Who doesn’t enjoy an upbeat dance classic or a sensual R&B hit from the past? The 70s music era was filled with lyrical and melodic gems, as well as funky and fun club hits. From Patty LaBelle to the Jackson Five, as well as suave choreographed dances by The Stylistics and The Manhattans, listening to a playlist of 70s music arouses nostalgia for older generations and is a source of entertainment for the younger folk.
As compared to gospel music, the music of the 70s both juxtaposes the innocent nature of gospel with suggestive lyrics (such as those by the timeless Marvin Gaye), while also parallels the smooth, ballad-like nature of gospel in R&B’s slow and pure soundtracks. Though seemingly very different due to the nature of the lyrics, gospel and 70s music share a common root that can be heard if the listener assesses the sound of the melody.
To hear these similarities, tune into a radio station that is dedicated to gospel music (often found on a.m., f.m., phone applications, or also online radio) and listen to a few tracks; examine the lyrics but more carefully pay attention to the melody and pace of the song. Next, flip to a station that plays hits of the 70s, better yet, a station that focuses on R&B from the 70s; again, pay more attention to the sound rather than the lyrics, noting the slow pace, smooth harmonies, and simple composition.