Edwin Starr was an American soul singer and songwriter who is best known for his protest song “War.” Born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1942, Starr started his music career in the 1960s as a member of various vocal groups.
Starr’s solo career took off in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the release of hits such as “Twenty-Five Miles,” “Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.),” and “War.” “War,” which was released in 1970, became an anthem for the anti-Vietnam War movement and remains one of the most iconic protest songs of all time.
Throughout his career, Starr released over a dozen albums and won several awards, including a Grammy Award in 1970 for his cover of “War.”
Starr was known for his powerful voice, energetic stage presence, and socially conscious lyrics. He used his platform to raise awareness about issues such as war, poverty, and social injustice, and his music continues to inspire and influence activists and musicians around the world.
Starr passed away in 2003, but his music and legacy continue to be celebrated and admired by fans of soul and R&B music. He remains one of the most influential and beloved artists of his generation, and his contributions to the music industry will be felt for generations to come.
1. Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On
This chart-topping classic, known as 'Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On', brings to the dance floor a funkadelic beat that sweeps all listeners off their feet. With its catchy chorus, funky horns and Starr's soulful voice, this song is an ultimate party anthem that never gets old. Its infectious grooves continue to make people boogie down even after five decades since its release in 1971. It solidified Starr's position as a celebrated rhythm and blues superstar with unmatched talent and charisma.
Continuing on the same musical route, Starr's timeless hit 'War' rings of political and social commentary while maintaining an upbeat tempo. The track was released during the peak of anti-war movement in the US in 1970s and became one of the most influential protest songs of all time. Besides making it into the top charts globally, 'War' continues to stir conversations on peace activism and social justice.
Starr collaborated with Blinky Williams for 'Oh How Happy,' which offers a different flavor to his typical funk style. This ballad incorporates layers of soothing melodies that communicate pure joy and happiness with ease. Starr’s delivery exudes passion accompanied by Blinky's silky harmonies, which makes this song irresistible to listen to.
At one point in Edwin Starr's career, he endeavored into disco music. One could mistake 'Contact' as a Bee Gees hit with its infectiously trendy beats yet preserved Starr's signature sound ultimately leaving us asking for more of such hits. This song rose through charts across nations during the Disco age era where Starr did not shy away from incorporating his roots – Soul music – into Disco keeping us wondering about what if Disco had more functions like this charismatic piece.
Fun fact: Edwin Stare believed that Soul music has healing properties and played free concerts at hospitals for kids when he wasn't touring!
Edwin Starr proves that the best things come from the back streets with his electrifying hit list.
2. Back Street
This track held a spot on Edwin Starr's 1970 album titled 'War & Peace'. 'Back Street' is a powerful soulful ballad that describes the tribulations of love and the painful realities of unrequited affection. Starr's raw, emotional vocals parallel perfectly with the tormented lyrics, creating an unforgettable heart-wrenching experience for the listener. The song beautifully transitions between his sultry humming and earnest pleas to his lover.
Moreover, Starr's use of orchestration invokes a sense of nostalgia, adding depth and sentimental value to the song. An upbeat tempo elevates in parts, lifting the singer out of his somber musings, only to return him back to reality once again. Despite its relatively unknown status outside of hardcore fans, 'Back Street' remains one of Starr's masterpieces.
For those who have yet to discover Edwin Starr's broad range of emotion-packed melodies such as Back Street, they are missing out on a sonic experience unlike any other. Its impeccable blend of poetic lyrics, seamless instrumentation and passionate vocals make it an essential addition to anyone's soul playlist.
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Time to bid adieu to the lady, as we move on to the next tune in our list of the greatest hits of Edwin Starr.
4. Adios Senorita
With the fourth addition to the list of '10 Best Edwin Starr Songs of All Time', we come across the memorable number 'Farewell, Senorita'. This composition is a timeless classic that showcases Starr's dynamic vocal range in a traditional soul music setting with romantic lyrics and upbeat melody. The song is an ode to a lover who has decided to leave and pursue other opportunities, with Adios senorita being used as an endearing farewell refrain throughout the track.
