Few voices in soul and R&B history carry the electrifying power and raw emotion of Edwin Starr. Best known for his thunderous protest anthem “War,” Starr carved a legacy that blends social consciousness with irresistible rhythm. From the gritty streets of Cleveland to the global stage, he became a symbol of passion, power, and purpose in music. With a voice that could shake walls and lyrics that challenged the status quo, Starr didn’t just perform—he ignited movements.
But there’s far more to his catalog than his signature hit. From Motown-driven soul classics to disco-era dancefloor bangers, Starr’s versatility is unmatched. His songs told stories of love, resilience, protest, and joy—each track a glimpse into the heartbeat of a generation. Whether he was belting out high-energy anthems or delivering silky-smooth grooves, Starr always brought intensity and authenticity.
In this countdown, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Popular Edwin Starr Songs of All Time—a celebration of the hits that defined his career and shaped the sound of soul for decades. So get ready to turn up the volume and feel the fire, because these tracks still hit just as hard today as they did when they first set the world ablaze!
1. “War” (1970)
Released in 1970 during the height of the Vietnam War, “War” is far more than Edwin Starr’s signature song—it’s a defining anthem of a generation in protest. Originally recorded by The Temptations, Motown executives made the pivotal decision to re-record it with Starr, whose commanding, impassioned voice injected the song with a raw, unfiltered urgency. From the moment Starr growls the now-iconic line—“War, huh, yeah, what is it good for?”—the track seizes the listener and never lets go. His explosive delivery, particularly the gut-punching “Absolutely nothing!” refrain, turned the song into a rallying cry for peace and justice. With its thundering drums, fiery brass, and relentless energy, “War” cut straight through the political noise of the era, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. But beyond charts and radio play, it became a cultural force—a loud, defiant rejection of violence. Starr’s vocal performance drips with conviction, anger, and heartbreak, capturing the sentiment of millions disillusioned by endless conflict. Decades later, the song’s message still resonates, a blistering reminder that music can challenge power and awaken conscience. “War” is not just a protest song—it’s a sonic act of resistance.
2. “Twenty-Five Miles” (1969)
With “Twenty-Five Miles,” Edwin Starr delivered a kinetic burst of soul energy that still feels like a shot of adrenaline. Released in 1969, this track is part love song, part endurance anthem, driven by a relentless rhythm that mirrors the narrator’s determined march to reach his sweetheart. As Starr counts down the miles—twenty-five, twenty-four, twenty-three—you feel every step, every heartbeat, and every ounce of excitement building. The Motown production is pitch-perfect: bold brass, a galloping beat, and background vocals that cheer him on like a chorus of soul angels. Starr’s performance is both breathless and booming, bursting with joy and emotional momentum. He doesn’t sound tired—he sounds electrified by love, marching with passion and purpose. The song soared to No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of Starr’s biggest early hits and solidifying his reputation as a dynamic vocalist with unmatched energy. What makes “Twenty-Five Miles” so enduring is how it turns a simple story into an epic journey. It’s danceable, joyful, and emotionally charged—a perfect snapshot of what soul music does best: uplift and move you. Starr made walking sound like the most exhilarating thing in the world.
3. “Stop the War Now” (1971)
After the success of the explosive “War,” Edwin Starr returned in 1971 with a different kind of protest song—“Stop the War Now,” a deeply heartfelt plea that traded fists for open arms. Where “War” shouted with rage, this follow-up sang with sorrow and compassion. Starr’s voice here is filled with soulful restraint—still powerful, but more pleading than defiant. The track carries a gospel-infused weight, as layered harmonies and rich orchestration frame a message of peace that feels more personal and prayerful. It’s not just a call for political change; it’s a cry for human empathy. “Stop the War Now” may not have reached the chart-topping heights of its predecessor, but it resonated with those seeking healing rather than confrontation. The song showcases Starr’s range—not just vocally, but emotionally. He understood that protest could be loud, but it could also be tender. This track is a testament to that idea, offering a more reflective, mournful view of a country caught in seemingly endless conflict. Its emotional depth and sincerity make it a powerful companion to “War,” proving that Edwin Starr’s voice for peace had many tones—and all of them were worth listening to.
4. “Time” (1970)
“Time,” featured on Edwin Starr’s 1970 album War & Peace, is a soulful meditation that slows things down and allows for deep reflection. Unlike his high-octane protest anthems, this track showcases a softer, more introspective side of Starr, revealing a thinker behind the powerhouse voice. The song contemplates life’s fleeting moments and the importance of making each one count. There’s no shouting here—just an emotive, tender vocal performance that lets the lyrics breathe. The arrangement is quintessential Motown: smooth basslines, delicate piano, subtle guitar licks, and understated horns that add warmth without overpowering the message. Starr delivers the song with grace and emotional weight, proving he didn’t always need fire to make a song burn with meaning. “Time” didn’t climb the charts, but it’s a hidden gem that speaks volumes about Starr’s depth as an artist. It’s a reminder that he wasn’t just the voice of resistance—he was also capable of profound soul-searching. This track invites listeners to pause, reflect, and appreciate the passing of time, wrapped in music that soothes as much as it stirs.
