The Isley Brothers stand as titans of American music, their career stretching across seven decades and leaving an indelible mark on soul, funk, R&B, and even hip-hop. From their gospel-infused beginnings to their electrifying funk anthems, the family band has consistently innovated and captivated audiences. Their influence resonates through generations of artists, and their extensive catalog is a treasure trove of timeless hits.
Formed in the early 1950s as a vocal trio, the Isley Brothers, anchored by the unwavering presence of Ronald Isley, navigated numerous musical landscapes. They evolved from a polished vocal group to Motown sensations in the 60s and pioneers of sensual funk and soul in the 70s. Their journey is a testament to their adaptability and enduring musical prowess.
With a rich history and an arsenal of iconic songs, pinpointing their definitive tracks is no easy task. However, we’ve curated a list of ten essential Isley Brothers Songs that showcase their evolution, their impact, and their sheer musical brilliance. Here are ten of their greatest songs, ranked:
1. ‘Shout’
The Isley Brothers performing Shout, their iconic song that became a youth phenomenon.
‘Shout’ isn’t just a song; it’s an experience. Emerging from their early performances and gospel roots, this 1959 track became the Isley Brothers’ explosive entry into the music scene. Built on a call-and-response structure honed in church, ‘Shout’ ignited audiences with its raw energy and infectious rhythm. Initially more of a stage improvisation than a structured song, it organically evolved into a full-fledged hit. While it wasn’t an immediate chart-topper upon release, ‘Shout’ transformed into a cultural phenomenon, dominating dance floors at weddings, proms, and parties. Its stop-and-start dynamism became a signature element, encouraging uninhibited joy and release. ‘Shout’ laid the foundation for their future success, enabling them to achieve financial stability and embark on their legendary journey as funk and soul innovators. Later popularized by Lulu in the UK, ‘Shout’ remains their signature song, a testament to their electrifying stage presence and gospel-infused fervor.
2. ‘It’s Your Thing’
Ronald Isley passionately singing 'It's Your Thing', a Grammy-winning anthem for independence.
“It’s your thing, do what you wanna do,” Ronald Isley’s iconic opening line from ‘It’s Your Thing’ immediately establishes the song’s message of autonomy and self-determination. Released in 1969, this track became a defining anthem of personal freedom, resonating deeply with audiences embracing social and sexual liberation. The ambiguity of the lyrics allowed for widespread radio play, propelling it to No. 2 on the Billboard charts and earning the Isley Brothers their first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Group Performance in 1970. Beyond its lyrical message, ‘It’s Your Thing’ is a masterclass in upbeat soul, driven by a catchy melody, punchy horns, and a driving rhythm. Its infectious energy and empowering message solidified its place as one of the Isley Brothers’ most recognizable and celebrated songs, transcending generations and remaining a staple in popular culture.
3. ‘This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)’
The Isley Brothers in their Motown era, when they released 'This Old Heart of Mine'.
A quintessential Motown classic, ‘This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)’ embodies the label’s signature blend of soulful vocals, poignant lyrics, and irresistible melodies. Released in 1966, the song reached No. 3 in the UK charts and became a defining track of their Motown period. It perfectly captures the bittersweet ache of unrequited love, contrasting heart-wrenching lyrics with an infectiously upbeat tempo and harmonies. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its numerous covers, most notably by Rod Stewart, a devoted fan who later realized a dream duet version with the Isley Brothers in 1989. ‘This Old Heart of Mine’ remains a testament to the Isley Brothers’ versatility and their ability to deliver both high-energy anthems and deeply emotional ballads with equal conviction.
4. ‘That Lady’
‘That Lady’ epitomizes the Isley Brothers’ smooth and seductive 1970s sound. A reimagining of their 1964 track ‘Who’s That Lady’, this 1973 version transformed the original into a sophisticated R&B masterpiece. Driven by Ernie Isley’s distinctive wah-wah guitar and Ronald Isley’s sensual vocals, ‘That Lady’ became a crossover hit, reaching No. 6 on the US Billboard charts and breaking into the UK Top 20. Its allure lies in its blend of soulful vocals, funky instrumentation, and a groove that’s both danceable and deeply romantic. The song’s widespread appeal across both R&B and rock radio solidified the Isley Brothers’ position as musical chameleons, capable of captivating diverse audiences and defining the sound of 70s soul. It’s a track tailor-made for late-night ambiance, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
5. ‘Summer Breeze’
Ernie Isley playing guitar during a performance of 'Summer Breeze', highlighting his contribution to the song's iconic sound.
