'50s On 5
- On The Rebound-Floyd Cramer (A raucous piano romp for its time.)
- Time Is Now-Mick Clarke (A spacey instrumental reminiscent of Tangerine Dream.)
- Only Yesterday-The Carpenters (The Carpenters have taken undeserved flack from critics over the years. Who can't relate to such well-crafted, well-sung lyrics about transitioning from loneliness to happiness?)
- Let's Get Away From It All-Billy Taylor (A jaunty steppin'-out-for-the-night piano melody that could segue with just about any version of "Cheek To Cheek.")
- Just Look What You've Done-Brenda Holloway (Why on Earth wasn't this Motown gem a hit? Holloway sells it so energetically; so does the backing band.)
- Stomp!-The Brothers Johnson (Although I usually rate thoughtfully written singer-songwriter lyrics, sublime jazz, and infectious power pop above any dance groove, "Stomp!" is one of the strongest hits of its genre. It progresses smoothly from verse to chorus to verse while losing none of its drive. I'm sure many listeners have sung along or mouthed the "Everybody take it to the top..." lead-in to the chorus without being conscious of it.)
- You Don't Miss Your Water-Otis Redding (If you like Redding's emoting on "Try A Little Tenderness," "You Don't Miss Your Water" will likely appeal to you, as well.)
