By Dayo (81.134.177.82) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 12:10 pm:

Hi from the newest newbie! I'm sort of hesitant about this, but I'd really like to start a new thread. Forgive me if this one has been done before....

I was thinking about intro's. You know how it goes; you hear those first few seconds of a song and way before the vocals kick in, you just know its a killer.

So my question is this; what's your all time favourite intro, and why?

For myself, it must be the opening bars of the Spinners, "Its a shame". That gorgeous guitar lick... so tasteful, so heavenly, it almost floats on air. I feel sure someone will tell me who played it. Was it written by Stevie or did the guitarist invent it?

Can I respectfully suggest that if it tickles your interest to respond, maybe you could limit your reply to one suggestion only. I know, I know its tough. I just think (imho)a definitive answer makes more interesting reading than long lists.

Colin

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 12:45 pm:

Hi!,

The strings in the intro of MFSB's «Sunin' & Funin'». I don't knows told exactly the reason why but of all the great string arrangements in all the symphonic 70's soul, this intro is particullary mellow (despite the fact of the "festive" title of the song).

Peace!

By douglasm (68.118.223.130) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 01:00 pm:

So many good intros, so little time.
When the Funks went into "It's A Shame" at their concert, i just levitated out of my seat. "Pappa Was A Rolling Stone" is one of my favorites, too, but i have to qualify that. A good intro to me sets the whole scene, witness "Disco Inferno" or "Theme from Shaft" or "Walk Don't Run" or "Nothing But A Heartache". Big Jim Edwards helps, too.....

By Moe (24.140.18.45) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 03:27 pm:

Dayo, "Uptight". Love the guitar! But I also have to add the intro to "Going to A GoGo"- love the drums!!

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 03:31 pm:

"It's A Shame" is one that will pull you out of your seat. I love that into on "Shot Gun," a definite groove.

By Ju (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 04:33 pm:

Douglasm, I see you are a guitar man

By Vandelron (68.198.48.201) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 05:25 pm:

Welcome - good topic-I WANT YOU BACK--none better--explodes!

By Juicefree20 (151.205.115.78) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 06:16 pm:

Maybe it's not too soulful, but the opening guitar figure of The Stones Satisfaction is definitely memorable.

By Frankie B. (65.35.203.15) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 07:59 pm:

I love the "wah-wah" guitar flourishes at the start of "Smiling Faces Sometimes" by Undisputed truth. So very "early 70"s" The strings right behind the guitar aren't too bad either.

By Vickie (198.81.26.103) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 08:07 pm:

Your Precious Love

Tammi & Marvin


gets me every time......

By NYC Diva (207.69.137.22) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 08:28 pm:

Love the intro to the Tempts' "I'm Losing You". I also noticed there was a similar guitar riff used in Otis Redding's song with Carla Thomas, "Tramp".

By CORNBREAD (66.185.84.74) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 08:58 pm:

Check out one of my favourites: Jackie Moore "Time".

Outstanding guitar work from Dennis Coffey and Ray Monette.

Here is a rundown of the other players on this classic track. Pedigree players for sure.

Mac Rebennack, Dave Crawford, Michael Utley (keyboards)
Jesse Boyce (bass)
Freeman Brown (drums)
Brad Shapiro, Jack Ashford (percussion)
Andrew Love, Wayne Jackson and the Memphis Horns

Recorded at Criteria Studios, Miami


If this track don't make you move, they need to call the undertaker!!!!

By Robb_K (66.81.198.113) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 10:00 pm:

There are so very, very many super intros. I'd probably have over 100 that I couldn't choose from. What comes to mind now for me is the plunky piano intro to The Temptations' "It's Growing", as well as the great string intro to "Since I Lost My Baby". Another is the intro to "I'll Be On My Way" by Bob and Fred. I guess I have Detroit on the mind right now. The bells from "Church Bells Are Ringing (later:May Ring)" by The Willows. The opening from "I Do' by The Marvelows. The intro to "A Woman Won't Do Right" by Shorty Long. There are hundreds from Motown, alone.

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 10:15 pm:

Love Child
I cant help myself
My Girl
Tracks of my tears
Love wont let me wait
Wind
Sideshow
I'll be around
You make me feel brand new
Love train
For the love of money
Baker street
Forever mine
You keep me hanging on
Shaft
Hope that we can get together soon

By citylights (67.24.156.80) on Saturday, March 13, 2004 - 11:04 pm:

Love Child...Supremes
Come See About Me...Supremes
When You're Young and In Love....Marvelettes

By ~medusa~ (68.79.165.90) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:14 am:

Function At The Junction~Shorty Long
After 2am~Teddy P
Since I Lost My Baby~Temps
Selfish One~Jackie Ross
Travelin' At The Speed Of Thought~O'Jays
Dr. Feelgood~Aretha
Really Sayin' Somethin'~Velvellettes
Groovline~Heatwave
Fantastic Voyage~Lakeside
Together/Slow Drag~Intruders
Romeo & Juliet~Reflections
The More You Do It~Ronnie Dyson
Love Wont Let Me Wait~Major Harris
Work On Me~O'Jays
Joy~Teddy P
Young Hearts Run Free~Candy Staton
Poor Unfortunate Me~JJ Barnes
Aint Love Good/Aint Love Grand (A Story 'Bout A Woman Lovin' A Man)~Tony Clark
Heatwave~Martha VanDellas
Wonderful~Aretha
Dancin In The Street~Martha & VanDellas
Shot Gun~Jr. Walker & All Stars
This Old Heart Of Mine~Isley Bros.
Take Me In Your Arms~Kim Weston
When I Think About You Baby~Aretha
Come Get To This~Marvin Gaye
Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get~Dramatics
Why Leave Us Alone~Five Special
Misty Blue~Dorothy Moore
The Entertainer~Tony Clark
Disco Lady~Johnny Taylor
How Sweet It Is~Marvin Gaye
Treat Her Like A Lady~Temps (Ali Woodson)
It's You That I Need~Enchantment
Wish He Didn't Trust Me So Much~Bobby Womack
Let It Whip~Dazz Band
This Must Be Heaven~Brainstorm
To Get You In The Mood~Whispers
Ecstacy~Barry White
Everybody Needs Love~Gladys & Pips
Itching In My Heart~Supremes
My Baby Loves Me~Martha & VanDellas
You Know HOw To Make Me Feel So Good~Harold
Melvin & Blue Notes/Feat Sharon Paige
OOOBaby I Can't Do Without You~Deon Jackson
Love Overboard~Gladys & Pips
Baby I Need YOur Lovin'~Four Tops
At Midnight~Chaka
I Gotta Feelin'~Four Tops
Sign, Sealed Delivered~Stevie Wonder
Lady Marmalade~LaBelle
Leave It Alone~Dynamic Superiors
Really GOt A Hold On Me~Miracles
I Don't Wanna Do Wrong~Gladys & Pips
I Get The Sweetest Feeling~Jackie Wilson
Sign Your Name Across My Heart~Terrance Trent D'Arby
Love Machine~Miracles
Everlasting Love~Chaka
A Love I Can See~Temps
I Was Made To Love Her~Stevie
Save The Overtime For Me~Gladys & Pips
I Truly Truly Believe~Temps (Melvin up front)

By Dinelle (68.158.140.96) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 09:14 am:

Crusin'-Smokey Robinson
Tears of a Clown-Miracles
Mickey's Monkey-Miracles
Love Machine-Miracles
Just to See Her-Smokey Robinson
More Love, More Joy-Miracles
I've Got to Use My Imagination-Gladys Knight & The Pips
Ain't No Mountain High Enough-Marvin and Tammi
One More Heartache-Marvin Gaye
Stoned Love-Supremes
These Are Things-Tammi Terrell
It's Just My Imagination-Temptations
Shoeshine Boy-Eddie Kendricks

By David Meikle (62.252.128.10) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 09:35 am:

Unquestionably.

"I told you so" by Freddy Butler.

By ~medusa~ (68.79.84.186) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 09:38 am:

I Wanna Do Someting Freaky TO You~Leon Haywood

By Walt B (205.188.209.109) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 03:14 pm:

The intro to "Backstabbers" by the O'Jays still floors me everytime I hear it.

By NYC Diva (207.69.137.8) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 03:46 pm:

Eddie K.'s "Keep On Truckin'"

By john dixon (205.188.209.109) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 05:34 pm:

But It's Alright-JJ Jackson
Strawberry Letter-Shuggie Otis

By PhillyGroove (64.12.96.238) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 06:29 pm:

O-O-Child by The Five Stairsteps ... I like drum intros the best.

By douglasm (68.118.223.130) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 07:27 pm:

Guitar man?

Tina Turner's "Nutbush City Limits" has a knockout intro. I like the way it layers the insturments, which continues through the whole song.....

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 07:52 pm:

Hi again, soulful friends!

Some folks as Bobby have write a lot of favorites. And Robb K (the man who count all the things by hundreds or towsands!, smile!) have write almost a towsand of favorites.
Because this,i wanna add some other favorite intros:
-«992 Arguments» by O'Jays (similar to "Backstabbers" but, more "contundent")
-«Thank You Early Bird» by Jerry Butler
-«Don't Let Love Get You Down» by Archie Bell & Drells (very good percussion)
-«Bumpin' Boogie» by Talk Of The Town (the horn section is the bomb)
-«Living A Little Laughin A Little» by Spinners

That's all by now (i have a lot more!)
Peace & Soul Food

By Frankie B. (65.35.203.15) on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 08:24 pm:

I thought of another... the intro for "never give you up" by Jerry Butler. Classic. Does anyone know if this intro has ever been "sampled" for a modern-day hip hop tune? I am curious...

