If there’s one voice in soul music that could shake the walls and stir the conscience, it’s Edwin Starr. With a booming vocal style and fearless energy, Starr carved out a space in the Motown universe that was all his own—equal parts entertainer, activist, and powerhouse performer. Best known for his thunderous protest anthem “War”, Starr delivered more than just hits; he delivered messages, passion, and grooves that demanded to be felt. His music was a collision of funk, soul, and fearless conviction, often tackling love, struggle, and social change with unrelenting force. But beyond the politically charged anthems, his catalog is filled with dancefloor burners, heartfelt ballads, and underrated deep cuts that showcase the full range of his talent. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his music, this list dives into the top 10 most popular Edwin Starr songs of all time—tracks that not only defined his career but also left a lasting impact on soul and R&B history. So pump up the volume, get ready to move, and take a powerful journey through the unforgettable legacy of one of soul’s most electrifying voices. Edwin Starr didn’t just sing songs—he made statements.
1. “War” (1970)
Edwin Starr’s 1970 hit “War” didn’t just make noise—it made history. Originally recorded as an album track by The Temptations, Motown hesitated to release such a confrontational message as a single from one of their flagship acts. Enter Edwin Starr, whose thunderous, no-holds-barred performance transformed “War” into a definitive protest anthem. With its pounding beat, fiery brass, and Starr’s searing vocals, the song captures the frustration and outrage of a nation embroiled in the Vietnam War. His shout of “War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” isn’t just a rhetorical device—it’s a gut punch. Starr’s voice brims with urgency, matching the collective anger of a disillusioned generation. The song shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and quickly became a cultural lightning rod, played at protests, rallies, and on radio stations across America. More than just a chart-topping hit, “War” became a symbol of resistance, an unflinching critique of militarism, and a shining example of soul music’s ability to drive social change. Decades later, its message remains chillingly relevant, and its chorus still echoes wherever people raise their voices for peace.
2. “Twenty-Five Miles” (1969)
Before Edwin Starr was known worldwide for his political anthems, he proved he could ignite the charts with raw energy and passion. Released in 1969, “Twenty-Five Miles” is a soul-powered adrenaline rush that captures the determination of a man walking tirelessly to be reunited with his love. From the very first beat, the song takes off like a locomotive, driven by pounding drums, handclaps, and Starr’s electrifying vocals. The lyrics are simple but effective—he’s nearly there, “just five more miles to go”—and each repetition builds momentum. Starr’s delivery is packed with sweat and soul, making listeners feel every step of his journey. The track’s infectious call-and-response chorus and relentless rhythm helped it climb to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became a defining moment for Starr, establishing him as a powerhouse in the Motown lineup. Though not overtly political, “Twenty-Five Miles” resonates with themes of perseverance, endurance, and love worth fighting for. It remains one of Starr’s most beloved tracks, a timeless soul stomper that never lets up and always gets people moving.
3. “Stop the War Now” (1971)
Following the monumental success of “War,” Edwin Starr returned to the battlefield of music and conscience with “Stop the War Now,” released in 1971. While this follow-up is gentler in tone than its predecessor, it loses none of its emotional impact. Gone is the confrontational roar—in its place is a gospel-tinged plea for peace, driven by soulful backing vocals, lush instrumentation, and a melody that tugs at the heartstrings. Starr’s performance is impassioned but more introspective; his voice sounds less like a rallying general and more like a weary soldier longing for change. The lyrics speak not only to the chaos of the Vietnam era but to the human toll of all war, calling on society to reconsider its path. Though “Stop the War Now” didn’t scale the same commercial heights as “War,” it resonated deeply with fans and activists who appreciated its sincerity and soulfulness. The song stands as a companion piece to Starr’s biggest hit, showcasing his commitment to using music as more than entertainment—it was a mission. “Stop the War Now” is a poignant reminder that sometimes, protest comes not with a scream, but with a prayer.
4. “Agent Double-O-Soul” (1965)
Long before Edwin Starr became a symbol of protest and power, he introduced himself to the world with style and swagger. “Agent Double-O-Soul,” released in 1965, was his breakthrough hit, a playful, high-octane blend of R&B and pop that rode the wave of James Bond mania. Instead of espionage and danger, Starr’s secret agent is armed with soul, groove, and a mission to make you move. The horns blare like sirens, the rhythm section bounces with swagger, and Starr’s vocal delivery is brimming with charisma. The lyrics are tongue-in-cheek, but the energy is serious—Starr is here to save the day one dance floor at a time. The song reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Starr’s first major chart success and establishing him as a dynamic new voice in soul. What makes “Agent Double-O-Soul” so enduring is its sense of fun—it’s not just a great tune; it’s a character-driven performance. Even today, it remains a beloved classic, proof that Starr could entertain as brilliantly as he could educate. It was the start of something big, and the soul world took notice.
5. “Time” (1970)
Nestled within Edwin Starr’s 1970 War & Peace album lies a hidden gem called “Time,” a song that showcases a more reflective, nuanced side of the powerhouse vocalist. Unlike the explosive energy of “War” or the upbeat bounce of “Twenty-Five Miles,” “Time” is slower, moodier, and emotionally rich. The arrangement is sophisticated—lush strings swirl around a steady groove, creating an almost cinematic backdrop. Starr’s voice is contemplative rather than commanding, as he muses on the passage of time and the choices that shape a life. There’s a haunting quality to the way he sings, as though he’s weighed down by memory and regret. The track doesn’t shout for attention; instead, it quietly demands introspection. Though it was never a major hit, “Time” reveals the depth of Starr’s artistry. He wasn’t just a firebrand protest singer—he could also slow things down and stir the soul with subtlety and grace. In a career marked by bold declarations, “Time” stands as a moment of introspective stillness, proving that Edwin Starr had more than one gear—and a voice capable of exploring every corner of human emotion.
