About the song
Young-Holt Unlimited‘s Soulful Strut is an undeniable cornerstone in the annals of instrumental soul music. Released in 1968, the track transcended its era to become a timeless classic, a pulsating, rhythmic tapestry that continues to captivate audiences decades later.
Hailing from Chicago, Young-Holt Unlimited emerged as a formidable force in the burgeoning soul scene. The group, led by the dynamic duo of keyboardist Eldee Young and drummer Isaac “Redd” Holt, possessed an uncanny ability to blend the raw energy of funk with the sophisticated harmonies of jazz. Soulful Strut is the quintessential embodiment of this unique sonic blend.
The track opens with an infectious, hypnotic bassline that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. It’s a foundation upon which the ensemble constructs a rhythmic edifice of unparalleled groove. The percussion, anchored by Holt’s propulsive drumming, is a masterclass in rhythmic interplay. Each strike, each fill, is a carefully calibrated element in a larger, organic whole.
Young’s keyboard work is nothing short of virtuosic. His playing is at once soulful and technically dazzling, as he weaves intricate melodies and harmonies through the arrangement. The interplay between the rhythm section and the keyboards creates a dynamic tension that propels the music forward with irresistible force.
Soulful Strut is more than just a great instrumental track; it’s a cultural touchstone. Its influence can be heard in countless recordings across genres, from funk and disco to hip-hop and electronic music. The track’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal, a sonic blueprint that continues to inspire and excite.
Video
Lyrics
Why Don’t You StopAnd Look Me OverAm I The Same Girl You Used To Know?Why Don’t You StopAnd Think It OverAm I The Same Girl Who Knew Your Soul?I’m The One You WantAnd I’m The One You NeedI’m The One You LoveI’m The One You Used To MeetAround The CornerEverydayWe Would MeetAnd Slip AwayBut We Were Much Too YoungTo Love Each Other This WayAm I The Same Girl?(Yes I Am Yes I Am)Am I The Same Girl?(Yes I Am Yes I Am)Why Don’t You StopAnd Look Me OverAm I The Same Girl You Used To Know?Why Don’t You StopAnd Think It OverAm I The Same Girl Who Knew Your Soul?I’m The One You HurtAnd I’m The One You NeedI’m The One Who CriedI’m The One You Used To MeetBut You Are Pretending You Don’t CareBut The Fire Is Still ThereNow We Are No Longer Too YoungTo Love Each Other This WayAm I The Same Girl?(Yes I Am Yes I Am)Am I The Same Girl?(Yes I Am Yes I Am)Am I The Same Girl?(Yes I Am Yes I Am)Am I The Same Girl?(Yes I Am Yes I Am)Have You Ever Felt The Need For Something MoreWith Every Week Comes Scratching At Your DoorHave You Ever Stopped And Wonder What It IsYou’re Searching ForPush Your Luck Too Far With MeBut If You Push It Any FurtherYou Won’t Have AnyAm I The Same Girl?Am I The Same Girl?(Yes I Am Yes I Am)