Wilson Pickett, known as the “Wicked Pickett,” was a powerhouse in the world of soul music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre with his electrifying performances and iconic songs. Born in Alabama, Pickett’s gritty, soulful voice and energetic stage presence captivated audiences and earned him a reputation as one of the greatest soul singers of all time. With a career spanning over four decades, Pickett released numerous hits that have stood the test of time and continue to be celebrated today. From his early days with The Falcons to his solo career, Pickett’s music was a fusion of soul, R&B, and rock and roll, creating a unique sound that resonated with listeners around the world. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top ten best Wilson Pickett songs of all time, exploring the stories behind these iconic tracks and the impact they had on music history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, Pickett’s songs are sure to inspire and move you, showcasing the talent and passion of a true soul legend.
1. Mustang Sally
Wilson Pickett, known for his soulful voice and energetic performances, left a lasting impact on music with his powerful songs. One of his most iconic tracks, “Mustang Sally,” stands as a timeless classic in the realm of rhythm and blues. Released in 1966, this song embodies the essence of Pickett’s style, blending soul, funk, and rock elements into a captivating sound.
“Mustang Sally” tells the story of a man urging his girlfriend to slow down and appreciate their relationship, using the metaphor of the iconic Ford Mustang car. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Pickett’s dynamic vocals make it a favorite among fans and a staple in various media, including movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Pickett’s rendition of “Mustang Sally” showcases his exceptional vocal range and his ability to infuse emotion into every note. The song’s popularity has endured for decades, making it a must-listen for anyone exploring the best of Wilson Pickett’s repertoire. With its infectious groove and timeless appeal, “Mustang Sally” remains a standout track in Pickett’s impressive catalog of hits, solidifying his status as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
2. In the Midnight Hour
“In the Midnight Hour” is another standout hit from Wilson Pickett, released in 1965. This soulful track became one of his signature songs, known for its irresistible groove and Pickett’s electrifying vocals. The song’s lyrics speak of longing and desire, with Pickett declaring his readiness to love his partner “in the midnight hour,” emphasizing the urgency and passion of his feelings.
The song’s arrangement, featuring a prominent horn section and a driving rhythm, perfectly complements Pickett’s energetic delivery, creating a sound that is both infectious and soul-stirring. “In the Midnight Hour” quickly became a favorite among audiences and critics alike, earning Pickett widespread acclaim and solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in soul music.
Over the years, “In the Midnight Hour” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and TV shows, further cementing its status as a classic. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Pickett’s musical prowess and the timeless quality of his work. For fans of soul music, “In the Midnight Hour” remains a must-listen, showcasing Wilson Pickett at the height of his creative powers.
3. Land of 1000 Dances
“Land of 1000 Dances” is one of Wilson Pickett’s most iconic songs, released in 1966. This energetic track is a soulful anthem that embodies the spirit of dance and celebration. With its catchy chorus and infectious rhythm, “Land of 1000 Dances” became a massive hit and a staple of Pickett’s live performances.
The song’s lyrics, which reference various dance crazes and invite listeners to join in the festivities, struck a chord with audiences, making it a favorite at parties and events. Pickett’s dynamic vocals and the song’s upbeat tempo create a sense of excitement and joy that is impossible to resist.
“Land of 1000 Dances” has since become a classic of the soul genre, with its irresistible groove and timeless appeal ensuring its place in music history. The song has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a beloved classic.
For fans of Wilson Pickett and soul music in general, “Land of 1000 Dances” remains a standout track that captures the essence of fun and celebration, making it a timeless addition to any playlist.
4. Funky Broadway
“Funky Broadway” is a funk and soul song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1967. It is a lively and energetic track that showcases Pickett’s powerful vocals and the tight instrumentation of the backing band. The song’s lyrics celebrate the vibrant atmosphere and lively music scene of Broadway in New York City, particularly focusing on the “funky” aspect of the music played there.
With its infectious groove and catchy chorus, “Funky Broadway” became a hit for Pickett, reaching the top of the R&B charts and becoming a staple of his live performances. The song’s upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm made it a favorite among audiences and solidified Pickett’s reputation as one of the leading figures in soul music.
“Funky Broadway” has since been covered by several artists and has remained popular among fans of soul and funk music. Its lively beat and catchy melody continue to make it a standout track in Pickett’s discography, showcasing his talent for delivering high-energy performances that resonate with listeners.
5. Don't Knock My Love
“Don’t Knock My Love” is a soulful track by Wilson Pickett, released in 1971. The song features Pickett’s signature gritty vocals and a lively arrangement that blends elements of soul and funk. The lyrics convey a message of self-assurance and defiance, with Pickett proclaiming his love and warning others not to criticize or undermine it.
“Don’t Knock My Love” showcases Pickett’s versatility as an artist, with its smooth vocals and infectious groove. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a standout track in Pickett’s repertoire, demonstrating his ability to create music that is both soulful and danceable.
