10 Essential R&B Songs That Came Out in 1975 (and Are Guaranteed to Be Played at the Next Cookout)

Mar. 15, 2025

Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson.Photo:Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty;Motown Productions/Nikor Productions/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis/Getty;Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

Frank Edwards/Fotos International/Getty;Motown Productions/Nikor Productions/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis/Getty;Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty

And 1975 was a banner year for songs of this ilk. Dance music was at its peak, and some of the greats were merely scratching the surface of what would become mega careers. It was still cool to pine for your love on a record, and jazzy beats paired with soulful lyrics were all the rage. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, look back at these 10 essential R&B songs that not only shaped the way R&B music was perceived 50 years ago but have also maintained relevancy today.

01of 10David Ruffin, “Walk Away From Love"An R&B song that immediately invokes memories of a chill summer’s day, “Walk Away from Love” was featured on the former Temptations singer’sWho I Amalbum and became the most successful single of his solo career.

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David Ruffin, “Walk Away From Love”

An R&B song that immediately invokes memories of a chill summer’s day, “Walk Away from Love” was featured on the former Temptations singer’sWho I Amalbum and became the most successful single of his solo career.

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People’s Choice, “Do It the Way You Wanna”

03of 10Natalie Cole, “This Will Be"“This Will Be” has been featured in commercials, movies and even your favorite department store. A timeless classic, the tune was Natalie Cole’s debut single off theInseparablealbum and became an instant hit. The song won 27-year-old Cole the Grammy for best R&B vocal performance, female at the 18th annual Grammy Awards, breaking Aretha Franklin’s eight-year stranglehold on the category. She also won best new artist.

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Natalie Cole, “This Will Be”

“This Will Be” has been featured in commercials, movies and even your favorite department store. A timeless classic, the tune was Natalie Cole’s debut single off theInseparablealbum and became an instant hit. The song won 27-year-old Cole the Grammy for best R&B vocal performance, female at the 18th annual Grammy Awards, breaking Aretha Franklin’s eight-year stranglehold on the category. She also won best new artist.

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In an interview withSigned Media from 2019, Summer revealed she initially recorded the single with the idea that it would be a demo for someone else as she felt it was “too sexy” for her. However, while she was away in Schwarzwald, Germany, recovering from a heart issue, Italian music producer Giorgio Moroder sold the song, and it catapulted her to superstardom.

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Barry White, “I’ll Do for You Anything You Want Me To”

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Diana Ross, “Theme from ‘Mahogany’ (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)”

07of 10Michael Jackson, “Just a Little Bit of You"A deep cut for hardcore Michael Jackson fans, “Just a Little Bit of You” came four years beforeOff the Walland was released as part of Jackson’s fourth studio album,Forever, Michael. The tune showcases his crisp falsetto, sharp melodies and the sweet sentiments his later hits would exhibit.

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Michael Jackson, “Just a Little Bit of You”

A deep cut for hardcore Michael Jackson fans, “Just a Little Bit of You” came four years beforeOff the Walland was released as part of Jackson’s fourth studio album,Forever, Michael. The tune showcases his crisp falsetto, sharp melodies and the sweet sentiments his later hits would exhibit.

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Earth, Wind & Fire, “Shining Star”

If you’re having a bad day, play this song and we guarantee your whole mood will change. The upbeat track is not only an fun song to listen to, but it was giving us affirmations long before it was trendy to do so.

09of 10Hot Chocolate, “You Sexy Thing"Hot Chocolate had us at the catchy opener: “I believe in miracles.” Featuring an ultra-funky bassline, this sweeping love song has been a favorite with advertisers over the years, having been featured in commercials for Bud Light, Chevrolet and Burger King, among a slew of others.

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Hot Chocolate, “You Sexy Thing”

Hot Chocolate had us at the catchy opener: “I believe in miracles.” Featuring an ultra-funky bassline, this sweeping love song has been a favorite with advertisers over the years, having been featured in commercials for Bud Light, Chevrolet and Burger King, among a slew of others.

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source: people.com