“Can’t Trust Your Neighbor,” Johnnie Taylor (1968): The neighbor was a “dirty dog,” Taylor snarls, who doesn’t treat his woman right. This soul ballad is infused with anger and passion.
“Never Like This Before,” William Bell (1967)
“Boot-Leg,” Booker T. & The MG’s (1965): Although not on a par with “Green Onions,” his funk workout still features the stellar talents of Booker T.
“Every Ounce of Strength,” Dusty Springfield (1964)
”I Take What I Want,” Aretha Franklin (1968): Franklin’s confident vocal, combined with a gospel-like arrangement, takes a familiar “I’m gonna get my man” theme into new directions.
“Ain’t That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One),” Luther Ingram (1972)
“Going on Strike,” The Emotions (1970): This Hayes song is a hidden gem, featuring The Emotions’ funky vocals and classic Stax horns. Anyone who knows The Emotions chiefly from their disco hit “Best of My Love” should check out this completely different side of the classic soul group.
“As Long As I’ve Got You,” The Emotions (ca. 1972)
“Shoot Your Best Shot,” Linda Clifford (1980): A minor disco hit, Hayes’s song manages to successfully fuse disco with funk.
“Falling,” Donald Byrd (1981)
“Candy,” The Astors (1965): Hayes often said that his roots were based in doo-wop; look no further than this minor pop hit by this Stax group.
“Trick or Treat,” Otis Redding (ca. 1960s): Redding’s gritty vocals sound fantastic, as always, on this cut. But the funky guitar riff also stands out on this more obscure track.
“Pearl High,” The Bar-Kays (1967)
“If I Ever Needed Love (I Sure Do Need It Now),” Ruby Johnson (1966 or 67): Often called a “should have been hit,” this Hayes tune includes a powerful soul vocal and those unique Stax horns to create a classic ballad.
“Do Your Thing,” Lyn Collins (ca. 1960s): “Rap on,” croons Collins, a James Brown protégé and one of the best funk singers of all time (in my opinion). Hayes’ fierce lyrics perfectly suit the so-called “Female Preacher,” and show fans her considerable vocal talents besides the often-sampled “Think (About It).”
This list represents a small sample of Hayes’s songwriting; during his career he penned over 200 songs. However, these songs illustrate that Hayes was a unique talent and a true Renaissance man. “Shaft” will always remain his masterpiece, but these tracks also demonstrate his unique craft and impressive songwriting skills.
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