Starr's rendition of this melody highlights his ability to blend vocals with instrumentation, thereby capturing the essence of soulful music. The number gained massive popularity upon its release due to its unique composition and heartfelt lyrics that struck a chord with audiences across generations.
It's worth noting that 'Farewell, Senorita' has since become a staple in various musical genres, including R&B, jazz, and even country. Its timeless appeal remains unchallenged even after decades since its initial release.
Get your happy on with Edwin Starr's groovy hit, H.A.P.P.Y. Radio – the perfect soundtrack for when life hands you lemons and you need some damn good lemonade.
5. H.A.P.P.Y. Radio
This particular track from Edwin Starr is an upbeat ode to the power of music in the lives of people. It has a unique blend of funky beats, jazzy instruments and horns that make it impossible to resist its appeal. The song has a significant groove factor coupled with empowering lyrics which make it truly exceptional. Edwin Starr's powerful voice perfectly complements the joyful melody of the song, making it one of his best performances.
The song 'H.A.P.P.Y. Radio' features a catchy chorus and highlights the potential for music to uplift people's mood and bring joy into their lives. With its groovy rhythm and meaningful lyrics, this song makes anyone feel like they can conquer the world. Additionally, its timeless appeal ensures that it remains relevant even today.
One unique aspect about 'H.A.P.P.Y. Radio' is how effortlessly it blends different genres to create a memorable listening experience. Its musical composition draws inspiration from various sources, including Latin American percussion and funk elements that highlight Edwin Starr's versatility as an artist.
The enduring legacy of 'H.A.P.P.Y Radio' lies in how it captured the essence of what great music should be – joyful, inspiring, and uplifting! Those who hear this track can't help but feel energized by its infectious beat and uplifting message, proving why Edwin Starr was one of the most influential musicians of his time.
Edwin Starr may be singing about war, but it's his soulful voice and catchy beat that'll have you declaring war on your replay button.
6. War
This song by Edwin Starr shed light on the bitter reality of War. The lyrics are a poignant reminder of the devastation and destruction that war brings. Through his powerful vocals, Starr expresses the futility of wars and their catastrophic aftermath. The song is an iconic anti-war anthem and a stark social commentary that reverberates with audiences across generations.
Starr's captivating performance in "War" brought him international acclaim, making it one of his best-known and most successful songs. Its lyrics strikingly contrast war's impact on impoverished communities and soldiers' futile struggle to stay alive. This classic protest song has left an indelible mark on global pop culture, inspiring future artists to use their musical influence for social change.
Despite being released over 50 years ago, "War" remains as relevant today as it did when originally released. Its strong anti-war message makes people pause and reflect about the true cost of armed conflicts worldwide. No wonder this timeless classic continues to inspire new generations of music lovers with its powerful lyrics and soulful melodies.
According to Songfacts, the inspiration behind this song came from Motown songwriter Norman Whitfield watching anti-Vietnam War demonstrations on television, which inspired him to write a song conveying a similar message.
If it doesn't feel like you're running a marathon while listening to 'Twenty-Five Miles, then you're not doing it right'.
7. Twenty-Five Miles
This Edwin Starr classic, which peaked at number 6 on the US pop charts, celebrates his powerful voice and commanding stage presence. "Twenty-Five Miles" is a soulful masterpiece with an infectious rhythm that will keep you dancing. The unforgettable trumpet riff and catchy chorus make it one of Starr's signature tunes.
The song tells the story of a man's determination to reunite with his lover despite the obstacles that stand in his way. Its optimistic message and upbeat tempo make it easy to sing along to wherever you are. The unforgettable lyrics "I've got to get to her somehow" sum up the desperation that anyone who's been in a long-distance relationship can relate to.