6. “Headline News” (1966)
Released in 1966, “Headline News” finds Edwin Starr tapping into the chaos of the world and channeling it through a fierce, socially conscious soul track. The song opens with bold brass and a dramatic rhythm that immediately sets the stage for Starr’s impassioned delivery. Lyrically, it reads like a litany of grievances ripped straight from the front page—violence, injustice, heartbreak—and Starr serves as both commentator and critic. There’s a cinematic quality to the arrangement, with urgent instrumentation that mirrors the intensity of the headlines he’s describing. His voice is sharp and frustrated, conveying a sense of exasperation with the state of the world. While “Headline News” didn’t climb high on the charts, it’s an early and important entry in Starr’s body of work, foreshadowing the protest themes that would define his biggest hits. It shows that even in his earlier recordings, Starr was already thinking beyond love songs and party tracks—he was using his music as a mirror to society. “Headline News” might not have received widespread acclaim in its time, but it stands as a bold statement of intent from a rising voice in soul music unafraid to speak the truth.
7. “Contact” (1978)
By the late ’70s, many soul legends struggled to find their place in the evolving music scene—but not Edwin Starr. With “Contact,” released in 1978, he embraced the disco era with open arms and dazzling flair. The track wastes no time—it launches into a pulsating rhythm driven by a tight bassline, shimmering synths, and energetic strings. Starr’s voice, as commanding as ever, rides the beat with a renewed sense of vitality. “Contact” isn’t just a disco track—it’s a full-on sonic experience, bursting with cosmic energy and irresistible hooks. The lyrics speak of love at first sight, but the delivery feels interstellar, like an explosion of chemistry on the dance floor. The song was a smash hit in the UK, peaking at No. 6, and it revitalized Starr’s career in Europe, earning him a new generation of fans. While many of his peers were left behind by disco, Starr proved he could adapt without losing his soul. “Contact” was more than a chart hit—it was a bold reinvention and a triumphant second act that kept Starr shining well into the next decade.
8. “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” (1979)
Building on the success of “Contact,” Edwin Starr kept the disco groove alive with “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio,” a bright and funky follow-up released in 1979. The track is pure, unfiltered joy—Starr invites listeners to tune in to life’s upbeat frequency and let the music wash away the worries. From the opening notes, the song radiates positivity, with energetic horns, a bouncing bassline, and a chorus that’s impossible not to sing along with. Starr’s vocals are warm and exuberant, filled with a kind of playful charm that makes you want to smile and dance at the same time. Lyrically, the metaphor of a “happy radio station” is simple but effective—it captures that timeless feeling of music as an escape, a mood-lifter, a source of communal energy. The track was a hit in the UK, where it climbed to No. 9 on the Singles Chart, further cementing Starr’s reputation as a disco favorite overseas. “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” is more than just a dance track—it’s an anthem of optimism, a celebration of good vibes, and a shining example of Starr’s enduring versatility and infectious spirit.
9. “There You Go” (1966)
“There You Go,” released in 1966, reveals a more tender and emotionally vulnerable side of Edwin Starr. Where many of his best-known tracks are fueled by passion and power, this song slows things down and dives into heartbreak. The arrangement is classic Motown—gorgeous strings, a tight rhythm section, and smooth background harmonies—but it’s Starr’s vocal performance that gives the track its soul. He sings with aching sincerity, his voice tinged with pain and resignation, as he watches a love slip away. There’s no anger here, just quiet sorrow and the sting of letting go. Though the song didn’t break into the Top 40, it remains a hidden gem in Starr’s early catalog, showcasing his ability to inhabit a song with genuine emotion. “There You Go” proves that Starr was more than just a dynamic performer—he was also a storyteller, capable of capturing the fragile moments of human connection. It’s a track that resonates with anyone who’s ever stood still, watching someone walk away, unsure whether to chase them or accept the end. Understated but deeply moving, “There You Go” is Starr at his most soulful and sincere.
10. “Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On” (1971)
If you ever needed proof that Edwin Starr could bring the funk as fiercely as he could bring the fire, look no further than “Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On.” Released in 1971, this track is a gritty, groove-heavy celebration of the raw power of music itself. From the opening wah-wah guitars to the slinky bassline and pounding drums, the song is a full-blown funk fest. Starr’s vocals are bold, brash, and drenched in attitude—he sounds like a man possessed by the rhythm, preaching the gospel of funk with every shout and moan. The lyrics are a simple ode to how music lifts the spirit, but the energy is anything but basic. Though the track didn’t reach major commercial heights in the U.S., it found a devoted audience in the UK’s Northern Soul scene, where it became a dancefloor favorite. “Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On” is proof that Starr didn’t need a political message or a heartbreak story to make an impact—sometimes, all he needed was a tight groove and a microphone. It’s a testament to his versatility and a reminder that Edwin Starr could funk with the best of them.
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.
