The Commodores were a band formed in 1968 at Tuskegee University. They played traditional R&B, funk and soul music.
The band found success as a backing group for such notable musicians as Diana Ross and their own hit singles such as “Slippery When Wet” and “Brick House.”
In addition to their own work, the band has had a number of notable guest appearances on other musicians’ tracks. Below are ten of our favorite songs by The Commodores:
Top Songs by The Commodores
“Touchdown”
“Touchdown” was written by the band’s lead singer, Lionel Richie. The song was released as a single in 1978 and reached number one on the charts. The song was originally featured on the Commodores’ album “Natural High.”
It is about a man who is in love with a woman and how they are “touchdown.” Many artists have covered the song over the years. In addition, the song was featured in the film “The Wedding Singer.”
“Still”
“Still” was created by the band’s lead singer, Lionel Richie. The song was released as a single in 1978 and reached number one on the charts. “Still” was originally featured on Richie’s 1978 solo album “Lionel Richie.”
The song is about a man who is still in love with his ex-girlfriend.
Moreover, it provides a positive message about moving on from a past relationship. And It has been featured in many movies and television shows.
“Lady (You Bring Me Up)”
“Lady (You Bring Me Up)” was released as a single in 1981 and reached number five on the charts. It was written by the band’s lead singer, Lionel Richie.
The song is dedicated to a man who is in love with a woman and how she brings him up. Many artists have covered the song over the years. Moreover, the song was featured in the film “The Wedding Singer.”
“Flying High”
“Flying High” was written and originally recorded in 1977 by the Commodores. The song was released as a single in 1978 and reached number five on the charts. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
The song is about a man who is in love and is “flying high.” In addition, the song provides a positive message about being in love. It is also a song that is upbeat and makes you want to dance.
“Easy”
“Easy” was first released as a single in 1975 on the Commodores’ album of the same name. The song was written by the band’s lead singer, Lionel Richie. The song is about a relationship that is going well and how easy it is to be with the other person.
It has been covered by many artists over the years and is one of the Commodores’ most popular songs. Moreover, it was featured in the films “The Wedding Singer” and “Pitch Perfect.”
“Brick House”
“Brick House” is one of the Commodores’ biggest songs. It was released in 1977 and reached number two on the charts. The song was written by the band’s drummer William King, who also provides vocals on it.
It has been covered multiple times over the years. Furthermore, the song has been sampled by numerous artists. The song is about a woman who’s “built like a brick house.”
“Three Times A Lady”
“Three Times A Lady” was released as a single in 1978 and reached number one on the charts. It was written by the band’s lead singer, Lionel Richie.
The song was written about Richie’s then-wife, Diana. It has been covered by many artists over the years and is one of the Commodores’ most popular songs.
“Night Shift”
“Night Shift” was written and originally recorded by the Commodores in 1978. It was released on their album “Natural High.” The song was a chart topper and was one of the band’s most successful songs.
It was written by the band’s lead singer, Lionel Richie. The song was written about the love of a woman, who after work at night would come home to her man.
“Machine Gun”
“Machine Gun” was first released as a single in 1974 on the Commodores’ album of the same name. The song paints pictures of violence, war, and killing.
It has been covered by a number of artists over the years and was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s film “Kill Bill.”
“Sail On”
One of the Commodores’ most popular songs, “Sail On” was released as a single in 1972. The song features vocals by Walter Orange and William King.
It was written by Orange, King, and Ronald LaPread. The song talks of a broken relationship and telling the person to move on.
In addition, it provides a positive message of support for those going through hard times. A number of artists has covered the song over the years.
Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.