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 02:54 pm:

HEY DAYO,THIS IS ALWAYS A FUN THREAD...THOSE FUNKY DRUMS AND HANDCLAPS THAT OPEN[GIRL WHY YOU WANNA MAKE ME BLUE,THE TEMPS]..THE COOL BASS GUITAR AND CHIMES THAT OPEN[UNDER THE BOARDWALK,THE DRIFTERS]..THE HAPPY TRUMPETS THAT START[TALKIN BOUT MY BABY,THE IMPRESSIONS]..THE HIGH OCTAVES THAT OPEN[THE SWEETER HE IS,THE SOUL CHILDREN[OH AN BY THE WAY THAT PART IS SUNG BY THE GUYS]..THE FOGHORN AND SEAGULLS OF[HARBOUR LIGHTS,THE PLATTERS]..THE RUNNING VIOLINS THAT START[RHYTHM,MAJOR LANCE]..THE THUNDEROUS PIANO OPENING OF[SINCE I LOST MY BABY,THE TEMPS]..THE HOWLING WOLVES OF[THRILLER,MJ]..THE TICKING CLOCK[THE CLOCK,BABY WASHINGTON]..THE CHIRPING BIRDS AND COOL STREAM THAT OPEN[SO MUCH IN LOVE,THE TYMES]..THE ALMOST GOSPEL ORGAN OF[WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN,PERCY SLEDGE]..OR HOW ABOUT JACKIE WILSON'S VERY DIRECT[HEY YOU]FROM[BABY WORKOUT]

By douglasm (68.118.223.130) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 02:58 pm:

I love threads like these. They send me back into the collection to look up the songs.....

One more on the "building" or "layer" idea, and a GREAT open. "Oh What A Night" The Dells

By Galactus (207.144.253.114) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:12 pm:

I'm with Walt B.

The "Backstabbers" intro was the first thing to come to mind when I saw this topic.....It's just awesome.

The full version of "Still Water (Love)" by the Four Tops has a pretty cool intro as well.....

And how 'bout that piano intro on The Temptations' "It's Growing"?? Woooo...

By Galactus (207.144.253.114) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:19 pm:

Oh....one more:

"Doo Doo Wap Is Strong in Here" - Curtis Mayfield from the "Short Eyes" soundtrack.....damn that opening is some serious stuff!!

By Tony Russi (216.78.186.157) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:27 pm:

I think in the 60's Motown had the most killer intros....who could top "My Guy","My Girl" Heatwave" "Don't Mess With Bill" "Can't Help Myself" but the greatest intro for me is "Dancing In The Streets".Funk Brothers kick some serious booty.

By Livonia Ken (136.2.1.101) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:44 pm:

Perhaps it's too obvious, but someone should have mentioned Marvin's "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" before now.

Regards,
Ken

By Tony Russi (216.78.186.157) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 03:55 pm:

Ken, thats probably one of the most recognized opening in the history of POP music....but I prefer the intro to the Gladys Knight & the Pips version.I like that whole track better.

By Leo (24.131.110.229) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 04:23 pm:

Almost anything by the group WAR!

By bigdaddyg2k4 (206.157.27.242) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 06:00 pm:

Could It Be I'm Falling In Love
I'll Be Around
Sideshow
Tear It Down (If you have the first volumes of the "Smooth Grooves" series, check out one of those volumes that this song is on in the liner notes, it basically says it all why I love this song!)
Brick House
TSOP (The Sound Of Philadelphia) (Vince's vibes are reminiscent of the good times of '74 and Soul Train)
Backstabbers
I Miss You (Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes)
If You Don't Know Me By Now
South Philly
Lay In Low
When Will I See You Again
Super Freak
Coldblooded
Natural High
My Foolish Heart (A slow, beautiful song by the legendary guitarist John McLauglin)
I Don't Love You Anymore
The Whole Town's Laughing At Me
Love T.K.O.
Forever Mine
Lovin' You (The O'Jays)
Give The People What They Want
Nice N' Nasty
Goin' Up In Smoke
He's A Friend
Mighty High
Human Machine
K-Jee
Family Affair (MFSB)
Mighty Love
Mary Jane
It's Forever
You're The Reason Why
Enjoy Yourself
Do It Anyway You Wanna
Get The Funk Outta Ma Face
Strawberry Letter 23
Ride-O-Rocket
Do You Love What You Feel
Groove Me
Serpentine Fire
Fantasy
Mighty Mighty
Spirit
Faces
Get Down Tonight
Never Too Much
Glow Of Love
Can You Feel It (The Jacksons)
Heartbreak Hotel
Lovely One
Rhythm Nation
Riding High
You Can't Turn Me Off (Right In The Middle Of Turning Me On)
For The Love Of Money

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 08:35 pm:

Hi!

Some more favorite intros:

-This Air I Breath - O'Jays (the most "boogaloo" intro of the PIR catalogue)
-Shiftless, Shady, Jaleous Kind Of People - O'Jays (very dramatic organ)
-Best Love I Ever Had - Jerry Butler (similar to a Tango!)
-I Just Want Somebody To Love Me - O'Jays (very good piano solo intro and strings!)
-Save A Place For Me - Harold Melvin & Blue Notes (very good, especially the trombone).
-Sexy Ways - Ebonys (what screaming voice!)
-Don't Send Me Away - People's Choice (the piano solo and Frank Brunson's voice at his best!)
-People Never Give Up - Curtis mayfield
-Mother's Sons - Curtis Mayfield
-Thank You Love - Isaac Hayes
-She's Only A Woman - O'Jays
-Sanctified Lady - Marvin Gaye
-That's What Friends Are Made For - Mighty Clouds Of Joy
-Time - Mighty Clouds Of Joy

(To be continued)
Peace & Soul Food

By Robb_K (66.81.19.70) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:16 pm:

The drum roll at the start of "I'll Always love You" by The Spinners. The guitar and horns at the beginning of "You're My Leading Lady" by Tommy Frontera. The drums, horns & strings in lead for "Just Like You Did Me" by Yvonne Vernee.

