Let's Groove

For the song by Archie Bell & the Drells, see Dance Your Troubles Away.
"Let's Groove"
Single by Earth, Wind & Fire
from the album Raise!
B-side "Let's Groove" (Instrumental)
Released 1981
Genre
Length 5:37 (album version)
3:55 (radio edit)
Label Columbia
Writer(s)
Producer(s) Maurice White
Earth, Wind & Fire singles chronology
"And Love Goes On"
(1981)		 "Let's Groove"
(1981)		 "Wanna Be with You"
(1982)
Audio sample
file info · help

"Let's Groove" is a song performed by American group Earth, Wind & Fire, taken from their studio album Raise! Written by Maurice White and Wayne Vaughn (with additional production by White), the song was chosen as the first single from the studio album. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, disco music was undergoing a severe backlash. In spite of this, the band decided to revive the disco sound that was later included on their previous works and records. Musically, "Let's Groove" is a post-disco, pop and funk song which includes instrumentation of synthesizers and keyboards along with live electric guitars.

Originally, "Let's Groove" received mixed reviews from music critics, where many praised its catchiness, while some felt it was generic within its timeline of the disco era. However, many contemporary reviews have been well-received, many citing it as memorable and a great disco influenced song. The song was a commercial success, with it being their highest-charting single in various territories. The song peaked inside the top twenty in countries including the United States, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada and other component charts in America.

Background and composition

Prior to the production of Raise! and the song, the group had started to revive contemporary disco and funk music, as it declined within the late 1970s. While the band's albums I Am (1979) and Faces were critically and commercially acclaimed for reviving disco influenced composition, this was the same exact era where disco music was in fear of scrutiny and criticism. By the late 1970s, a strong anti-disco sentiment developed among rock fans and musicians, particularly in the United States.[2][3] The punk subculture in the United States and United Kingdom was often hostile towards disco.[2]

Reception

Ed Hogan from AllMusic said, "He brought in guitarist Roland Bautista and began co-writing, with Emotions member Wanda Vaughn and her husband Wayne Vaughn, a song that reflected the then-emerging electronic sound of the '80s. Not to be confused with the same-named hit by Archie Bell & the Drells, "Let's Groove" certainly was a change. Starting off with a robotic-sounding vocoder riff, it served up a more gritty-sounding EWF for the 1980s, laced with Brecker Brothers-supplied horn blasts that rival those of EWF's 1976 gold single 'Getaway'."[4] However, reviewing the parent album, William Ruhlmann said the song was a recycled mid-tempo tune from the mid-'70s, and stated that everything else sounded desultory and uninspired. He, however, highlighted the song as an album standout.[5]

Maxine Nelson from Yahoo! Voices listed the song at number 10 on the Top 10 Earth, Wind & Fire Songs list, saying "This is a classic EWF funky dance song."[6] