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Tom Cochrane wrote "Life Is A Highway" to pull himself out of a funk following an exhausting humanitarian trip to Africa. Paper Mate paid for Autograph's "Turn Up The Radio" video in exchange for prominent placement of their erasable pen. "Stand By Me" hit #4 in the US when it was released in 1961, then went to #9 in 1986 when it was used in the movie of the same name.
How has Brickhouse remained relevant over the years?
The song’s underlying themes are universally relatable, allowing it to transcend generations. Furthermore, its inclusion in various films, television shows, and commercials has helped cement its place in popular culture. The song’s message of empowerment and pride in Black female beauty is emblematic of the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 70s. During this time period, many Black Americans were fighting for self-determination and cultural pride in the face of systemic racism and oppression. The song’s immense success not only solidified their place in music history but also opened doors for the band to explore and experiment with their sound. It served as a launching pad for their future chart-topping hits and established them as one of the most influential funk bands of the era.
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Despite the rise to ubiquity of the classic tune, the story of its creation is a humble one that serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, musical chemistry and hard work, with a heaping serving of swagger. Brickhouse has inspired numerous covers and adaptations by various artists across different genres. One notable cover is by Rob Zombie, who infused his heavy metal style into the song, giving it a unique twist. Additionally, artists like Lionel Richie, The Supremes, and Kool & The Gang have also performed their own renditions of this funk classic.

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This odd yet evocative four-word string, backed by one of popular music's funkiest basslines, has long been ingrained deep in the psyche of even casual listeners. Brickhouse played a pivotal role in shaping the funk genre, becoming a blueprint for future funk compositions. The song’s success paved the way for other funk artists and solidified the Commodores’ status as pioneers of funk music.
The song went through further tweaks and mastering by engineers and Motown whizzes after that first session, but the band recorded all the main parts that day in Tuskegee, Bailey added. "Brick House" went on to be band's most commercial hit, peaking at #5 on the U.S. charts, but achieving a staying power that would impress even late soul crooner Barry White. The Commodores drew inspiration for Brickhouse from the experiences and emotions they encountered during their rise to fame. It reflects the band’s personal journey of embracing their individuality and celebrating their success, urging listeners to do the same. The models in Robert Palmer's iconic "Addicted To Love" video were chosen in part because they couldn't play music, so they're all playing and moving to different rhythms. But according to Bailey and Commodores frontman Lionel Richie, it all began with an idea Commodores drummer Walter 'Clyde' Orange brought into the studio that charmed day.
The Meaning Behind The Song: Brickhouse by Commodores
Its empowering message resonates across generations, inspiring individuals to celebrate their individuality and find strength in their own skin. Brickhouse explores themes of self-confidence, body positivity, individuality, and the celebration of uniqueness. The song sends a powerful message that inner beauty and true confidence come from accepting oneself as they are, regardless of societal standards or norms. The lyrics and energetic melody inspire individuals to embrace their bodies and to love and appreciate themselves. With its enduring popularity and positive message, Brick House will continue to be cherished and enjoyed for generations to come. The omission of the word “shit” from the lyrics transformed the phrase into a positive compliment for beautifully thick women.
More The Commodores Lyrics
It was one of those songs that always got played at family gatherings, and I have fond memories of dancing and singing along with my parents and cousins. The infectious groove of the song never failed to get everyone on their feet, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The song's popularity even spawned a beauty contest of sorts that followed the Commodores as they travelled the globe giving concerts. The band would choose a lucky winner at each tour stop, who would henceforth be named the Miss Brickhouse of that locale.
What are the main themes portrayed in Brickhouse?
The song’s popularity amongst African American audiences further cemented its place as a funk classic that has stood the test of time. In 2003, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural impact. Its funky groove and uplifting lyrics have secured its place as one of the greatest funk anthems of all time. The lyrics “She’s a brick house” act as a metaphor to describe a person’s physical and emotional strength. It implies that the person being referred to possesses a solid foundation and unshakeable confidence.
Brickhouse, the iconic funk song released by the Commodores in 1977, carries a powerful message that resonates with listeners even decades later. This infectious track is a celebration of self-confidence, individuality, and the beauty found within all body types. With its catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics, Brickhouse has become an anthem for embracing one’s true self and celebrating diversity. Brick House has stood the test of time and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its timeless appeal and infectious groove continue to captivate audiences of all ages. The song’s powerful message of self-confidence and body positivity remains relevant, making it an anthem for empowerment.
The song Brickhouse was written by the members of the Commodores, primarily William “Smokey” Robinson, Ronald LaPread, and Walter Orange. These talented musicians co-wrote the track, infusing it with their creativity and musical prowess. Furthermore, the song showcases the Commodores’ exceptional talent and musical prowess. Each band member contributes their unique skills to create a seamless blend of funk, soul, and pop. From Lionel Richie’s smooth vocals to Walter Orange’s dynamic drumming, every element of the song adds to its irresistible charm. But the legacy of the song continues mainly through its status as a must-play on DJ's standard party set-lists from Birmingham to Boise.
Beyond its catchy melody, Brick House carries a deeper message of self-acceptance and empowerment. The song celebrates the beauty of body positivity and encourages individuals to embrace their physical attributes with pride. In a society that often imposes narrow beauty standards, Brick House serves as a reminder that every body is beautiful and worthy of celebration. The song features powerful horns, tight rhythm guitar, and a memorable bassline that has been sampled by countless other artists over the years. The track’s energy and syncopation are a testament to the band’s skills as musicians, and it’s no surprise that it catapulted them to mainstream success soon after its release. Brickhouse’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message of self-acceptance and its irresistible groove.
The song’s title, “Brickhouse,” is a metaphorical representation of a strong, confident, and attractive person. It compares the resilience and sturdiness of a brick house to the unwavering self-assurance and attractiveness of an individual. The Commodores use this metaphor to convey the idea that true beauty is not defined by societal beauty standards but is found in embracing uniqueness and authenticity.
In a 1996 interview with a Swedish news outlet, Richie credited Orange with writing "most of the lyrics and most of the melody to" the track. This is one of those phrases that started off as incredibly rude, and through sheer repetition (and dropping one key word) turned into a compliment. See, the original expression, from early 1900s slang, was built like a brick shithouse. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The Creed lead singer reveals the "ego and self-fulfillment" he now sees in one of the band's biggest hits. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
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Brickhouse gained immense popularity due to its infectious rhythm, catchy lyrics, and the Commodores’ exceptional musical talent. The song’s fusion of funk, soul, and R&B elements created a unique and unforgettable sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. Additionally, its empowering message of self-acceptance struck a chord with listeners and established Brickhouse as a timeless anthem. The song’s message of empowerment for Black women continues to resonate with fans of all backgrounds. In an era where movements like Black Lives Matter and the push for body positivity have gained mainstream attention, “Brick House” is a reminder of the power of self-love and acceptance.
At its core, “Brick House” is a celebration of Black women’s beauty and a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards. Written by Commodores band members Lionel Richie, Ronald LaPread, Walter “Clyde” Orange, and Milan Williams, the lyrics praise a woman who defies stereotypes with her curvy figure and unapologetic attitude. If you have ever wondered how songwriters and musicians come up such great songs you will love the story behind the Commodores classic “Brick House”. Personally, Brick House holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of my childhood.
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