What makes this song so special is the way Edwin Starr infuses his unique personality into every note he sings. He puts everything he has into each line, infusing a sense of urgency and passion that few other artists could match.
Overall, "Twenty-Five Miles" is a timeless classic that remains as relevant today as it was when it first hit the airwaves over 50 years ago. It stands as a testament to Edwin Starr's incredible talent and enduring legacy in the world of music.
Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.) is the perfect song to play when you need to send a message to your ex without actually having to talk to them.
8. Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.)
8. Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.)
Using the Semantic NLP variation of the heading, this article features a deep dive into one of Edwin Starr's best songs.
- With its upbeat and funky tune, "Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.)" was released in 1966 as a reflection of Starr's Motown career beginnings.
- The song quickly became popular due to its relatable lyrics about a man who is desperate to stop his lover from leaving him, making it a staple in dance clubs.
- The catchy hook and playful melody appeals to listeners across all ages and cultural backgrounds.
- Inspired by Jimmy Ruffin's hit "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted," "Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.)" beautifully showcases Starr's impressive vocal range.
What sets this track apart from other Edwin Starr classics is that it was created during his early years in the music industry. Its authenticity, paired with great instrumentation and emotionally charged lyrics make for an unforgettable listening experience.
Pro Tip: If you want to experience this classic at its best, play it at full volume with some friends and dance along to the infectious rhythm! Move over James Bond, Agent Double-O-Soul is taking over the spy game with this funky Edwin Starr hit.
9. Agent Double-O-Soul
One of Edwin Starr's best creations, this song titled after a secret agent with the code "00-Soul" is often considered to be an acid test for hardcore funk enthusiasts. With its gritty vocals and tightly wound instrumentation, Agent Double-O-Soul catapulted Starr into stardom in the 1960s Detroit music scene as a premier purveyor of funk music. The song has enjoyed continued popularity and influence on subsequent generations of musicians.
Agent Double-O-Soul showcases Starr's incredible vocal prowess and his ability to infuse catchy hooks with his unique brand of soulful impetus. The thumping bassline, vigorous percussion, and electric guitar riffs draw listeners into the lively groove that characterizes this classic track. Agent Double-O-Soul encapsulates all that was great about the Motown soul sound, from the slick production values to the effortlessly cool vibe that emanates from Starr's performance.
A standout feature of Agent Double-O-Soul is its infectious chorus, which has become synonymous with Edwin Starr's distinct style. This classic track laid the foundation for many future funk artists who followed in Starr's footsteps by blending elements of different genres to create something wholly original.
Don't miss out on experiencing one of Edwin Starr's finest moments. Listen to Agent Double-O-Soul today and witness firsthand why it remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences even decades after its release.
Time may be a great healer, but Edwin Starr's song about it is a certified toe-tapper.
10. Time
Edwin Starr was an iconic soul artist known for his powerful voice and impactful lyrics. Below are some of his best tracks:
- "War": This anti-war anthem became an instant classic, hitting number one on the charts in 1970.
- "Twenty-Five Miles": Released in 1968, this upbeat track encourages listeners to keep pushing forward.
- "H.A.P.P.Y. Radio": With its catchy chorus and funky beat, this song topped the dance charts in 1979.
- "Stop the War Now": Another anti-war song from Starr, this time with a softer sound and poignant message.
- "Agent Double-O Soul": This lively track showcases Starr's ability to blend soul and pop in a fun way.
Starr had many other hits throughout his career, but these five exemplify his unique style and enduring influence.
Did you know that Starr initially wanted to be a boxer? He even won several amateur boxing titles before focusing on music full-time. Despite his success as a singer, he remained passionate about fitness and trained daily until his passing in 2003.
On top of his musical talents, Edwin Starr was also known for being down-to-earth and approachable with fans. One fan recounts running into him at a record store and being surprised by how friendly he was. This anecdote speaks to how much of impact Starr had on fans beyond just making great music.
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