Wilson Pickett, known as the “Wicked Pickett,” was a soul legend with a powerful, gritty voice that could move audiences to tears or make them dance with abandon. His passionate delivery, combined with his impeccable sense of rhythm and his ability to infuse every song with raw emotion, made him one of the most influential and beloved figures in the history of soul music. Throughout his career, Pickett recorded numerous classic tracks that showcased his incredible talent and helped to define the sound of Southern soul. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best Wilson Pickett songs of all time, each one a testament to his enduring legacy and his unparalleled contributions to the world of music.
1. In the Midnight Hour
“In the Midnight Hour” is a classic soul track that perfectly captures the raw, unbridled energy of Wilson Pickett’s vocal style. The song’s driving, danceable beat, propelled by a tight, funky bassline and punchy horns, creates an irresistible groove that perfectly complements Pickett’s gritty, impassioned vocals. The lyrics, which describe a late-night rendezvous with a lover, are filled with urgency and desire, as Pickett pleads for his partner to “let it all hang out” and give in to their passion. Pickett’s delivery is nothing short of electric, his voice rising and falling with the intensity of the music, conveying a sense of raw, unfiltered emotion that is both thrilling and deeply moving. “In the Midnight Hour” became Pickett’s first major hit, reaching the top of the R&B charts and cementing his status as one of the most exciting and dynamic performers of his generation. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a classic of the soul genre are a testament to Pickett’s unparalleled ability to infuse every note with heart, soul, and an infectious, irrepressible energy that continues to inspire and electrify listeners to this day.
2. Mustang Sally
“Mustang Sally” is a high-energy, blues-infused soul track that showcases Wilson Pickett’s incredible vocal range and his ability to bring a sense of grit and passion to even the most upbeat and danceable of songs. The song’s driving, guitar-heavy beat, punctuated by blasts of punchy horns and a relentless, pounding rhythm section, creates an explosive, almost frenetic energy that perfectly matches Pickett’s raw, unbridled vocals. The lyrics, which tell the story of a man’s frustration with his free-spirited, hard-living girlfriend, are filled with humor and exasperation, as Pickett pleads with Sally to “slow down” and stop “riding around the town” in her Mustang. Pickett’s delivery is a masterclass in vocal intensity, his voice shifting from a playful, almost teasing tone to a full-throated, gospel-inflected roar as the song builds to its climax. “Mustang Sally” became one of Pickett’s signature songs and a staple of his live performances, its infectious energy and irresistible groove making it an instant classic of the soul genre. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a beloved party anthem are a testament to Pickett’s unparalleled ability to bring joy, passion, and an unbridled sense of fun to every note he sang.
3. Land of 1000 Dances
“Land of 1000 Dances” is an exuberant, party-ready soul track that perfectly captures the infectious energy and unbridled joy of Wilson Pickett’s music. The song’s driving, danceable beat, propelled by a funky, syncopated bassline and punctuated by blasts of brass and percussion, creates an irresistible groove that is guaranteed to get even the most reluctant of dancers out on the floor. The lyrics, which consist mainly of Pickett calling out various dance moves and exhorting the listener to join in the fun, are delivered with a sense of playful, almost manic enthusiasm, as Pickett’s voice rises and falls with the intensity of the music. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Na, na na na na,” has become an instantly recognizable part of pop culture, cementing the track’s status as a beloved party anthem. “Land of 1000 Dances” showcases Pickett’s incredible ability to bring a sense of joy and celebration to his music, his powerful, gritty vocals infusing every note with a sense of unbridled passion and infectious energy. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a classic of the soul genre are a testament to Pickett’s unparalleled ability to create music that moves both the body and the soul.
4. 634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)
“634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” is a soulful, gospel-inflected track that showcases Wilson Pickett’s incredible vocal range and his ability to bring a sense of raw, unbridled emotion to his music. The song’s driving, mid-tempo beat, anchored by a steady, pulsing bassline and adorned with flourishes of guitar and horns, creates a sense of urgency and intensity that perfectly complements Pickett’s powerful, impassioned vocals. The lyrics, which center around a phone number that the singer is desperate to call, are filled with longing and desire, as Pickett pleads with the operator to connect him with his lover. Pickett’s delivery is a masterclass in vocal intensity, his voice shifting from a tender, almost pleading tone to a full-throated, gospel-inflected roar as the song builds to its climax. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of the titular phone number, has become an instantly recognizable part of pop culture, cementing the track’s status as a beloved classic of the soul genre. “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” showcases Pickett’s incredible ability to bring a sense of raw, unfiltered emotion to his music, his powerful vocals infusing every note with a sense of passion and intensity that is both deeply moving and utterly unforgettable.
5. Funky Broadway
“Funky Broadway” is a high-energy, groove-laden soul track that perfectly captures the gritty, urban sound of Wilson Pickett’s music. The song’s driving, danceable beat, propelled by a tight, funky bassline and punctuated by blasts of brass and percussion, creates an irresistible groove that is guaranteed to get even the most reluctant of dancers out on the floor. The lyrics, which celebrate the vibrant, exciting atmosphere of a city street at night, are filled with vivid, colorful imagery and delivered with a sense of playful, almost mischievous energy by Pickett’s powerful, gritty vocals. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Funky Broadway,” has become an instantly recognizable part of pop culture, cementing the track’s status as a beloved classic of the soul genre. “Funky Broadway” showcases Pickett’s incredible ability to bring a sense of raw, unbridled energy to his music, his powerful vocals infusing every note with a sense of passion and intensity that is both thrilling and deeply infectious. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a staple of dance floors and parties around the world are a testament to Pickett’s unparalleled ability to create music that moves both the body and the soul.
6. Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You
“Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” is a soulful, introspective track that showcases Wilson Pickett’s incredible vocal range and his ability to bring a sense of raw, unbridled emotion to his music. The song’s gentle, mid-tempo beat, anchored by a tender, melodic piano line and adorned with flourishes of guitar and strings, creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that perfectly complements Pickett’s powerful, heartfelt vocals. The lyrics, which warn against being deceived by appearances and urge the listener to look beneath the surface, are filled with wisdom and insight, delivered with a sense of hard-earned experience and deep emotional resonance by Pickett’s soulful, expressive voice. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Don’t let the green grass fool you,” has become an instantly recognizable part of pop culture, cementing the track’s status as a beloved classic of the soul genre. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” showcases Pickett’s incredible ability to bring a sense of raw, unfiltered emotion to his music, his powerful vocals infusing every note with a sense of passion and intensity that is both deeply moving and utterly unforgettable. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a timeless soul classic are a testament to Pickett’s unparalleled ability to create music that speaks directly to the heart and soul of the listener.
7. She’s Lookin’ Good
“She’s Lookin’ Good” is a high-energy, funk-infused soul track that perfectly captures the raw, explosive power of Wilson Pickett’s voice. The song’s driving, danceable beat, propelled by a tight, funky bassline and punctuated by blasts of brass and percussion, creates an irresistible groove that is guaranteed to get even the most reluctant of dancers out on the floor. The lyrics, which celebrate the beauty and allure of a confident, attractive woman, are filled with playful, suggestive innuendo and delivered with a sense of mischievous, almost rakish charm by Pickett’s powerful, gritty vocals. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “She’s lookin’ good,” has become an instantly recognizable part of pop culture, cementing the track’s status as a beloved classic of the soul genre. “She’s Lookin’ Good” showcases Pickett’s incredible ability to bring a sense of raw, unbridled energy to his music, his powerful vocals infusing every note with a sense of passion and intensity that is both thrilling and deeply infectious. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a staple of dance floors and parties around the world are a testament to Pickett’s unparalleled ability to create music that celebrates the joys and pleasures of life with unabashed enthusiasm and irrepressible spirit.
8. Hey Jude
“Hey Jude” is a powerful, soulful cover of the classic Beatles song that showcases Wilson Pickett’s incredible vocal range and his ability to bring a unique, deeply personal interpretation to even the most well-known and beloved of tracks. The song’s gentle, piano-driven intro gives way to a driving, mid-tempo beat, propelled by a steady, pulsing bassline and adorned with flourishes of guitar and horns, creating a sense of building intensity and emotional resonance that perfectly complements Pickett’s powerful, heartfelt vocals. Pickett’s rendition of the song’s iconic lyrics, which offer words of comfort and encouragement to a troubled friend, is filled with raw, unbridled emotion, his voice shifting from a tender, almost pleading tone to a full-throated, gospel-inflected roar as the song builds to its climax. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Na na na na,” has become an instantly recognizable part of pop culture, cementing the track’s status as a beloved classic of the soul genre. “Hey Jude” showcases Pickett’s incredible ability to bring a sense of raw, unfiltered emotion to his music, his powerful vocals infusing every note with a sense of passion and intensity that is both deeply moving and utterly unforgettable. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a timeless soul classic are a testament to Pickett’s unparalleled ability to create music that speaks directly to the heart and soul of the listener, even when interpreting the work of other artists.
9. I’m in Love
“I’m in Love” is a tender, romantic soul ballad that showcases Wilson Pickett’s incredible vocal range and his ability to bring a sense of raw, unbridled emotion to his music. The song’s gentle, mid-tempo beat, anchored by a lush, orchestral arrangement and adorned with flourishes of piano and guitar, creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that perfectly complements Pickett’s powerful, heartfelt vocals. The lyrics, which express the joy and wonder of falling deeply in love, are filled with poetic, almost mystical imagery and delivered with a sense of sincere, almost reverent devotion by Pickett’s soulful, expressive voice. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I’m in love,” has become an instantly recognizable part of pop culture, cementing the track’s status as a beloved classic of the soul genre. “I’m in Love” showcases Pickett’s incredible ability to bring a sense of raw, unfiltered emotion to his music, his powerful vocals infusing every note with a sense of passion and intensity that is both deeply moving and utterly unforgettable. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a timeless soul classic are a testament to Pickett’s unparalleled ability to create music that speaks directly to the heart and soul of the listener, expressing the deepest and most profound of human emotions with unparalleled grace and power.
10. Fire and Water
“Fire and Water” is a powerful, gospel-inflected soul track that showcases Wilson Pickett’s incredible vocal range and his ability to bring a sense of raw, unbridled emotion to his music. The song’s driving, mid-tempo beat, anchored by a steady, pulsing bassline and adorned with flourishes of piano and horns, creates a sense of urgency and intensity that perfectly complements Pickett’s powerful, impassioned vocals. The lyrics, which use the metaphor of fire and water to describe the intensity and passion of a romantic relationship, are filled with vivid, almost apocalyptic imagery and delivered with a sense of fierce, almost defiant devotion by Pickett’s soulful, expressive voice. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Fire and water,” has become an instantly recognizable part of pop culture, cementing the track’s status as a beloved classic of the soul genre. “Fire and Water” showcases Pickett’s incredible ability to bring a sense of raw, unfiltered emotion to his music, his powerful vocals infusing every note with a sense of passion and intensity that is both deeply moving and utterly unforgettable. The song’s enduring popularity and its status as a timeless soul classic are a testament to Pickett’s unparalleled ability to create music that speaks directly to the heart and soul of the listener, expressing the deepest and most profound of human emotions with unparalleled grace and power.
Edward Tomlin 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.
