(ThyBlackMan.com) Al Wilson remains one of the most distinctive voices in the golden era of soul music. Known for his dynamic vocal control, emotive delivery, and compelling storytelling, Wilson rose to prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s with a catalog that blended romantic ballads, socially conscious themes, and energetic funk-infused grooves. While his chart-topping single “Show and Tell” earned widespread acclaim, Wilson’s discography is rich with deeper cuts and genre-defining moments that continue to resonate with listeners across generations.
This article revisits eight of Al Wilson’s most notable songs—ranging from mainstream successes to lesser-known gems—offering a deeper appreciation for his artistry and vocal brilliance. Each selection highlights Wilson’s ability to connect with audiences through both lyrical content and musical composition, cementing his legacy as a vital contributor to the soul and R&B canon.
1. Show and Tell
“Show and Tell” is more than just a soul standard—it’s a vocal showcase that defined Al Wilson’s career. Written by Jerry Fuller, the track took Wilson to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1974 and has remained one of the most elegant declarations of love in popular music. The production is rich and cinematic, with silky strings, punchy horns, and a rhythm section that knows exactly when to push and when to hold back. But at the heart of it all is Wilson’s voice, which blends power and tenderness in equal measure.
Wilson’s performance feels conversational—he doesn’t sing at the listener, but to them. Each line flows naturally into the next, as if he’s revealing his heart in real time. The phrasing on “These are the hands that can’t help reaching for you if you’re anywhere in sight” is delicate yet deliberate, drawing listeners in with a kind of emotional honesty that’s rare. His vocal restraint in the verses contrasts beautifully with the soaring chorus, where he lets go just enough to make the emotion fully bloom.
The beauty of “Show and Tell” lies in its universality. It captures that exact moment in a relationship when feelings transition from abstract to action—from telling someone you love them to showing them. That sentiment, coupled with a lush musical bed, is what gives the song its lasting power.
To this day, “Show and Tell” is a staple at weddings, anniversaries, and romantic moments that call for sincerity without sentimentality. It remains a blueprint for how to blend pop sensibilities with soulful authenticity, and it continues to influence vocal stylists across genres, from R&B to adult contemporary.
2. La La Peace Song
“La La Peace Song” is Al Wilson at his most impassioned and socially aware—a soulful call to unity that echoes the idealism of the civil rights era. With lyrics that urge listeners to come together and heal divisions, the song is both a product of its time and a timeless reminder of music’s potential to inspire change. It’s a track that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as socially conscious classics like Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” or Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”
What distinguishes this track is its uplifting arrangement. There’s a gospel-like intensity in the chorus, propelled by choir harmonies and orchestration that elevates Wilson’s voice to sermon-like authority. But Wilson never becomes didactic. His tone is warm and invitational rather than confrontational, making the message accessible rather than polarizing. This was key to the song’s success in resonating with a wide audience during a turbulent period in American history.
The repetition of the word “peace” in the chorus, almost chant-like, turns the message into a mantra. It’s designed to stay with you long after the song ends. And while the production is vintage ’70s soul—with wah-wah guitars, rich organ swells, and steady funk rhythms—it doesn’t feel dated. The sincerity in Wilson’s delivery ensures its relevance, even in modern contexts.
“La La Peace Song” is the kind of track that finds new meaning with each generation. It’s perfect for moments of reflection, community events, or even today’s protest playlists. In Wilson’s capable hands, it transcends genre boundaries and becomes a universal appeal for understanding and compassion.
3. The Snake
Few songs in Al Wilson’s catalog have achieved the cult following of “The Snake,” a delightfully theatrical and cautionary tale wrapped in an infectious soul-funk groove. This track showcases Wilson’s knack for narrative delivery—a skill that places him among the great soul storytellers. His phrasing, dramatic pauses, and expressive flair transform what could have been a novelty number into a performance brimming with personality and moral intrigue.
The musical arrangement grabs you immediately. Horn stabs, crisp drumming, and a relentless groove drive the story forward like a stage play set to music. The lyrics, based on Aesop’s fable of the scorpion and the frog, are delivered with sly charm. Wilson plays both narrator and emotional anchor, shifting tones to match the progression of the story—from sympathetic to suspicious, then wounded and wise by the end.
