Seals and Crofts “Summer Breeze”
Their first big hit of many — both the single and the album went gold.
The bridge is what really cranks this up to 11 — the lyrics:
The jasmine's in bloom
July is dressed up and playing her tune
And I come home from a hard day's work
And you're waiting there
Not a care in the world
It’s slightly past halfway through the video above.
These lyrics aren’t exactly poetry but they do paint a nice visual image in your mind, by far the most important attribute of good lyrics.
Isley Brothers version
A very different version, slightly superior in my book, due to the amazing vocals and beautiful electric guitar from Ernie Isley. That 2 minute guitar outro is amazing.
More on this classic Isley Brothers album “3 + 3” in a future post — one of the best albums released in the 70s. They caught lightning in a bottle with that one.
Both versions are great and they aim for and accomplish different things, and I will turn up either version loud on the car radio.
Back to Seals and Crofts for a very good live version.