"Easy Days,” The Pointer Sisters (1975)
"Your Good Thing (Is About to End).” Mabel John (1966): Stax Records' John enjoyed success with this single, later re-recorded by Lou Rawls. Both versions are worth seeking out.
“Body Language,” Patti Austin (1980)
“Let Me Be Good to You,” Carla Thomas (1966): Also co-written by Porter, the song's arrangement recalls Motown, yet Thomas' gritty, bluesy vocal style transforms the single into a heavier R&B number.
“B-A-B-Y,” Carla Thomas (1966)
“I Got to Love Somebody's Baby,” Johnnie Taylor (1967): Taylor became better known in the 70s with his disco-era hit “Disco Lady,” but this track off his debut secular album shows his blues roots. Hayes' and Porters' wistful lyrics emphasize these influences.
“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.
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