Wilson’s interpretation of “The Snake” allows it to work on multiple levels. On the surface, it’s a playful parable. Dig deeper, and it becomes an allegory for betrayal, manipulation, and misplaced trust—universal themes that never go out of style. His voice is animated without being campy, and the final line—“You knew darn well I was a snake before you took me in”—lands like a punch.
The song’s relevance has only grown over the years. It’s been sampled in dance music, referenced in politics, and used in commercials, yet it remains unmistakably Al Wilson’s. For those who appreciate music that tells a story with both groove and grit, “The Snake” is a standout—clever, cautionary, and unforgettable.
4. Do What You Gotta Do
“Do What You Gotta Do” is a deeply emotive ballad that showcases Al Wilson’s gift for restraint and emotional precision. Originally penned by Jimmy Webb and popularized by several artists, Wilson’s rendition stands out for its sincere vulnerability. It’s a masterclass in subdued heartbreak—less about vocal acrobatics and more about communicating raw, lived-in feeling.
The instrumentation is minimal but lush—a soft piano line, muted strings, and a rhythm section that knows how to let silence speak. Wilson’s entrance is gentle, his voice almost trembling with emotional weight. There’s no bravado, no defiance. Just a quiet acknowledgment that love, as deep and real as it may be, sometimes must let go. “I love you better than your own self,” he confesses, and that line alone could stop a room cold.
What makes his version remarkable is how he resists the urge to over-sing. Many vocalists might have leaned into vocal runs or dramatic flourishes to amplify the heartbreak. Wilson does the opposite. His interpretation is grounded in realism, in the kind of pain that doesn’t scream but simmers just below the surface. It’s heartbreak rendered in soft hues rather than bold strokes.
This track fits perfectly into modern contexts where subtle, emotionally intelligent songwriting is appreciated. Whether you’re navigating the end of a relationship or simply reflecting on love’s complexities, “Do What You Gotta Do” offers the kind of comfort that only a truly empathetic performance can provide. It’s a gem in Wilson’s catalog that deserves far more recognition than it’s received.
5. Touch and Go
“Touch and Go” is a prime example of Al Wilson’s ability to transform emotional uncertainty into musical beauty. From the very first bars, the track settles into a smooth, mid-tempo groove—almost deceptive in its calmness. But listen closely, and you’ll uncover a world of emotional turmoil beneath the surface. Wilson’s delivery is subtle but incredibly poignant, filled with the tension of someone trying to hold on to something that might already be slipping away.
Thematically, the song is about love’s fragility—the way affection can fluctuate, and how emotional connection can be both fulfilling and unpredictable. Wilson doesn’t shout this truth; he gently explores it. “Touch and Go” captures the emotional space between security and separation, between intimacy and isolation. It’s the sound of someone wrestling with vulnerability but too proud—or too afraid—to fully surrender.
Instrumentally, the track walks a delicate line between soul and light jazz, featuring soft electric piano fills, restrained guitar riffs, and a rhythm section that moves like a slow dance at midnight. Wilson floats over the production with grace, his voice fluttering slightly in places, as though he’s uncertain how the next emotional beat will land.
In an age where R&B often leans toward overt declarations or breakup dramatics, “Touch and Go” remains a refreshing meditation on the grey areas of romance. It’s ideal for quiet introspection or late-night listening when thoughts of relationships—past or present—begin to stir. Wilson reminds us that sometimes the most profound emotional experiences are the ones that exist between the lines.
6. Queen of the Ghetto
“Queen of the Ghetto” stands out as one of Al Wilson’s most poignant social narratives—a soul anthem that blends reverence and realism in its portrayal of a strong Black woman rising above systemic adversity. The song isn’t just a character sketch—it’s a cultural statement. Released at a time when urban narratives were rarely handled with nuance in mainstream soul music, Wilson brings this story to life with both grit and grace.
Musically, the song is anchored by a tough, streetwise groove—gritty basslines, stabbing guitar riffs, and background vocals that add color without ever detracting from Wilson’s story-driven performance. There’s a hint of funk and even blaxploitation-era scoring in the production, giving it a cinematic feel. It could easily have served as the theme song for a socially conscious 1970s film.
