The Meaning Behind The Song: Brickhouse by Commodores

Table Of Content

• How did Brickhouse influence the funk genre?
• Yee yee! We've found 7,032 lyrics and 127 artists matching brick house.
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• Can you explain the significance of the lyrics “She’s a brick house”?
• Can you explain the impact of Brickhouse on the body positivity movement?
• What are some notable covers or adaptations of Brickhouse?

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. The song’s message of empowerment and pride in Black female beauty is emblematic of the Black Power Movement of the 1960s and 70s.

How did Brickhouse influence the funk genre?

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. At its core, “Brick House” is a celebration of Black women’s beauty and a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards.

Yee yee! We've found 7,032 lyrics and 127 artists matching brick house.

The song challenges societal beauty standards and encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness. Its empowering message resonates across generations, inspiring individuals to celebrate their individuality and find strength in their own skin. 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.

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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. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs). This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne.

During this time period, many Black Americans were fighting for self-determination and cultural pride in the face of systemic racism and oppression. 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. Brickhouse’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message of self-acceptance and its irresistible groove.

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 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. 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.

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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. Old Time Music is proud to have such a passionate and talented team of writers who share their love for music with our readers. "And they sure enough did because that was the biggest commercial song ever been done by the Commodores, 'Brick House.' All that, right here in this building. This is where the magic happened." Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag. The first US Top 10 hit with the word "hell" in the title was "Gives You Hell" by The All-American Rejects in 2008. The Commodores drew inspiration for Brickhouse from the experiences and emotions they encountered during their rise to fame.

The legacy of 'Brick House': Story, meaning of Lionel Richie, Commodores' mighty, mighty classic

It reflects the band’s personal journey of embracing their individuality and celebrating their success, urging listeners to do the same. 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. The advice to live each day to its fullest can seem like a cliché, but figuring out how to actually do that can be pretty challenging.

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. Easy pretty much marked the end of funk as they’d played it, as the group worked the Three Times A Lady “Quiet Storm” vein for subsequent hits. Brick House rose from the dead one mo’ time in 2003 when Richie recorded a new version with Rob Zombie for (are you ready for this?) the soundtrack to Zombie’s horror flick, House Of 1000 Corpses. The Commodores’ two highest charting singles of 1977 were drawn from the same album, and represented the two contrasting sounds of the group. Easy looked forward to hits dominated by the smooth crooning of Lionel Richie while Brick House captured the fiery rhythms of their early records and live shows.

Not30 drops 'Punk Rock Kids' and heads to Brickhouse - Foster's Daily Democrat

Not30 drops 'Punk Rock Kids' and heads to Brickhouse.

Posted: Thu, 10 Oct 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]

In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles. 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. 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. 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. As of 2021, “Brick House” remains one of the most recognizable funk songs of all time. Its infectious groove has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place in popular culture.

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. Brickhouse carries significant cultural importance by promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.

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. 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.