Few voices in soul music history are as electrifying, raw, and unforgettable as Wilson Pickett. Known as “The Wicked Pickett,” he didn’t just sing soul—he defined it. With a scream that could shake the rafters and a groove that could move mountains, Pickett brought fire and grit to every note he touched. From the gritty streets of Detroit to the legendary studios of Muscle Shoals and Stax Records, his music shaped the sound of the ’60s and ’70s, influencing generations of artists across soul, rock, and funk. Whether he was belting out anthems that made you dance or pouring his heart into love ballads, Pickett had a way of making every lyric feel urgent and alive. In this countdown, we dive deep into the Top 10 Most Popular Wilson Pickett Songs of All Time—a collection of powerhouse tracks that showcase his vocal dynamism, fierce charisma, and timeless appeal. These aren’t just songs; they’re soul milestones, each one a testament to Pickett’s enduring legacy in American music. So turn up the volume, get ready to shout, and take a ride through the unforgettable sound of one of soul’s greatest legends. Let’s celebrate the man who brought the midnight hour to life!
1. “In the Midnight Hour” (1965)
Released in 1965, “In the Midnight Hour” marked Wilson Pickett’s breakout moment and became a defining anthem of soul music. Co-written with legendary Stax guitarist Steve Cropper, the track introduced a groundbreaking delayed backbeat that gave the groove a laid-back but irresistible feel. Pickett’s vocals are raw, pleading, and magnetic—when he belts out “I’m gonna wait ’til the midnight hour,” you feel every ounce of his longing and passion. That line alone became iconic, encapsulating a universal desire for connection under the cover of night. The song radiates emotional urgency wrapped in a smooth, danceable rhythm that remains timeless to this day. More than just a hit, it was a revolution in Southern soul, helping to shape the sound of the genre for years to come. It launched Pickett into the spotlight, solidifying his place among soul’s elite. “In the Midnight Hour” continues to influence artists across generations and is a mainstay on R&B playlists around the world. Even decades later, its groove, heart, and vocal firepower prove that great soul music doesn’t age—it only deepens.
2. “Mustang Sally” (1966)
When Wilson Pickett recorded “Mustang Sally” in 1966, he turned a modest tune by Mack Rice into one of the most enduring soul classics of all time. With its contagious rhythm, rollicking piano, and fiery horn section, the song gallops forward like the wild ride it celebrates. Pickett’s vocal performance is a masterclass in energy and charisma—gritty, playful, and packed with swagger. His repeated cry of “Ride, Sally, ride!” instantly became a cultural catchphrase, one that still brings crowds to their feet. The song tells the story of a woman who’d rather cruise around town in her Mustang than settle down, but Pickett injects the narrative with charm and heat, never judging—just celebrating her spirit. While it didn’t top the charts, its influence has been massive. It’s become a staple at parties, bars, and weddings, covered endlessly and universally adored. “Mustang Sally” captures everything we love about soul: a tight groove, a big voice, and an infectious sense of fun. More than a song, it’s a vibe—a feel-good anthem that roars with personality.
3. “Land of 1000 Dances” (1966)
“Land of 1000 Dances” might’ve started as a modest dance track by Chris Kenner, but when Wilson Pickett got his hands on it in 1966, it turned into a full-blown soul explosion. Backed by a thunderous rhythm section and a screaming brass ensemble, Pickett transformed the tune into a sweaty, high-octane party anthem. His famous, improvised “na na na na na” intro—completely absent from the original—became the song’s defining hook and helped propel it into the Billboard Top 10. With unstoppable energy, Pickett tears through the lyrics like a man possessed, name-dropping dance crazes with breathless urgency and infectious joy. Every second feels like a livewire jolt of rhythm and celebration. The song isn’t just about dancing—it’s a salute to Black American dance culture and its vibrant, communal power. Pickett’s version helped bring soul to a broader audience while maintaining its street-level grit and joy. Decades later, “Land of 1000 Dances” still gets audiences moving and shouting along, proving that its spirit of liberation and rhythm remains timeless.
4. “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” (1970)
By 1970, Wilson Pickett was evolving with the times, and “Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You” reflects his seamless shift into a more modern soul-funk hybrid. The track offers a timeless lesson: appearances can be deceiving, especially in matters of the heart. Pickett delivers this message with a smoother, more mature vocal approach—still commanding, but imbued with introspection and wisdom. The song’s production is rich and layered, featuring a tight rhythm section, subtle guitar licks, and silky strings that elevate the groove without overwhelming it. There’s a steady, pulsing heartbeat to the bassline that mirrors the emotional urgency beneath the surface. Reaching No. 2 on the R&B charts, the track proved that Pickett could remain relevant even as musical trends shifted toward funkier, more polished sounds. Yet, at its core, the song is pure Pickett—emotionally driven, deeply soulful, and passionately delivered. It stands as one of his most underrated gems and highlights how he adapted without ever diluting the emotional depth and vocal fire that made him great.
