmonies.
- The song is an ode to love and romance, with a groove so irresistible you can't help but move your feet.
- Its popularity was not confined to charts only; it was also featured in a motion picture of the same name, starring Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby.
- The song's universal appeal has led to numerous covers by various artists across different genres.
This song marked The Staple Singers' entry into mainstream music, establishing them as one of the most iconic groups in gospel, soul and R&B. With their powerful voices, socially conscious lyrics and undeniable talent, The Staple Singers influenced generations of musicians.
In fact, contemporaries such as Bob Dylan lauded their work, citing Mavis Staples as having “the sexiest voice I’d ever heard." Such an anecdote speaks volumes about The Staple Singers’ lasting impact on music history.
It's hard to resist nodding along to Let's Do It Again – a melodic reminder of just how much we love good music. Respect yourself, because if you don't, The Staple Singers will do it for you in their iconic song that's sure to lift your spirits and make you wanna dance.
3. Respect Yourself
This classic song by The Staple Singers is a call for self-empowerment and self-respect. The lyrics encourage listeners to take pride in who they are, stand up for themselves, and demand respect from others. With its upbeat tempo and gospel-inspired vocals, "Respect Yourself" became a popular anthem for the civil rights movement.
The song was released in 1971 and climbed to the top of the R&B charts while also crossing over to mainstream audiences. Its message remains as relevant today as it was then, reminding us that everyone deserves respect regardless of their background or circumstance. "Respect Yourself" is a timeless song that will continue to inspire generations to come.
"It's not just a song, it's the only way to describe how high The Staple Singers can take you with 'City in the Sky'."
4. City in the Sky
The fourth top song by The Staple Singers is an inspiring tune that touches the sky with its powerful vocals and uplifting lyrics. Listeners can enjoy Mavis Staples' soulful voice and her family's harmonies as they sing about the beauty of a better place beyond our earthly world.
| Song | Album Name | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| City in the Sky | Be Altitude: Respect Yourself | 1972 |
Don't miss out on this heavenly track that will uplift your spirit and transport you to another dimension with its celestial sounds. Give it a listen and join The Staple Singers on their journey to the City in the Sky.
Slippery People: the only time you'll want a congregation full of sinners slipping and sliding all over the place.
5. Slippery People
This segment dives into The Staple Singers' classic hit, known as a powerful gospel piece. Its strong vocals, uplifting rhythm and meaningful message make it an iconic anthem for change and hope. The lyrics speak of unity and overcoming obstacles to create a better future. The song's impact is enhanced by its seamless blend of soulful vocals and rock-influenced groove, creating a powerful sound that resonates with listeners still today. Digging deeper into the song, "Slippery People" exhibits the band's ability to fuse different genres seamlessly. It features funky guitar riffs layered over a driving drumbeat that creates an infectious rhythm while also keeping its soulful message at its core. The gospel-inspired backing vocals uplift the song further, enhancing the emphasis on unity and strength in numbers. What makes this particular track stand out is the inclusion of superb arrangements alongside some fantastic musicianship by both lead and backing vocalists. In addition to being an excellent dance tune, "Slippery People" serves as a statement against societal ills, making it one of the finest examples of socially conscious music. Overall, "Slippery People" remains a timeless masterpiece due to its relevance even after decades have passed since its release. Its themes of inclusivity and positivity are essential messages that continue to resonate today, making it an inspiration for all aural genres to follow. Fans can't help but sing along whenever they hear this iconoclastic track play on radios or through their earbuds-so dive in headfirst into this remarkable Staple Singers classic right now! Get ready to be swept away by The Staple Singers' infectious energy and soulful harmonies with 'If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)' – a world-class road trip anthem that'll have you packing your bags in no time.
6. If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)
This classic soul gospel song by The Staple Singers is a timeless hit that exudes the group's signature sound and style. 'Come Go With Me' was released in 1973, but it continues to resonate with music lovers all over the world. The playful lyrics and catchy chorus make it a perfect sing-along song for any occasion. The organ arrangement and syncopated rhythm create an upbeat atmosphere that makes you want to dance.
The background vocals and instrumentation on this track highlight the superior musicality of The Staple Singers, as they incorporate both traditional gospel and contemporary elements in their music. Mavis Staples' powerful voice leads the way with her soulful ad-libs and emotional delivery. 'If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)' is more than just a song; it's an experience that takes you on a journey of faith, love, and unity.