By janebse (68.63.6.8) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:24 pm:

"My Girl" But in listening to a Temptations album, I've always been intrigued by the fact that the introduction to each and every song was so different and so appealing to the ears. How did tMotown think up so many ways to begin a song?

By Richard Felstead (195.92.168.172) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:25 pm:

Only one intro for me........Just My Imagination
- The Temptations.

It drips class, and is instantly familiar to practically two thirds of this planet.

It's also my all time favourite number one.

Nothing else comes remotely close.

End of story.

:-)))

By JoB (63.168.103.2) on Monday, March 15, 2004 - 10:36 pm:

"You're Still A Young Man", Tower of Power...classic :o)

By Rodmann (12.223.170.105) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 12:36 am:

Here are some of my favorites:

DEJA VU/Dionne Warwick - One of my favorite intros of all time. Great bass playing. It's also repeated on the breakdown.

SHAFT/Isaac Hayes - One of the best!

WALKIN' IN THE RAIN WITH THE ONE I LOVE/Love Unlimited

LOVE T.K.O/Teddy Pendergrass

IF SHE DON'T WANT YOUR LOVIN'/Aretha Franklin - This intro has some great thick sounding bass playing, bongo drums and excellent background singing. I'm not sure exactly who the background singers are on this particular track (the only one I can make out is Cissy Houston) but these girls are tearing it up!

A FEW MORE KISSES TO GO/Isaac Hayes - Good horn and string charts on this one.

THE FRUIT SONG/Jeannie Reynolds

DOWN AND OUT IN NEW YORK CITY/James Brown - One of James' best! Phat guitar licks and a nice horn chart.

SWEET SOUL SISTER/Nate Turner & The Mirettes - A rare Quincy Jones production from the soundtrack to the 1969 film "The Lost Man". Very moody and funky intro.

I GOT THE VIBES/Joshie "Jo" Armstead

SLEEPWALKIN'/Cheryl Lynn

SHACKIN' UP/Barbara Mason - Barbara's rap at the beginning of this song is priceless!

IN THE RAIN/Dramatics

SOMEBODY ELSE'S GUY/Jocelyn Brown

(IF LOVING YOU IS WRONG) I DON'T WANT TO BE RIGHT - Luther Ingram

YOU CAN'T TURN ME AWAY/Sylvia Striplin - This intro was sampled for Biggie Smalls and Junior Mafia's hit 'Get Money'.

NOBODY/Hodges, James, Smith and Crawford

By Dayo (81.134.180.24) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 03:28 am:

Richard

I'm totally with you on "Just my imagination" - ran a very close second for my all time fave. Class is the word. Unfortunately, way too classy to make the pop charts here in Britain circa 1971!

By ~medusa~ (68.79.91.76) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 11:28 am:

It's Alright~Impressions
Don't Send Me Away~Temps (Otis up front)
Don't Look Back~Temps (Paul up front)
When I'm Gone~Brenda Holloway
Every Little Bit Hurts~Brenda Holloway
Crazy~Immanual Laskey
I've Got Love For My Baby~Young Hearts
When I Had YOur Love~Marvin Gaye
Annie May~Natalie Cole
Golden Lady~Stevie Wonder
I Was Made To Love Her~Stevie Wonder
Bad Luck~Harold Melvin & Blue Notes (Teddy Lead)
Outstanding~Gap Band
Early In The Morning~Gap Band
Burn Rubber~Gap Band
We've Only Just Begun~Glenn JOnes
Melancholy Fire~Glenn Jones (Norman Connors)
Don't Let It Go To Your Head~Jean Carne
Best Thing In My Life~Dramatics
One In A Million(and you're my guy)~DeeDee Bridgewater
Love Don't Ever Say Goodbye~Jones Girls
I Just Love The Man~Jones Girls
I Aint Goin' By No Stars In The Sky~Dramatics
Open The Door To YOur Heart & Let Me In~Dramatics
What A Fool Believes~Doobie Bros. (Mike McDonald)
Be Ever Wonderful~EWF
Love's Holiday~EWF
Fantasy~EWF
That's The Way Of The World~EWF
After The Dance~Marvin///Fourplay(Jazz Group)
Someone LIke You~El Debarge
Head Over Heels In Love With You~Tony Terry
The Heart Of A Man~Tony Terry
Heaven Only Knows~Lela Hathaway
Someting ~Lela Hathaway
This Is It~Kenny Loggins
You Must Believe Me ~Impressions
Don't Worry Baby~Beach Boys
Sin A Simple Song~Sly & Family Stone
Keep On Pushing~Impressions
Groove Me~King Floyd

By Handsome (170.118.158.14) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 04:47 pm:

Hi All.

