Few voices in soul music history hit harder, grooved deeper, or burned hotter than Wilson Pickett. Known as “The Wicked Pickett,” he brought a fiery intensity to every note he sang, transforming simple lyrics into explosive declarations of love, lust, and life. From the sweaty clubs of the South to the top of the charts, Pickett was a force of nature whose legacy still echoes through modern R&B, rock, and funk. With a voice that could growl, scream, and soar all in one breath, he delivered some of the most unforgettable songs of the 1960s and ’70s—tracks that didn’t just make you dance, but made you feel something deep in your bones.
This list dives into the top 10 most popular Wilson Pickett songs of all time, based on their chart success, cultural impact, and sheer staying power. These aren’t just hits—they’re soul standards, electrified by Pickett’s raw energy and backed by some of the finest musicians of the era. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering his genius, these tracks showcase why Wilson Pickett remains one of the most powerful voices ever to command a microphone. Buckle up—it’s about to get funky.
1. “In the Midnight Hour” (1965)
“In the Midnight Hour” isn’t just a cornerstone of Wilson Pickett’s career—it’s one of the defining records of 1960s soul music. Released in 1965, the song marked Pickett’s breakout moment, fusing deep Southern R&B with a swagger that was impossible to ignore. Co-written with Steve Cropper and recorded at Stax Studios in Memphis, the track’s hypnotic groove, brassy horn stabs, and revolutionary delayed backbeat gave it a seductive, pulsing rhythm that was ahead of its time. Pickett’s raspy, passionate vocals radiate tension and desire, transforming a simple lyric like “I’m gonna wait ‘til the midnight hour” into a smoldering promise of romantic urgency. The track soared to No. 1 on the R&B chart and crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking inside the Top 25—a rare feat at the time for Southern soul. More than its chart success, “In the Midnight Hour” became a foundational influence on soul, rock, and funk artists alike. It has been covered countless times, but none match the raw magnetism of Pickett’s original. This track didn’t just signal Wilson Pickett’s arrival—it announced him as a voice that could move mountains, break hearts, and set dance floors on fire.
2. “Mustang Sally” (1966)
When Wilson Pickett released his version of “Mustang Sally” in 1966, he didn’t just cover a song—he supercharged it into a soul anthem that still revs engines today. Originally penned by Mack Rice, the track tells the cheeky story of a woman who gets a new Mustang and leaves her man in the dust. But in Pickett’s hands, it becomes something more: a sly mix of humor, frustration, and admiration wrapped in groove-heavy instrumentation and booming horns. His vocal delivery rides the line between pleading and playful, especially on the now-iconic call-and-response chorus, “Ride, Sally, ride!”—a moment that has become a permanent fixture in pop culture. Although it only reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Mustang Sally” lived far beyond the charts, gaining legendary status through live performances, film soundtracks, and covers by everyone from The Commitments to Buddy Guy. What makes it so timeless is its irresistible energy and universal theme of freedom and independence. It’s a song that captures the spirit of the open road and the complexities of love, all delivered with Pickett’s signature mix of fire and finesse. Decades later, it still cruises smoothly with soul power to spare.
3. “Land of 1000 Dances” (1966)
With his 1966 version of “Land of 1000 Dances,” Wilson Pickett didn’t just sing—he exploded into the cultural consciousness. Originally recorded by Chris Kenner, the song was already a lively ode to popular dances, but Pickett elevated it into a full-throttle soul spectacle. Backed by the powerhouse Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, Pickett kicks the door open with his signature scream before launching into a rollicking celebration of movement, rhythm, and pure joy. His rendition famously adds the infectious “na na na na na” refrain—missing from the original—which became one of the most memorable hooks in soul music history. The horns blare, the drums thunder, and Pickett’s voice rides it all like a storm, electrifying every second. The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Pickett’s most enduring hits. But more than its commercial success, “Land of 1000 Dances” stands as a showcase of Pickett’s unmatched energy and charisma. It’s chaotic, fun, and impossible to resist—a dance-floor banger that still makes bodies move and spirits soar. In just under three minutes, Wilson Pickett captured the heartbeat of 1960s soul and gave the world a reason to dance.
4. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” (1971)
By 1971, Wilson Pickett had already cemented his place in soul history, but “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” proved he wasn’t slowing down. The song marked a sharp, stylish evolution in his sound, blending classic soul with the rising funk influences of the early ’70s. With a silky groove, wah-wah guitars, and a layered instrumental backdrop, Pickett delivered a cautionary tale wrapped in rhythm. Lyrically, it warns listeners not to be deceived by surface appearances—especially in love—because what seems shiny and new isn’t always better than what you already have. Pickett’s vocal delivery is both smooth and urgent, striking a balance between charm and earnestness. The song climbed to No. 2 on the R&B charts, reaffirming his relevance during a time of rapid musical change. What sets this track apart is its mature perspective and understated funkiness. It doesn’t demand attention—it commands it. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” is soul music for grown-ups, steeped in wisdom and wrapped in rhythm. It showed the world that Wilson Pickett wasn’t just a hitmaker—he was a storyteller, evolving with the times while staying rooted in emotional truth.