The Isley Brothers took Seals & Crofts’ 1972 folk-rock hit ‘Summer Breeze’ and transformed it into a languid, soul-drenched slow jam in 1974. Their rendition, anchored by Ernie Isley’s mesmerizingly smooth and slightly distorted guitar work, evokes images of sunsets and warm summer nights. While it only modestly charted in the US upon release, ‘Summer Breeze’ became an enduring classic, arguably surpassing the original in popularity over time. Ernie Isley’s guitar lines are central to the song’s magic, showcasing his evolution into a guitar virtuoso and establishing him as a worthy successor to Jimi Hendrix, whom the Isley Brothers famously mentored early in his career. The Isley Brothers’ ‘Summer Breeze’ is a testament to their ability to reinterpret songs and make them uniquely their own, imbuing them with their signature soulful touch.
6. ‘Testify’ (Parts 1 & 2)
A young Jimi Hendrix playing guitar with The Isley Brothers in their early days.
‘Testify’ holds a unique place in music history as the song that arguably launched the legendary career of Jimi Hendrix. The Isley Brothers have a deep connection to Hendrix, having discovered him as a young, struggling guitarist and brought him into their band. Released in 1964, ‘Testify’ (Parts 1 & 2) showcases Hendrix’s raw talent and innovative guitar playing, which was instrumental in shaping the song’s energetic and groundbreaking sound. O’Kelly Isley Jr.’s encounter with Hendrix proved to be a pivotal moment, not only for Hendrix himself but for the trajectory of rock and roll. ‘Testify’ serves as a historical marker, capturing a nascent genius on the verge of superstardom, and highlighting the Isley Brothers’ keen ear for talent and their role in nurturing musical innovation.
7. ‘Ohio/Machine Gun’
The Isley Brothers performing 'Ohio/Machine Gun', a powerful medley of protest songs.
In 1971, the Isley Brothers demonstrated their versatility and social awareness by creating ‘Ohio/Machine Gun’, a powerful medley of protest anthems. This track seamlessly blends Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s ‘Ohio’, a reaction to the Kent State shootings, with Jimi Hendrix’s visceral anti-war statement ‘Machine Gun’. By merging these two potent songs, the Isley Brothers amplified their messages of protest and social commentary, showcasing their engagement with the counterculture movement. ‘Ohio/Machine Gun’ stands as one of their most politically charged and musically intense recordings, highlighting their ability to transcend genre boundaries and address pressing social issues through their music. It’s a fiery and poignant moment in their discography, revealing a different facet of their artistic expression.
8. ‘Get Into Something’
The Isley Brothers in the studio during their T-Neck Records era, recording tracks like 'Get Into Something'.
‘Get Into Something’, released in 1970, marks a pivotal point in the Isley Brothers’ sonic evolution. Having established their own record label, T-Neck Records, they gained complete creative control, leading to a bolder and funkier sound. ‘Get Into Something’ is a sprawling, seven-and-a-half-minute funk epic, driven by a deep groove, extended instrumental jams, and a raw, unfiltered energy. Influenced by James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, and the evolving sounds of The Temptations, the Isley Brothers fully embraced funk, creating dance floor anthems that were both musically adventurous and irresistibly rhythmic. ‘Get Into Something’ exemplifies this new direction, showcasing their instrumental prowess and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of soul and funk music.
9. ‘Love The One You’re With’
The Isley Brothers performing 'Love the One You're With', a cover that became a soul classic.
Stephen Stills of Crosby, Still & Nash penned ‘Love The One You’re With’ in 1970, capturing the spirit of the free love movement. The Isley Brothers reimagined the song in 1971, transforming it into a soulful ode to universal love and acceptance. Their rendition infused the track with a gospel-tinged fervor and a smoother, more soulful arrangement, making it resonate with a broader audience. The Isley Brothers’ version paved the way for covers by artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to Bucks Fizz, demonstrating the song’s versatility and universal message. Their interpretation highlights their ability to take songs from diverse genres and infuse them with their signature soulfulness, crafting versions that are both respectful of the original and distinctively their own.
10. ‘Footsteps In The Dark’
The album cover featuring 'Footsteps in the Dark', highlighting its influence on contemporary music.
‘Footsteps In The Dark’ exemplifies the Isley Brothers’ enduring influence on contemporary music. This 1977 track, with its subtle funk groove and atmospheric vibe, gained renewed attention decades later when its opening drumbeat was sampled by jazz-funk bassist Thundercat for his 2017 song ‘Them Changes’. This sample introduced ‘Footsteps In The Dark’ to a new generation, making it a favorite among DJs and music aficionados. The song’s understated groove and sophisticated harmonies showcase the Isley Brothers’ mastery of subtle dynamics and their ability to create music that resonates across generations. ‘Footsteps In The Dark’ serves as a reminder of their lasting impact and their continued relevance in today’s musical landscape, bridging the gap between classic soul and contemporary sounds.
In conclusion, the Isley Brothers’ musical legacy is immense and multifaceted. These ten songs offer just a glimpse into their remarkable catalog, showcasing their evolution, their versatility, and their enduring impact on popular music. From electrifying anthems to smooth soul ballads, the Isley Brothers have consistently delivered music that moves, inspires, and stands the test of time. Their songs continue to be discovered and celebrated by new generations, cementing their status as true legends of soul and funk.