Some of my favorite killer intors are:

Don't Mess With Bill/I Can't Turn Around-Marvelettes
Nowhere To Run/Honey Chile-Martha & The Vandellas
Back In My Arms Again-The Supremes
In The Rain-The Dramatics
Everybody Needs love/I Heard It Through The Grapevine/The Nitty Gritty-Gladys Knight & The Pips
When Love Slips Away-Dee Dee Warwick
So I Can Love You-The Emotions
Doctor Love-First Choice
Thoughts & Wishes-Hamilton Bohannon
Sho' Nuff Must be Love-Heatwave
Nights Over Egypt-The Jones Girls
Baby, Baby, Baby-Aretha Franklin

Handsome

By bigdaddyg2k4 (205.138.55.38) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 06:06 pm:

Deja Vu (I feel ya, Rodmann!)
This Air I Breathe (see Manny's thread)
Touch And Go (Ecstasy, Passion & Pain)
There's No Me Without You
Coolin' Out
Sexy
Something For Nothing
Runaway
Give It To Me Baby
Shake Your Pants
Let Me Make Love To You
......more will continue.......

By Wonder B (81.51.159.150) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 07:01 pm:

Yeah Nights Over Egypt has one of the most hair raising intros ever...
In another genre, Thankyoufalettinmebemicelfagin is as funk an intro as can be, and one of the first displays of slapped bass... courtesy of Larry G.

Wonder B

By Destruction (199.173.225.21) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 07:12 pm:

WonderB,

How about the intro to "Thank You For Talkin To Me Africa"?

If I started listing fave intros, I'd probably end up listing my 300 fave songs. I mean 400. Would you believe 632?

By Richard Felstead (195.92.168.177) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 07:49 pm:

Some great intro's here, in fact there's some great tracks listed here.

Thanks Dayo on the heads up for the Temptations track. It is a bit spesh isn't it.

Not in the same class I know, but whenever I hear the intro of Mysteries Of The World - MFSB,
that always raises a few hairs on my neck.
Love the way the power of that track builds to the first main beat.

By MichaelOH (24.215.144.233) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 07:56 pm:

SoulfulDetroit!

You've gone through this whole thread without mentioning an intro that is a major contender for perhaps the greatest Motown intro of all time:

Reach Out(I'll Be There) - The Four Tops

C'mon...that incredible flute, Jamerson, the galloping percussive beat...sets you up for a perfect record, by a perfect group, backed by the perfect musicans.

MichaelOH

By brown9165 (68.126.212.95) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 10:28 pm:

Just a matter of time, Thom Bell intro on that
spinner's cut is awesome.

By Rodmann (12.223.170.105) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 02:06 am:

What's up Bigdaddy! Isn't the intro on Dionne Warwick's 'Deja Vu' excellent? Probably my favorite intro of all time. It's addictive man! Can you believe that Barry Mannilow produced that?! LOL. I'm sure he had some help from Isaac Hayes who wrote it though. Here's a few more of my favs:

COME ON AND SEE ME/Tammi Terrell - This one is just so exciting! The horn and string charts grab you right from the start!

JUST BEING MYSELF/Dionne Warwick - H-D-H clowned on this one!

DON'T EVER TAKE YOUR LOVE AWAY/Dionne Warwick - Those of you who have heard this know what I'm talking about! The overall song is only OK but the intro and breakdown is priceless! I was sleep on Dionne's material for years because I don't care for most of her Burt Bacarach tunes. I had no idea up until a few years back that she recorded so much excellent R&B!

HE KNOWS MY KEY (IS ALWAYS IN THE MAILBOX)/Vivian Copeland - This intro is just so exciting! Excellent horn chart and drums.

SHOW ME THE WAY TO GO/Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin - I like the bass, piano and bongo drums on this.

I WANNA JUMP/Ike & Tina Turner - Tina was bad (in a good way) back in the day! This one has some gritty guitar licks and a nice horn chart.

GIRLS HAVE FEELINGS TOO/Barbara Mason - This just sounds so ahead of it's time. I can't believe this was 1965! I like how the background singers chant the hook on this one. They also use the intro as the vamp on the end of the song.

IF YOU KNEW HIM LIKE I DO/Barbara Mason - Barbara had some great intros on her songs. I swear if someone sampled this one it would be a big hit!

By john lester (81.129.164.75) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 04:38 am:

A few HDH ones.

Try On My Love For Size-Chairmen of The Board..Babbitt's the man

You Brought The Joy-Freda Payne

One Monkey Dont Stop No Show/While You're Out Looking For Sugar/Stick Up/Want Ads-Honey Cone

Women's Love Rights (on the 45)/If I'm Good Enough to Love/IT's Not What You Fall For-Laura Lee

I'm Not Your Brothers Keeper/Westbound 9-Flaming Ember

Somebody's Been Sleeping/Everything Good Is Bad...

The Fox-Glass House
So many that I just need to stop

By roger (217.35.87.17) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 07:33 am:

Dayo.

"Just My Imagination" got to #8 on the U.K. pop charts in 1971, according to the Guinness book of Hit records, so it WAS a hit. However, I agree that it should have been bigger.

I've not listed my favourite intros yet as it would take all day. I guess "Nowhere to Run" by MARTHA & THE VANDELLAS would come near the top.