5. “Funky Broadway” (1967)
When Wilson Pickett took on “Funky Broadway” in 1967, he didn’t just record a song—he made history. Originally by Dyke & the Blazers, Pickett’s version was louder, looser, and downright funkier. It became the first song with the word “funky” in the title to hit No. 1 on the R&B chart, and with good reason. Pickett injected the track with gritty soul energy, fueled by a greasy guitar riff, blaring horns, and a pounding rhythm section that gave the whole thing an irresistible swing. His vocal performance is unrelenting—gruff, exuberant, and brimming with attitude as he paints a picture of a wild street scene full of life, lust, and movement. The lyrics might seem simple, but Pickett’s delivery turns them into a tour of urban cool, strutting through the city with infectious confidence. It also crossed over into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying his crossover success. “Funky Broadway” is a perfect snapshot of soul music as it began its transition into funk. With this song, Pickett didn’t just stay relevant—he helped push the genre into exciting new territory, proving once again that he was always ahead of the curve.
6. “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” (1966)
“634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” is one of Wilson Pickett’s smoothest, most charismatic performances—a song that feels like a personal invitation straight from his soul to yours. Released in 1966 and written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper, the track is built around a clever concept: Pickett offers up a phone number and encourages listeners to call for a little love and comfort. But this isn’t a novelty—it’s an unforgettable soul classic, thanks to Pickett’s impassioned vocals, the silky backing vocals, and the tight rhythm section that drives it all home. There’s a playful intimacy in the way Pickett delivers each line, turning even a string of numbers into something sensual and compelling. The groove is pure Memphis soul, and the horns punctuate the verses with just the right amount of flash. The track hit No. 1 on the R&B chart and has since become a standard in the genre. “634-5789” is more than just a hit—it’s a sonic love letter, wrapped in horns and heart, showing off Pickett’s ability to blend charm, soul, and a touch of swagger into a package that’s still irresistible today.
7. “I’m in Love” (1967)
With “I’m in Love,” released in 1967, Wilson Pickett stepped away from the fire of his up-tempo hits and revealed a softer, more introspective side. Written by Bobby Womack, the song is a slow, soulful ballad that captures the joy and vulnerability of falling deeply, unexpectedly in love. Pickett’s vocals on this track are restrained yet powerful, filled with trembling sincerity as he lays bare his emotions. The instrumentation is subtle and intimate—gentle guitar strums, a mellow organ, and understated drums provide the perfect backdrop for his voice to shine. It’s a performance that proves Pickett didn’t need to scream to be heard; sometimes, the most powerful thing a soul singer can do is let the silence breathe. “I’m in Love” did well commercially, but its true achievement is how it broadened Pickett’s artistic palette. This song showcased his ability to deliver ballads with the same conviction he brought to his dance-floor anthems. It’s a testament to his range, his emotional intelligence, and his gift for turning even the simplest declarations of love into something unforgettable. In a catalog full of high-octane soul, “I’m in Love” is a tender, timeless standout.
8. “Engine Number 9” (1970)
“Engine Number 9,” released in 1970, is a relentless ride through heartbreak and hope, carried along by one of Wilson Pickett’s most propulsive performances. From the opening bass line, the track chugs like a train gaining speed—appropriate, given the metaphor at the heart of the song. Pickett pleads with the train to bring his lost love back, and the urgency in his voice makes it feel like the train’s arrival is a matter of life or death. The groove is anchored by a muscular rhythm section, tight guitar riffs, and horns that punctuate every emotional peak. It’s classic Muscle Shoals soul, with a funkier, more modern edge that reflected the changing sound of R&B in the 1970s. The song climbed to No. 3 on the R&B chart, proving that Pickett’s fire still burned bright even as musical tastes shifted around him. “Engine Number 9” is more than just a great soul track—it’s a masterclass in tension, storytelling, and movement. Whether you’re caught up in its heartbreak or swept away by its rhythm, the song barrels forward with unstoppable momentum. It’s Pickett at full steam, and it doesn’t let up until the final note.
9. “Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do)” (1966)
Few songs capture Wilson Pickett’s raw determination quite like “Ninety-Nine and a Half (Won’t Do),” a fiery soul declaration released in 1966. From the opening bars, the track hits like a thunderbolt—tight drums, searing horns, and a driving groove set the stage for Pickett’s urgent plea. He’s not asking for love—he’s demanding all of it. “Ninety-nine and a half just won’t do,” he insists, turning a simple phrase into a gospel-like call for complete commitment. His voice, filled with grit and passion, is nothing short of electrifying, embodying both the pain of partial love and the power of self-worth. The track didn’t crack the upper reaches of the pop charts, but it became a fan favorite and a staple of soul and R&B compilations. Its message is timeless, and the intensity of its delivery remains unmatched. In a genre built on emotional truth, this song stands out as one of the most honest and uncompromising. “Ninety-Nine and a Half” is Pickett at his boldest, using every ounce of his voice and spirit to demand not just attention, but devotion. It’s not just a song—it’s a statement of soul sovereignty.
10. “Hey Jude” (1969)
Wilson Pickett’s 1969 cover of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” is more than a reinterpretation—it’s a reinvention. Where the original builds slowly and tenderly, Pickett’s version dives straight into the emotional core and turns the song into a gospel-infused soul explosion. Backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and featuring blistering guitar work from a young Duane Allman, Pickett’s rendition transforms Paul McCartney’s ballad into something far more urgent and passionate. His voice aches, roars, and pleads, imbuing each line with raw, visceral feeling. The song builds into a cathartic finale that rivals the original in scale but surpasses it in soul. Allman’s guitar cries and wails alongside Pickett’s vocals, the two locked in a call-and-response that feels almost spiritual. Though it didn’t chart as highly as some of his other singles, critics hailed the cover as one of the most powerful soul renditions of a rock classic ever recorded. “Hey Jude” isn’t just a highlight of Pickett’s catalog—it’s a prime example of what happens when soul meets rock in the hands of a master interpreter. He didn’t just cover a Beatles song—he owned it, and in doing so, gave it a whole new life.
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.