5. “Contact” (1978)
By the late 1970s, Edwin Starr was ready to embrace a new sound—and with “Contact,” he dove headfirst into the world of disco. Released in 1978, this electrifying track marked a successful pivot from the soul and funk of his earlier years to the glitzy pulse of dance music. Driven by a funky bassline, shimmering synths, and a four-on-the-floor beat, “Contact” pulses with cosmic energy. Starr’s commanding voice doesn’t just ride the groove—it elevates it, transforming what could’ve been a typical disco number into something intergalactic. He sings about chemistry and attraction with the flair of a man on a mission from outer space, matching the late-‘70s fascination with futurism and fantasy. The song hit No. 1 on the UK Disco Chart and landed in the UK Top 10, proving that Starr could reinvent himself while still sounding authentic. “Contact” is joyful escapism at its finest, a glittering dance-floor experience with Starr’s signature charisma lighting the way. He didn’t abandon his roots—he simply evolved, showing the world that soul and disco could live together in one irresistible track.
6. “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” (1979)
With “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio,” Edwin Starr let loose and leaned into pure, feel-good energy. Released in 1979 at the height of the disco era, the song is a bright, buoyant ode to the power of music to uplift and connect. Starr takes on the role of a DJ of joy, inviting listeners to tune into happiness like a station broadcasting nothing but good vibes. The track bursts with synths, danceable rhythms, and a sing-along chorus that spells out “H.A.P.P.Y.” with irresistible cheer. His vocal delivery is playful and magnetic, brimming with warmth and enthusiasm. Though it doesn’t carry the weighty themes of some of his earlier work, its message is no less impactful: joy is essential, and music can be a source of healing. The song became a UK Top 10 hit, reinforcing Starr’s continued popularity overseas and highlighting his ability to ride the wave of musical trends without compromising his charm. “H.A.P.P.Y. Radio” isn’t just a disco track—it’s a sonic smile, a moment of unfiltered celebration that still sounds fresh decades later.
7. “There You Go” (1966)
“There You Go,” released in 1966, reveals Edwin Starr at a formative point in his career, already showcasing the emotional depth that would define his later hits. This soulful ballad dives into the pain of heartbreak, capturing the ache of watching someone leave while you’re still holding on. With a stirring orchestral backdrop and a steady Motown groove, Starr delivers every line with palpable feeling—his voice trembling with hurt, regret, and longing. Though not a major commercial success, the track gave early proof of his extraordinary ability to connect through emotion. Starr’s phrasing is intimate and precise, as if every lyric is being pulled from a wound still fresh. “There You Go” is a glimpse into the vulnerability behind the powerhouse vocals he became known for. Long before he was leading protest anthems or lighting up disco floors, Starr was a soul storyteller, and this track stands as an underrated gem in his discography. It’s a reminder that his artistry didn’t begin with “War”—it began with songs like this, where emotion took center stage and the voice behind it demanded your attention.
8. “Agent Double-O-Soul” (1965)
With “Agent Double-O-Soul,” Edwin Starr introduced himself to the world in 1965 not with a whisper, but with a wink and a bang. Inspired by the spy craze of the 1960s and clearly playing off the James Bond phenomenon, the song is a tongue-in-cheek, funk-filled romp that delivers attitude, rhythm, and swagger. Starr casts himself as a secret agent armed with soul instead of gadgets, ready to save the day—and your heart—with irresistible style. The track’s bouncing bassline, bright horn riffs, and infectious chorus created an instant classic that climbed into the R&B Top 10. Starr’s charismatic delivery oozes cool, blending confidence with playful charm. He wasn’t just singing a character—he was that character, commanding the mic like it was his personal mission briefing. “Agent Double-O-Soul” set the tone for Starr’s career: bold, inventive, and unafraid to blend genres and humor. It’s a debut that still shines today, offering an early glimpse of the superstar he was destined to become. Funky, fun, and fiercely original, this track is where the Edwin Starr legend truly began.
9. “I Have Faith in You” (1969)
“I Have Faith in You,” released in 1969, is one of Edwin Starr’s most heartfelt and overlooked gems. In contrast to his more boisterous hits, this track is a gentle, soul-stirring expression of hope and loyalty. Backed by a lush Motown arrangement of strings, soft horns, and subdued rhythm, Starr’s voice takes center stage, rich with warmth and sincerity. His delivery is comforting and personal, as if he’s speaking directly to someone who needs reassurance. There’s a deep trust embedded in every lyric, making the song feel like a conversation between friends or lovers. While it didn’t make waves on the charts, it struck an emotional chord with listeners who discovered it, offering solace in a time of national uncertainty. This is Starr in a quieter mode, using his voice not to rally crowds, but to touch hearts. “I Have Faith in You” highlights his range as a vocalist and storyteller, capable of embodying tenderness with as much skill as he conveyed fire. It’s a timeless reminder that soulful reassurance can be as powerful as protest.
10. “Back Street” (1974)
Released in 1974, “Back Street” showcases Edwin Starr leaning into a grittier, funkier sound that reflects both the urban realities of the time and his own evolving artistry. The song paints a vivid picture of life in the shadows—streets where danger, passion, and survival are tightly intertwined. With its deep, throbbing bassline, sharp horn stabs, and a rhythm section that drives like a getaway car, “Back Street” sounds like it belongs on the soundtrack of a gritty 1970s crime film. Starr’s vocal performance is gritty and raw, perfectly matching the song’s streetwise tone. He doesn’t just sing the story—he inhabits it, bringing a lived-in authenticity to every line. While it didn’t chart as high as his biggest hits, “Back Street” is an important entry in Starr’s discography, revealing a fearless willingness to explore darker, more complex themes. It proves that he was more than a voice of protest or disco delight—he was also a powerful chronicler of life’s tougher edges. “Back Street” is where soul meets funk, and where Starr proves yet again that he was never afraid to evolve.
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.