5. “Funky Broadway” (1967)
With “Funky Broadway,” released in 1967, Wilson Pickett didn’t just score another hit—he made history. The first song with the word “funky” in its title to hit No. 1 on the R&B charts, it marked a crucial turning point in soul and funk music. Originally recorded by Dyke and the Blazers, Pickett’s rendition dialed everything up: the horns hit harder, the groove grinds deeper, and his vocals absolutely sizzle with gritty charisma. “Funky Broadway” isn’t just a place—it’s a metaphor for unfiltered, urban cool. Pickett approaches the lyrics like a preacher on fire, testifying about a street pulsing with life, music, and movement. The song’s bassline slinks through the track like it owns the pavement, while the drums and horns punch with swagger and style. More than just a song, it’s a vibe—a raw, joyful declaration that soul could be streetwise, dirty, and thrilling. It paved the way for funk’s explosion and expanded the boundaries of what soul music could be. Pickett’s version remains a cornerstone of that evolution.
6. “634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” (1966)
“634-5789 (Soulsville, U.S.A.)” is a perfect example of Wilson Pickett’s ability to make something simple feel profound. Released in 1966 and co-written by Eddie Floyd and Steve Cropper, the song revolves around a phone number—but through Pickett’s voice, it becomes a heartfelt plea for connection. Backed by the Muscle Shoals house band, the track glides along on a silky groove, filled with soulful horns and tight rhythms that cradle Pickett’s emotional delivery. His vocals move effortlessly from soft persuasion to passionate insistence, turning what could have been a novelty into an R&B classic. There’s a warmth and accessibility to the song that made it instantly beloved—it topped the R&B charts and became a staple in Pickett’s live shows, where audiences would eagerly shout the number back to him. More than a love song, it’s a musical lifeline, an invitation to reach out and feel something real. Even now, “634-5789” remains a standout soul tune, balancing smoothness with sincerity in a way few others have.
7. “I’m in Love” (1967)
In 1967’s “I’m in Love,” Wilson Pickett steps back from his usual explosive style to reveal something far more intimate. Written by Bobby Womack, the song is a slow-burning soul ballad that allows Pickett’s voice to shine with quiet vulnerability. Instead of shouting to the rafters, he delivers each line with tenderness and emotional precision, gliding over soft organ lines, restrained guitar licks, and a gentle rhythm section. It’s a confessional track—honest, simple, and deeply heartfelt. Pickett sings like a man completely immersed in love, not just enamored but profoundly moved. Though it didn’t chart as high as his bigger hits, the emotional depth of “I’m in Love” resonated deeply with fans. It revealed another side of Pickett—the romantic, the soft-spoken truth-teller. Aretha Franklin later recorded a powerful version of the song, but Pickett’s remains a definitive, quietly majestic take. This track proves that true soul isn’t just loud and energetic—it’s also found in the delicate honesty of a man baring his heart.
8. “Engine Number 9” (1970)
“Engine Number 9,” released in 1970, finds Wilson Pickett riding the rails of funk with fiery urgency and a soul singer’s heart. From the opening notes, the rhythm mimics a chugging train, laying down the perfect backdrop for Pickett’s tale of longing and pursuit. He’s a man desperate to reunite with a lost love, and every lyric he sings carries a sense of urgency and hope. The tight rhythm section, swirling horns, and gritty bassline push the track forward relentlessly—it’s a song in motion, physically and emotionally. Pickett’s vocals are impassioned but focused, channeling both desperation and determination. Though “Engine Number 9” didn’t top the charts, it has since become a fan favorite and a testament to Pickett’s ability to adapt to the evolving sound of soul and funk without losing the core of his artistry. It’s a vibrant, propulsive track that captures what makes Pickett special: powerful vocals, emotional storytelling, and an uncanny sense of rhythm.
9. “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” (1967)
Wilson Pickett’s take on “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” is soul music in overdrive. Originally recorded by Solomon Burke, Pickett’s 1967 version injects the classic with an electrifying burst of gospel intensity and raw emotion. The rhythm section comes in like a freight train, and the horns punctuate every beat with celebratory power. Pickett’s voice is full of fire as he delivers the lyrics like a preacher mid-sermon—joyful, insistent, and thoroughly convincing. His ability to balance passionate urgency with melodic control makes this version one of the most exciting renditions of the song ever recorded. Rather than a smooth ballad, it becomes a rallying cry—a declaration that love is not only universal but essential. The track turns into a communal experience, especially in live performances where audiences would clap, shout, and dance along. Pickett’s interpretation isn’t just a cover—it’s a complete reimagining that exemplifies soul at its most spirited and communal. It remains one of the brightest jewels in his discography and a reminder that soul can be both message and movement.
10. “Hey Jude” (1969)
Covering a Beatles classic is no small feat, but in 1969, Wilson Pickett transformed “Hey Jude” into a soul masterwork. Where the original is introspective and soothing, Pickett’s version is fiery and full of gospel fervor. He begins with restraint, letting the emotion build, before exploding into the unforgettable “na-na-na” coda with the passion of a revival preacher. His voice soars, roars, and aches, turning the song into a cathartic, near-religious experience. Adding even more magic to the session was a young Duane Allman on guitar, whose searing licks provide a perfect counterpoint to Pickett’s vocal fireworks. Allman’s contribution was so powerful that it caught the attention of Eric Clapton and helped launch the Allman Brothers Band. Even Paul McCartney later praised Pickett’s rendition, calling it one of his favorite interpretations of a Beatles song. “Hey Jude” under Pickett’s command isn’t just a cover—it’s a reinvention that blends rock, soul, and gospel into something transcendent. It stands as a shining example of how great songs can find new life when filtered through a truly singular voice.
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.