Despite being released later in Pickett’s career, “Don’t Knock My Love” became a hit for the artist, reaffirming his status as a leading figure in soul music. The song’s timeless appeal has ensured its enduring popularity, with its message of love and self-assurance resonating with listeners of all generations.
For fans of Wilson Pickett, “Don’t Knock My Love” remains a classic track that highlights the artist’s unique sound and musical style. Its blend of soulful vocals and funky rhythms makes it a must-listen for anyone interested in the music of this iconic artist.
6. 634-5789
“634-5789” is a classic soul song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1966. The song’s title refers to a telephone number that the narrator encourages a love interest to call for romantic purposes. It’s a catchy, upbeat track with Pickett’s signature raw vocals and a lively horn section.
The song’s lyrics are playful and flirtatious, with Pickett singing about being available to his love interest anytime they need him. The infectious groove and catchy chorus make it a favorite among fans of Pickett’s music and a staple of his live performances.
“634-5789” was a hit for Pickett, reaching the top of the R&B charts and becoming one of his most well-known songs. Its upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm have made it a popular choice for covers by other artists and have helped solidify its status as a classic of the soul genre.
For fans of Wilson Pickett, “634-5789” is a must-listen track that exemplifies his unique style and sound. Its catchy melody and fun lyrics make it a timeless addition to any soul music playlist.
7. Everybody Needs Somebody to Love
“Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” is a soulful rhythm and blues song originally recorded by Solomon Burke in 1964. Wilson Pickett’s rendition of the song, released in 1967, is perhaps the most well-known cover version. Pickett’s powerful vocals and energetic delivery bring a new level of intensity to the song, turning it into a soul anthem.
The song’s message is simple yet profound, emphasizing the universal need for love and companionship. Pickett’s passionate performance, backed by a lively horn section and upbeat rhythm, creates a sense of urgency and joy that is infectious.
“Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” became one of Pickett’s signature songs, showcasing his ability to infuse soul and emotion into his music. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, with its catchy melody and timeless message resonating with audiences of all ages.
For fans of Wilson Pickett, “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” is a standout track that exemplifies his talent and musical style. Its upbeat tempo and soulful vocals make it a classic of the genre and a must-listen for anyone interested in the music of this iconic artist.
8. 99 and a Half (Won't Do)
“99 and a Half (Won’t Do)” is a classic soul song by Wilson Pickett, released in 1966. The song’s title refers to the narrator’s determination to give more than 100% effort in his relationship, emphasizing his commitment and devotion.
With its catchy chorus and infectious groove, “99 and a Half (Won’t Do)” became a hit for Pickett and a favorite among fans. The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic rhythm showcase Pickett’s dynamic vocals and his ability to deliver a powerful performance.
The lyrics of “99 and a Half (Won’t Do)” convey a message of perseverance and determination, with Pickett singing about his willingness to go above and beyond for his love interest. The song’s message of giving your all in a relationship resonated with audiences and helped solidify Pickett’s reputation as a leading figure in soul music.
“99 and a Half (Won’t Do)” remains a classic of the genre, with its catchy melody and soulful vocals making it a timeless addition to any soul music playlist. For fans of Wilson Pickett, this song is a must-listen, showcasing the artist at the height of his creative powers.
9. Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You
“Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” is a soulful track by Wilson Pickett, released in 1971. The song features Pickett’s gritty vocals and a lively arrangement that blends elements of soul, funk, and R&B. The lyrics caution against being deceived by appearances, urging listeners to look beneath the surface and see the truth.
With its infectious groove and catchy chorus, “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” became a hit for Pickett, reaching the top of the R&B charts and becoming a favorite among fans. The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic rhythm make it a standout track in Pickett’s repertoire, demonstrating his ability to create music that is both soulful and danceable.
Despite being released later in Pickett’s career, “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” remains a classic of the genre, with its timeless message and irresistible beat resonating with audiences of all ages. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, with its funky sound and soulful vocals making it a favorite among fans of soul music.
For fans of Wilson Pickett, “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” is a must-listen track that showcases the artist’s unique style and musical talent. Its blend of soulful vocals and funky rhythms makes it a standout in Pickett’s discography, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
10. Don't Fight It
“Don’t Fight It” is a soulful track by Wilson Pickett, released in 1965. The song features Pickett’s signature raw vocals and a lively arrangement that blends elements of soul and R&B. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace love and not resist its pull.
With its infectious groove and catchy chorus, “Don’t Fight It” became a hit for Pickett, reaching the top of the R&B charts and becoming a favorite among fans. The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic rhythm make it a standout track in Pickett’s repertoire, demonstrating his ability to create music that is both soulful and danceable.
“Don’t Fight It” has since become a classic of the genre, with its timeless message and irresistible beat resonating with audiences of all ages. The song’s popularity has endured over the years, with its soulful sound and energetic vocals making it a favorite among fans of soul music.
For fans of Wilson Pickett, “Don’t Fight It” is a must-listen track that exemplifies the artist’s unique style and musical talent. Its blend of soulful vocals and upbeat rhythms makes it a standout in Pickett’s discography, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.