(The Hit Hammer is where I'm reviewing each #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. Starting from when the chart started in 1958 and eventually working my way to the present. To see my inspiration and more information about this blog, please refer down below)
The Young Rascals - "Groovin'"
Hit Number 1: May 20, 1967
Stay at Number 1: 4 Weeks
Lots of artists got out of their comfort zone in 1967. The psychedelic era had a lot to do with that, especially in groups like the Beatles case, but some of it had to do with the Summer of Love. The Summer of Love was one of the largest waves of the Hippie movement, and it brought some care-free, anti-violence songs with it that had only one goal in mind, to get you to smile. In the case of "Groovin'", the Young Rascals' second #1 hit, it was as simple as it gets. It's a laid back, soft rock jam about being in love. It fits right in to the Summer of Love, and it was only just the beginning.
"Groovin'" was inspired by two things: Lead singer Felix Cavaliere's newfound interest in Afro-Cuban music, and his girlfriend at the time, Adrienne Buccheri. With Cavaliere's new interest in a different sound, the whole group followed, and they got away from their blue-eyed soul sound that had gotten them on the map. In fact, they're new sound was so different, the head of Atlantic Records, Jerry Wexler, was reluctant to release "Groovin'". According to Cavaliere, it took a visit from disc jockey, Murray the K, to help get "Groovin'" released to the mainstream, music-buying public. Also according to Cavaliere, the main reason Wexler didn't like it was because of its lack of drums, and using congo drums instead. Murray the K heard the song, and he called it a "smash", and upon hearing that Atlantic Records didn't want to release it, he was in disbelief. Reportedly, he went to go talk to Wexler, and called him crazy, saying "Groovin'" was a "friggin' #1 record". Apparently that was all the convincing Wexler needed to release it, and Murray the K was right. It became a "friggin' #1 record" for 4 weeks throughout the early summer of 1967.
As anyone would expect, "Groovin'" is not what I would call a "banger" by any stretch of the imagination. It's soft and playful, and could even be described as something you'd only play for background music. There's a prominent harmonica part that whines and moans in the song, but the congo drums aren't quite as cool-sounding, or noticeable as I think they could've been. But even though some of the instruments' parts are lacking, "Groovin'" does have some things that work in its favor. There's some quality harmonies of the group, and a chorus that's easily recognizable, which is a must for any song. The story of it is also extremely lighthearted, and pays no mind to the dangers of the country at its time, possibly a big reason why it was so popular back then. As far as the narrator is concerned, the only things that matter to him in this world are sunny days and having his lover with him. It's a song that's lost in its own blissful euphoria.
Also, I can't discuss "Groovin'" without bringing up the mondegreen that's been forever attached to it. Apparently, the lyric "Life will be ecstasy, you and me endlessly groovin'", is misheard as "You and me and Leslie". I've heard "Groovin'" many times in my life, and I've never heard that. Obviously since it was pointed out to me, I can hear it, but why anyone would think that's what Cavaliere was singing there is beyond me. Like, who the ever-loving hell is Leslie? No matter how you hear that lyric, it's undeniable that we are about to dive head-first into pure psychedelia and some of the most happy-go-lucky songs in the history of mankind. Fasten your seatbelts, we're just getting started here.
GRADE: 7/10
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