Interestingly, this song also served as a political anthem during the Civil Rights Movement, as it promoted the idea of standing together against injustice and discrimination. Its significance goes beyond just its musical brilliance; it carries a social message that still resonates today.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate the beauty of this classic soul gospel gem, listen to it in its full instrumentation on high-quality speakers or headphones.
Need a friend? Just touch a hand and listen to The Staple Singers' soulful harmonies in 'Touch A Hand, Make A Friend'.
7. Touch A Hand, Make A Friend
Human connection is at the core of The Staple Singers' music, and their timeless classic "Touch A Hand, Make A Friend" embodies this message in a soulful and uplifting way. Here are six reasons why this song deserves its place as one of their best:
- The catchy melody and harmonies make it instantly recognizable.
- The lyrics encourage listeners to reach out to others with love and kindness.
- Mavis Staples' powerful vocals give the song real emotional depth.
- The gospel-influenced instrumentation adds a joyful, celebratory feel.
- It's a great example of how The Staple Singers used music as a tool for social activism and change.
- By reminding us of the importance of human connection, "Touch A Hand, Make A Friend" continues to be relevant today.
Aside from its musical qualities, it's worth noting that "Touch A Hand, Make A Friend" was released at a time when racial tensions were high in the United States. Its message of unity and friendship carried particular resonance in that context.
Get ready to shimmy and shake like a bowl of jelly with The Staple Singers' "Heavy Makes You Happy", proving once again that soulful grooves and catchy lyrics are the recipe for musical bliss.
8. Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)
This classic tune by The Staple Singers is an absolute gem. 'Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)' is a funky and upbeat track that encourages listeners to let loose and embrace happiness. The soulful vocals of Mavis Staples combined with the smooth guitar riffs make for an electrifying listening experience. This song highlights the band's ability to create music that not only grooves but also carries uplifting messages.
The song was released in 1971 and became one of their most iconic hits ever since. It's no wonder it has had such staying power over the years, given its catchy chorus and infectious melody.
In addition to its popularity as a dancefloor filler, the song has been widely sampled by other artists over the years, cementing its place as a classic of American soul music.
A true fact is that the song was ranked #15 on Rolling Stone's list of The 25 Best Stax Songs in History.
If you're feeling stressed, just put on The Staple Singers' 'Oh La De Da' and let Mavis' soulful voice wash away your troubles.
9. Oh La De Da
This classic Staple Singers' tune showcases their distinctive gospel-soul sound. The upbeat tempo and Mavis Staples' powerhouse vocals make 'Oh La De Da' a standout hit. The song's lyrics celebrate the joy and freedom of life, preaching that we should embrace each day with optimism and happiness. It's easy to see why this infectious track has become one of the group's most beloved songs.
In addition to its infectious groove and inspiring message, 'Oh La De Da' is also notable for its arrangement. The song features a funky guitar riff, propulsive drum beat, and soaring backing vocals that all add to its irresistible appeal. When combined with Mavis Staples' passionate delivery, it's no wonder that this track has stood the test of time.
While this feel-good anthem never achieved massive commercial success, it remains a fan favorite among both old-school soul enthusiasts and new listeners alike. With its uplifting lyrics and soulful sound, 'Oh La De Da' is a perfect example of what made The Staple Singers such an enduring force in American music history.
Did you know that the group recorded 'Oh La De Da' at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama? This legendary facility was known for producing some of the biggest hits in soul music during the 1960s and 70s, including classics by Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and more. By recording at Muscle Shoals, The Staple Singers were able to tap into this unique creative energy while also putting their own stamp on the studio's iconic musical legacy.
Even the devil himself can't resist tapping his foot to 'This World' by The Staple Singers.
10. This World
This soulful track highlights the gospel roots of The Staple Singers with Mavis Staples emotively singing about the challenges and suffering in this world. With a mellow piano and organ arrangement, the song poetically ponders over the harsh realities faced by people, making it a poignant message to listeners.
'This World' showcases the group’s aptitude to deliver meaningful lyrics that resonate with their audience on spiritual level. The palpable emotions delivered through the vocals make this song an unforgettable one that has garnered critical acclaim over time.
A standout feature of this track is how it underscores the struggles of humanity without resorting to any preachy sentiments. The undeniable power of Mavis's voice and the moving instrumentals elevates 'This World' into an unforgettable musical experience that truly captures The Staple Singers signature sound.
According to Rolling Stone, 'This World' is among The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by The Staple Singers which cements its position as an iconic tune that leaves a profound impact on all those who listen.
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.
