Edwin Starr was a force of nature in the world of soul and funk, a powerhouse vocalist whose songs transcended mere entertainment to become anthems of passion, resilience, and change. With a voice that could move mountains and a charisma that lit up every stage, Starr made his mark as one of the most compelling artists of his generation. From socially conscious protest anthems to high-energy dancefloor hits, his music captured the spirit of the times while remaining timeless in its appeal. Best known for his explosive hit “War,” which became a rallying cry against the Vietnam War, Starr’s discography is a treasure trove of unforgettable songs that showcase his versatility, storytelling, and unmatched vocal grit.
This article takes you on a journey through the top 10 most popular Edwin Starr songs of all time, shining a spotlight on the tracks that defined his legacy and cemented him as a legend of Motown and beyond. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his music, these songs are guaranteed to stir your soul, make you move, and remind you of the power of music to inspire and unite. Get ready to relive the magic of Edwin Starr—his greatest hits await!
1. “War” (1970)
Released in 1970, “War” became Edwin Starr’s signature anthem, a fiery critique of the Vietnam War that captured the frustration and anger of a generation. With its unforgettable opening line—“War! Huh, yeah, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!”—the song immediately resonated with listeners. The combination of Starr’s raw, impassioned vocals and the funk-infused instrumentation gave the song an urgency and power that was impossible to ignore. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the track was originally recorded by The Temptations, but Starr’s version took it to another level, soaring to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning him a Grammy nomination. “War” became a rallying cry for peace during a turbulent time in American history, cementing Edwin Starr as a powerful voice for social change and a leading figure in the protest music movement.
2. “Twenty-Five Miles” (1968)
“Twenty-Five Miles,” released in 1968, showcases Edwin Starr’s ability to tell compelling stories with powerful soul grooves. The track follows the journey of a man who travels twenty-five miles to be with his love, with Starr’s raspy vocals driving the song forward. The infectious bassline and vibrant rhythm make this song a dancefloor favorite, while the repeating, chant-like chorus—”Twenty-five miles from home, girl!”—pulls listeners into its infectious momentum. This song marked one of Starr’s first major hits, reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100, and remains a classic in his catalog. The combination of Motown’s polished production and Starr’s passionate delivery helped define the sound of the late ’60s, making “Twenty-Five Miles” an enduring testament to his soulful style.
3. “Stop the War Now” (1970)
Following the success of “War,” Edwin Starr continued his campaign for peace with “Stop the War Now,” released in late 1970. This track deepened his anti-war stance with a gospel-tinged arrangement that emphasized unity and collective action. Starr’s voice, as powerful and heartfelt as ever, was supported by a choir of backing vocals, creating a sense of urgency that resonated deeply during a time of political unrest. While it didn’t match the commercial success of “War,” “Stop the War Now” solidified Starr’s reputation as an artist willing to use his platform to address critical issues. The song’s strong message and emotional delivery helped cement Edwin Starr as not only a talented performer but also an important voice in the fight for justice and peace during the tumultuous 1970s.
4. “Agent Double-O-Soul” (1965)
Edwin Starr’s debut single, “Agent Double-O-Soul,” released in 1965, introduced the world to his infectious energy and charismatic style. Inspired by the popularity of James Bond during the 1960s, the song casts Starr as a cool, soul-powered secret agent. The upbeat rhythm, catchy horn riffs, and Starr’s dynamic vocal performance made the song a minor hit, earning it a cult following over the years. “Agent Double-O-Soul” became a favorite among fans for its playful vibe and funky energy, giving a glimpse into Starr’s future as a versatile artist. With its combination of swagger and soulful grooves, this track marked the beginning of what would become a legendary career.
5. “Headline News” (1966)
Released in 1966, “Headline News” was a bold, socially conscious track that tackled the issues of the day. With a strong Motown beat and brass-heavy arrangement, the song tells the story of injustice, while Starr’s gritty, passionate vocals elevate its message. Though not as commercially successful as some of his later hits, “Headline News” remains a standout in his early catalog for its bold commentary and emotive delivery. The song’s socially aware lyrics and soul-driven sound demonstrated Starr’s ability to use music as a platform for change, a quality that would become a hallmark of his career. Even in the mid-’60s, he was already carving out a space as an artist committed to addressing the world’s most pressing issues.
6. “Time” (1970)
“Time,” released in 1970, followed in the footsteps of Starr’s protest anthems, but this time, he took a more introspective approach. The song explores the fleeting nature of life and the importance of valuing every moment. With its funky bassline, psychedelic undertones, and Starr’s commanding vocals, “Time” captures a feeling of urgency and reflection. The track encourages listeners to think about how they spend their time and to focus on what truly matters in life. Though it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as “War,” “Time” demonstrated Starr’s versatility as an artist, blending elements of funk and soul with thoughtful, introspective themes that resonated deeply with audiences looking for more than just surface-level entertainment.
7. “Funky Music Sho’ Nuff Turns Me On” (1971)
In 1971, Edwin Starr released “Funky Music Sho’ Nuff Turns Me On,” a lively celebration of the power of music. The song is a funky, horn-driven anthem that captures the transformative energy of soul and funk music. Starr’s electrifying vocal delivery, combined with the infectious groove, makes this track impossible to resist. Filled with joy and passion, it’s a perfect example of how Starr could channel his love for music into a performance that energized audiences. The song’s energy and rhythm solidified Starr’s place as a master of funk, a genre that allowed him to showcase his natural talent and dynamic stage presence.
8. “I’ll Love You Forever” (1965)
In 1965, Edwin Starr released “I’ll Love You Forever,” a heartfelt ballad that demonstrated his softer, more emotional side. Unlike his high-energy hits, this track is a tender declaration of eternal love, with Starr’s rich, soulful voice carrying the weight of the lyrics. The lush string arrangements and gentle percussion create an intimate atmosphere, drawing listeners in to feel the deep emotion behind the song. Though it didn’t achieve the commercial success of his more energetic tracks, “I’ll Love You Forever” highlighted Starr’s range as an artist, showing that he could connect with audiences on a deeply personal level through music.
9. “Back Street” (1976)
In 1976, Edwin Starr embraced the disco era with “Back Street,” a track that seamlessly blended his soulful roots with the pulse of 1970s dance music. The pulsating beat, smooth strings, and funky bassline set the stage for a song about love, heartbreak, and resilience. Starr’s powerful vocals add a layer of emotion and grit to the track, giving it a depth that sets it apart from other disco tunes of the time. “Back Street” was a testament to Starr’s adaptability as an artist, proving that he could thrive in the rapidly changing musical landscape of the mid-’70s, all while staying true to his soulful style.
10. “Easin’ In” (1974)
“Easin’ In,” released in 1974 as part of the Hell Up in Harlem soundtrack, is a smooth, laid-back groove that perfectly complements the film’s gritty urban vibe. The song features lush instrumentation and a sultry rhythm that blends soul and funk in a way that showcases Starr’s vocal versatility. His confident, soulful delivery tells a compelling story, further solidifying his ability to narrate through music. “Easin’ In” became an iconic track from the blaxploitation era, capturing the essence of the time while demonstrating Starr’s knack for merging cinematic storytelling with his signature sound.
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.
