When it comes to raw power, soulful grit, and socially charged anthems, few voices hit harder than Edwin Starr. Bursting onto the scene in the mid-1960s, Starr carved out a place in music history with his explosive vocals, magnetic stage presence, and a string of unforgettable hits that still resonate decades later. Best known for the thunderous protest anthem “War,” Starr wasn’t just a singer—he was a force of nature who turned every track into a rallying cry or a dancefloor revelation. From Motown soul to disco-funk grooves, his catalog spans genres and generations, each song stamped with his unmistakable blend of passion and purpose. Whether he was marching against injustice or sprinting toward love, Starr sang like a man on a mission—and listeners couldn’t help but follow. In this countdown, we’re diving deep into the top 10 most popular Edwin Starr songs of all time. These aren’t just chart-toppers—they’re time capsules of an era, each one packed with rhythm, meaning, and that signature Starr intensity. Get ready to revisit the classics, rediscover hidden gems, and witness the enduring legacy of one of soul music’s most powerful voices. This is Edwin Starr at his absolute best.
1. “War” (1970)
Released in 1970 at the height of the Vietnam War, “War” became Edwin Starr’s explosive anthem of protest and remains one of the most powerful anti-war songs ever recorded. With its unforgettable opening line, “War, huh, yeah—what is it good for?” the track grabbed listeners by the collar and refused to let go. Originally recorded by The Temptations, it was Starr’s gritty, impassioned delivery that turned it into a cultural firestorm. Backed by a driving rhythm section, searing horns, and a chorus that punches like a rallying cry, the song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and embedded itself into the American consciousness. Starr’s raw vocals convey both fury and desperation, tapping into the anxieties of a generation disillusioned by war and injustice. It’s more than music—it’s a movement in three minutes of soul fury.
2. “Twenty-Five Miles” (1969)
“Twenty-Five Miles”, released in 1969, is a soul-powered sprint that captures the determination and heart of a man in love. The song finds Edwin Starr counting down the miles to reunite with his sweetheart, and the energy is relentless. Driven by a pounding beat, foot-stomping groove, and Starr’s electrifying vocals, it’s impossible not to feel the urgency in every step he sings about. The track became a crossover hit, reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the R&B chart. Its infectious call-and-response chorus—”I got to keep on walkin’!”—echoes the spirit of 1960s soul, infused with a Motown polish. Starr’s performance is a perfect blend of stamina and soul, making this song a timeless anthem of persistence and passion.
3. “Stop the War Now” (1971)
Released in 1971, just a year after the groundbreaking success of “War”, “Stop the War Now” continued Edwin Starr’s crusade for peace with a more melodic but equally urgent appeal. Unlike its predecessor’s aggressive tone, this track leans more into gospel and soul to deliver its message. Starr’s voice soars over a stirring arrangement of strings, horns, and background vocals that give the song a hopeful, almost spiritual quality. The lyrics plead for an end to violence, asking leaders to consider the cost of conflict on the young and innocent. Though it didn’t replicate the chart-topping success of “War,” it cemented Starr’s role as a socially conscious artist willing to use his platform to speak truth to power. The song feels like a prayer set to music—sincere, moving, and unafraid.
4. “Agent Double-O Soul” (1965)
Before Edwin Starr became a household name for his political anthems, he made his debut splash with “Agent Double-O Soul” in 1965. This funky, charismatic track introduced Starr as a bold new voice in soul music, blending James Bond-inspired swagger with irresistible grooves. With a tongue-in-cheek persona and punchy brass accents, Starr declared himself a secret agent of soul, armed not with gadgets but with rhythm and style. The song was a regional hit and later gained national traction, showcasing Starr’s playful side and vocal dynamism. It’s brimming with confidence and charm, setting the stage for the high-voltage performances that would define his later work. “They call me Double-O Soul, baby!” he sings—and with that, a star was born.
5. “Time” (1970)
Deep and introspective, “Time”, released in 1970, shows a more reflective side of Edwin Starr. Departing from the high-energy protest and party tracks, this song dives into the philosophical, exploring the fleeting nature of life and love. The arrangement is soulful and smooth, with lush instrumentation that allows Starr’s expressive voice to take center stage. His delivery is heartfelt, infused with a sense of longing and acceptance. The lyrics meditate on the unstoppable passage of time, touching on regret, hope, and resilience. While it didn’t soar to the top of the charts like some of his other hits, “Time” remains a fan favorite for its emotional depth and timeless message. It’s a soulful reminder of Starr’s versatility and his ability to connect on a deeply human level.
6. “Contact” (1978)
By 1978, the disco wave was in full swing, and Edwin Starr embraced it with “Contact”, a funky, synth-driven dancefloor banger that proved he could evolve with the times. Released on the 20th Century label, the song became a major hit in the UK, reaching No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and introducing Starr to a new generation of club-goers. “Contact” pulses with futuristic energy—spacey effects, tight basslines, and Starr’s still-razor-sharp vocals. The song captures the excitement of romantic attraction with a sci-fi twist, making it both playful and irresistibly danceable. It marked a successful reinvention for Starr and showed that even more than a decade after his debut, he still had the power to get people moving.
7. “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” (1979)
Following the success of “Contact”, Edwin Starr returned in 1979 with “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio”, a feel-good disco anthem that radiates joy from the first note. Unlike some disco tracks that focused on escapism, this song was a celebration of music itself as a source of happiness and unity. With its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and Starr’s exuberant vocals, it quickly became a dancefloor favorite, especially in the UK where it charted in the Top 10. The song acts like a personal shout-out to radio DJs and listeners alike, turning the airwaves into a source of communal uplift. “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” is pure sonic sunshine, and Starr delivers it with the kind of infectious enthusiasm that makes you want to turn up the volume and dance like nobody’s watching.
8. “Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On” (1971)
With a title that says it all, “Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On” is Edwin Starr at his funkiest. Released in 1971, this track is a celebration of the transformative power of music, driven by a gritty groove and brass-heavy arrangement. Starr’s vocals are full of swagger and soul, riding the rhythm with effortless cool. The lyrics are simple but effective—Starr isn’t here to preach or plead; he’s here to party. The song was later covered by The Temptations and featured in several film soundtracks, but it’s Starr’s original version that packs the most punch. It’s a head-nodding, foot-stomping tribute to funk that still sounds fresh decades later.
9. “I Have Faith in You” (1970)
Released in 1970 as part of the War & Peace album, “I Have Faith in You” is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Edwin Starr’s vocal tenderness. Far removed from the defiance of “War”, this track is all about emotional vulnerability and trust. The production is lush and warm, with strings and piano supporting Starr’s impassioned delivery. Lyrically, it’s a message of reassurance—of belief in a loved one even during difficult times. Starr’s voice carries a sincerity that makes the lyrics resonate deeply, and the song stands as a testament to his range as a performer. It may not have been a major chart hit, but it remains a hidden gem for those who appreciate the softer side of soul.
10. “My Weakness Is You” (1967)
Released in 1967, “My Weakness Is You” is a smooth, mid-tempo soul track that blends emotional honesty with classic Motown finesse. This early Starr single finds him confessing his romantic vulnerability with a mix of strength and sincerity. The instrumentation is rich with that signature Detroit sound—tight rhythm, melodic basslines, and subtle horn flourishes. Starr’s vocals are passionate yet controlled, drawing the listener into the emotional tug-of-war between desire and self-control. The song didn’t break into the top charts, but it’s a fan favorite among collectors and soul purists for its authenticity and heartfelt delivery. It’s songs like this that laid the groundwork for his later, more explosive hits, revealing the emotional core beneath the powerhouse performer.
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.