Roger

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 02:04 pm:

Hello Again, soulful brothers & sisters!

Some more "killer" intros that includes laughs, screams, good vocals or"bombastic" rythm from the first note:

It's Your To Have - Freda Payne
Rock Your Baby - George McCrae
Mr. Cool - Sweet Sensation
I Am For Real - George Duke
Tell Him - Patti Drew
Sunshine & You - Futures
Warning - Clarence Carter
How Long - Pointer Sisters
If We Got The Will - Talk Of The Town

Peace & Soul Food

By Nish (128.239.194.248) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 02:43 pm:

My Baby Loves Me - Martha and the Vandellas
This Love Is Real - Lovelites
Come Back - Five Stairsteps
Ooh Baby Baby - Miracles
What Love Has Joined Together - Tempts and Miracles versions have great intros
Stop! In The Name of Love - Supremes
Sleepwalk - Santo and Johnny

By Handsome (170.118.158.14) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 03:30 pm:

John Lester, great picks!

Handsome

By Sudi Kamau (66.117.198.35) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 03:50 pm:

Not Just Knee Deep - Funkadelic
As Surely As I Stand Here - Tower of Power

By MagyarEd (209.163.99.149) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 05:12 pm:

Difficult to do just one Dayo. Since Big Daddy has Strawberry Letter 23 on his list and so many others are already mentioned, I'll pitch in with Edwin's "Agent Double O Soul". Fun thread; thanks.

By Rodmann (12.223.170.105) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 12:12 am:

Whoa! Manny and Nish, you two are so on point! How could I forget about two of the best? Freda Payne's 'It Yours To Have' and The Lovelites' 'This Love Is Real'! I thought that I was the only one who knew about those! LOL. Manny, I don't really get you listing Patti Drew's 'Tell Him' as a choice though. I love that song to death but it really doesn't have an intro. The bass singer (Carlton Black) says "Do-do-do-do-do" and then it jumps right into the song. Here's a few more favs:

COME TO ME/Yarbrough & Peoples - This intro is so good that it makes the rest of the song seem like a disappointment! I wish that the writer and producer would have stuck with the intro throughout the whole song. Nice muted horn on this one.

WHO CAN I RUN TO/Jones Girls - This production is so big that it makes the remake sound like a sick joke! LOL.

THE LONELIEST MAN IN TOWN/Side Effect - This has got to be one of the most wicked basslines ever! Great intro to a great song.

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 02:05 pm:

Hello again, soulful brothers and sisters!

Hey, Rodman,

I'm glad by the coincidence in this energic intro in this Freda Payne tune. About the male voice in the intro of "Tell Him" (thanks for the info about who is!), i understand the thread is about all kinds of intros. I have many other songs that starting with vocals or predominantly with vocals and are some of my fave tunes and also my fave intros as O'Jays "Those Lies", Spinner's "Now Tha't Were Together", with a very good bass voice intro. Or "Satisfaction Guaranteed", with these two screams by Teddy P., or Johnny William's scream in the first second of the intro in "Slow Motion",...

Peace & Soul Food!

By Cudaus1 (68.51.243.6) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 04:42 pm:

It's Growing-The Tempts
Treat Her Right- Roy Head

By Eli (68.236.53.71) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 05:18 pm:

Im not my Brothers keeper and Westbound number nine-Flaming Ember

Engine #9--Wilson Pickett

Band of Gold -Freda Payne

In the rain-Dramatics

Who am I --Ojays

You dont know like I know--Sam and Dave

123--Len Barry

Bristol Stomp--Dovells

By bigdaddyg2k4 (63.102.169.197) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 05:27 pm:

Everyday People
Heaven Knows (Donna Summer)
MacArthur Park (Both Donna and Richard Harris' version)
Boogie Down
Stoned Love
Still Water (Love) (THAT INTRO IS SICK!!!!)
Psychedelic Shack (did part of that intro also came from "I Can't Get Next To You?)
Standing On The Top (the Tempts' comeback single produced by the funkmaster Rick James)
You Know How To Love Me (Phyllis Hyman)
The Breakdown (Rufus Thomas)
Through The Fire
Stuff Like That
Lookin' Through The Windows
I Am Love, Part I & II
Get It Together
Don't Stop Till You Get Enough
Rock With You
Beat It
Billie Jean (no one has even come up a better intro than that ever since!)
She's A Bad Mama Jamma (She's Built, She's Stacked) (a little trivia: James Ingram played synthesisers on that track)
Smarty Pants
Dr. Love
Let No Man Put Asunder
Armed And Extremely Dangerous
Love Won't Let Me Wait (both Major's and Luther's versions)
Catfish
Are You Man Enough
Keeper Of The Castle
Nothing From Nothing
Space Race (one of the best instrumentals in music history!!!!)
Fencewalk
Aqua Boogie
Not Just Deep (Knee Deep)
For The Love Of You, Pts. 1&2
Footsteps In The Dark, Pts. 1&2
Groove With You
Choosey Lover
Voyage To Atlantis

By bigdaddyg2k4 (63.102.169.197) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 05:35 pm:

And one more: the 1973 remake of Barbara Mason's
"Yes, I'm Ready" with it's call-to-attention drum lick by Earl Young, the hypnotic bass line of Ronnie Baker, and the ever-so-shimmering vibes of Vince Montana to bless the occasion. And you can also thank the legendary Bobby Eli who just happens to be a distiguished member of this forum, and MFSB for their participation in this all-time classic song. I can repeat the track over and over just for the intro!