Lyrically, Wilson delivers his tribute with admiration and gravity. The title alone might suggest condescension in lesser hands, but here, it becomes an empowering affirmation. “She’s the queen of the ghetto,” Wilson sings, not with pity but with admiration—for her resilience, her dignity, and her ability to thrive despite her environment. It’s a subtle, early example of intersectional storytelling in soul music.
Today, “Queen of the Ghetto” resonates as a soulful protest song, an ode to resilience, and a portrait of Black womanhood that still feels urgently relevant. In an era where artists like Rapsody, Noname, and Solange champion similar themes of empowerment, Wilson’s song feels like a spiritual predecessor. It’s both a time capsule and a torch.
7. Keep On Loving You
“Keep On Loving You” offers listeners a blueprint for commitment in a genre too often dominated by fleeting passion or romantic disillusionment. Al Wilson brings an assuredness to this track that stands in contrast to the uncertainty in “Touch and Go.” This is love as decision—steadfast and anchored in maturity. The track radiates quiet conviction, and Wilson delivers his message with a gentle intensity that only deepens its emotional impact.
The arrangement is elegant yet understated. A warm bed of strings sets the foundation, while layered background harmonies glide in and out with polished precision. Light brass accents offer just enough color to keep things dynamic, but the focus remains on Wilson’s unwavering vocal performance. He doesn’t push or overreach; instead, he leans into the lyrics with a patient cadence, allowing the song to unfold organically.
What truly sets this track apart is its emotional integrity. “Keep On Loving You” isn’t about passion at its peak—it’s about sustaining love through the everyday, through the struggles, through the years. That kind of emotional messaging rarely gets celebrated in mainstream love songs, yet Wilson manages to make it sound both aspirational and deeply romantic.
In today’s world, where relationship advice often prioritizes personal fulfillment over partnership endurance, this song stands as a refreshing reminder that staying power is still worthy of praise. Whether you’re decades into a marriage or just beginning a new chapter, this track encourages listeners to invest in the quiet power of consistent love.
8. Listen to Me
“Listen to Me” is a slow-burning soul ballad that may be one of Al Wilson’s most emotionally devastating performances. What begins as a whisper becomes a storm of pleading and heartache. The track is steeped in longing—a direct plea to be acknowledged, to be understood, to have one’s truth heard before it’s too late. This theme of misunderstood love is as old as music itself, but Wilson imbues it with a fresh urgency that makes the song feel incredibly alive.
The instrumentation is stripped back, which allows every word Wilson utters to cut deeper. A lonely piano, light string accents, and a subdued snare drum create a sense of isolation that perfectly matches the lyrical theme. The buildup is masterful; Wilson starts off almost apologetically, but as the song progresses, his voice grows stronger, more passionate, more desperate.
Lyrically, this song speaks to the emotional breakdown that often comes from silence in a relationship—the kind where two people are physically present but emotionally distant. “Listen to me, before you walk out that door,” he pleads, and the desperation in that line is enough to break even the most stoic heart. It’s a call for dialogue, for reconciliation, for one last chance.
In a world dominated by text messages and miscommunications, “Listen to Me” is more relevant than ever. It reminds us that being heard is a fundamental human need, and in Wilson’s hands, that need becomes poetry. For anyone who’s ever struggled to be understood, this song is more than just music—it’s an emotional lifeline.
Al Wilson’s contributions to American soul music are both significant and enduring. His recordings capture a range of emotional experiences—from love and heartbreak to resilience and social awareness—delivered with the kind of sincerity and technical finesse that sets great vocalists apart. While “Show and Tell” introduced him to a broader audience, it is through his broader catalog that one truly understands the depth of his talent.
These eight tracks serve as a compelling entry point for new listeners and a meaningful retrospective for longtime fans. As contemporary music continues to draw from the foundations laid by artists like Wilson, revisiting his work not only honors his legacy but reinforces the timeless power of soul. Whether through vinyl, digital streaming, or curated playlists, Al Wilson’s music continues to be essential listening for those who value authenticity, artistry, and emotional depth in song.
Staff Writer; Jamar Jackson