By Destruction (199.173.224.20) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 05:47 pm:

BigDaddyg2k4,

I'd put "Yes I'm Ready" near the top of any list I was making that dealt with music.

By Rodmann (12.223.170.105) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 05:56 pm:

You beat me to the punch BigDaddy! LOL. I was gonna mention Rufus Thomas' 'The Breakdown'! Haha. I like the intro to his 'The Breakdown Part 2' as well where he goes "Do you wanna see it, Do ya wanna see it, Well I'm gonna do it for ya, I'm gonna do it for YA, I'm gonna do it for ya" Whew! Rufus was bad! He tore it up in the film "Wattstax" too! Here's some more yall:

TEMPTATION 'BOUT TO GET ME/Knight Brothers - How could I forget about this one? This production just sounds so BIG and someone is beating the hell out of those drums! This is one of my Top 10 favorite Soul records of all time!

WHAT DO THE LONELY DO AT CHRISTMAS/Emotions - This almost sounds like something from Philly by the Stylistics or one of those groups. I almost can't believe that this is from Stax. Great intro to a great song.

KEEP THE FIRE BURNING/Gwen McCrae - Forget about George! Gwen is the one who does it for me. I love the bassline on this intro with the background singers chanting sweetly and Gwen rapping in her sexy voice. Pure Heaven!

YOU ARE MY STAR/Paulette Reeves - This intro is fantastic. Great sax and drum groove on this one. This is another one of those songs that sounds ahead of it's time.

By MagyarEd (209.163.98.234) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 07:54 pm:

This thread is starting to gather some dust, but I'm listening now to early Temps stuff and I agree with Tony about Motown having the intro down pat....some of these have been mentioned already, but check out the intro on:
The Way You Do The Things You Do
I'll Be In Trouble
The Girl's Alright With Me
Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
My Girl
It's Growing
Since I Lost My Baby
You've Got To Earn It
My Baby
Don't Look Back
Get Ready
Beauty Is Only Skin Deep
I Know I'm Losing You
All I Need
You're My Everything
It's You That I Need
I Could Never Love Another
I do believe Mr. Gordy had a formula Funk to his tunes!!!

By GOAT (64.228.144.74) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 08:10 pm:

Great thread!

I'm new to this side as well. I got to say I have just been getting into more and more Soul. It's the softer songs that I dig.

Thanks to everyone for posting what they think is fantastic and the groups or people that sang them. Now I have to go out and find these.

By Tony B. (212.56.114.168) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 08:37 pm:

Here's a few:

Heaven Must Have Sent You - The Elgins

Can't Stop Looking For My Baby - The Fantastic Four

Getting Mighty Crowded - Betty Everett

Girl I Need You - The Artistics

My Woman's Love - Impressions

Goin' To A Happening - Tommy Neal

It Ain't No Big Thing - The Radiants

It'll Never Be Over For Me - Timi Yuro

The Drifter - Ray Pollard

The Turning Point - Jimmy Holiday

Whispers (Gettin' Louder) - Jackie Wilson

Since You Showed Me How To Be Happy - Jackie Wilson

Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher And Higher - Jackie Wilson

Bad For Each Other - Little Carl Carlton

I Can't Forget About You - The Decisions

You've Got To Pay The Price - Gloria Taylor

That's Why I Love You - The Professionals

Tired Of Being Lonely - The Sharpees

Did My Baby Call - Steve Mancha

I Need You Like A Baby - Andrea Henry

Don't Stop Now - The Originals

Just Another Guy - The O'Jays

Check Yourself - The Intruders

It's Not The Same - Little Anthony & The Imperials

Am I The Same Girl - Barbara Acklin

Born To Live With Heartache - Mary Love

That Lady - Isley Brothers

Once I've Been There - Philip Mitchell

Ho Happy Day - Flame 'N' King & The Bold Ones

For The Dollar Bill - Tommy Tate

Closer To You - Gonzalez (anybody remember this?)

Grace - The Band AKA

And last but not least my all-time fave intro:

I Thought You Were Mine - Natural Four

(Boola Boola version, not re-make on ABC)

By douglasm (68.118.223.130) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 09:32 pm:

I'm modifying my choice. I was doing a shelf re-set in a drug store this afternoon that was going poorly. At least until the opening guitar lick of "It's A Shame" came over the muzak. All of a sudden my day got a lot brighter.

By Dayo (81.134.214.146) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 02:20 am:

Chuckling here, because hardly anyone on this thread kept to just one intro. We soul fans love lists dont we?

I've been inspired to check out quite a few songs from this thread and I've got a lot more to get to - thanks!

By the way, Tony B, thought your's had some classics. Love the strings on "Girl I need you" - great record.

By Funk Timo (195.218.79.69) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 02:48 am:

Well, well... there is so many of them...
But the choice of the day could be

DANCING IN THE STREET - MARTHA AND THE VANDELLAS

The horns just knock you out! When I hear this intro I really want to go dancin' in the street. The intro reflects the message of the song so perfectly.

-Funk Timo

By Tony B. (212.56.114.168) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 08:16 pm:

Glad you liked them, Dayo.

Brunswick Records certainly came up with some great intros. There's another in this final selection of songs I forgot to mention before:

(For God's Sake) Give Me More Power To The People - The Chi-Lites

You Don't Love Me No More - Candi Staton

Skin I'm In - Chairmen Of The Board

Funk It Up - Miami

Can You Handle It - Sharon Redd

By Wonder B (217.128.68.124) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 07:16 pm:

I like the clavinet intro of I WANNA BE WHERE YOU ARE... by MJ

Wonder B

By VZN (67.67.131.106) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 08:56 pm:

Other than the ones mentioned in above posts, here are some of mine (I don't think they've been said yet)

Said I Wasn't Gonna Tell Nobody, May I Baby-Sam and Dave

Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)-Marvin Gaye

Stubborn Kind of Fellow-Marvin Gaye

You Lost The Sweetest Boy-Mary Wells

Strange Love-Mary Wells

What's The Matter With You Baby-Mary Wells/Marvin Gaye

By Rodmann (12.223.170.105) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 03:56 am:

What's up Dayo! I got so carried away that I didn't even notice that you said just one intro! LOL. Man, this is too good to name just one. Too much good stuff out there! LOL. Sorry man.

Hey Tony B.. How the hell did I forget about Barbara Acklin's 'Am I The Same Girl'? That's one hell of an intro! Thanks for showing it love. Here are a few more of my favs for you folks:

FUGITIVE FROM LOVE/Linda Jones - I'm thinking of the original 1965 version on Blue Cat, not the early 70's remake on Turbo. This is probably my favorite Linda Jones record. The intro is so intense and sounds like an episode of Mission Impossible or The Fugitive. Does anyone else remember Missy Elliot's second single from her first album called 'Sock It 2 Me'? I swear she sampled 'Fugitive From Love' and didn't give the original writers credit for it. She really does owe George Kerr and Linda's estate some money! Did anyone else notice this? What do you guys think?

STOP/Howard Tate - Great intro to a great tune! Howard always had good intros on his songs. 'Look At Granny Run' is another good one.

By Helene (217.32.166.37) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 05:53 am:

Just about ALL of my favourites are listed here - except one. Perhaps a little different, but my favourite song by this particular artist.

Mandolin Wind - Rod Stewart.

Mmm

By Pogo (66.129.42.86) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 09:20 am:

Don't recall seeing these:
"For The Love Of Money" - O'Jays
"I Do Love You" - Billy Stewart which is the baddest in my opinion.
Pogo

By R&B (138.238.41.128) on Thursday, March 25, 2004 - 09:51 am:

HOW ABOUT THE ALMOST HEAVENLY HARP THAT OPENS[I'LL TRY SOMETHING NEW,THE MIRACLES]WHICH MAY BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GROUP SONG IN MOTOWN HISTORY.

By LadyMystique (216.108.206.177) on Saturday, March 27, 2004 - 04:25 pm:

I like the intro to STANDING ON THE VERGE (not the spoken intro) by Parlament/Funkadelic.

By Kelly (172.195.134.61) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 01:21 pm:

Hi Rodmann--Regarding "Temptation 'Bout to Get Me"--The someone beating the hell out of those drums was Maurice White before Earth, Wind and Fire.

By Garo (192.234.106.2) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 05:32 pm:

What Does It Take To Win Your Love
The Love I lost
Love Child

By manny (80.58.52.235) on Sunday, March 28, 2004 - 05:52 pm:

Hello again, soulful brothers & sisters!

Some more good intros that made me "without words" at the first note:

Ain't No Woman - Four Tops (the most dynamic intro by the Four Tops I knows)
I Miss You - The Dells (symphonic explosion at the first second)
That's The Friends Are Made For - Mighty Clouds Of Joy (very gospel-rock!)
Music Is My Way Of Life - Mighty Clouds Of Joy (spiritual and good trombone note)
Only You - Teddy Pendergrass (good rythm and guitar)
Take Me To The Stars - O'Jays (funk-rock!)
Free Love - Jean Carne (energic!)
I Allways Love My Mama - Intruders ("westmongomerian" guitar!)
Now That We Found Love - Third World reagge version (what a Hammond sound!)
Give Me The Night - George Benson (bombastic at the first note)

Peace & Soul Food!

By Rodmann (12.223.170.105) on Monday, March 29, 2004 - 12:32 am:

Hey Kelly! Get out of here! I forgot that Maurice White was a Chess Records house drummer before his years with E,W & F. I was listening to 'Temptation Bout To Get Me' earlier today and it sounds like in addition to a regular drummer a kettle drum was used on the track as well. I'm not 100% sure though.

Pogo, I definitely see what you mean about Billy Stewart's 'I Do Love You'. That is one of the best intro's of all time. I can't believe that hadn't already listed it!

Here's another one:

I THANK YOU/Sam & Dave - "Gimmie some of that oleeeeeeeeee Soul clappin'!" LOL. This one is great.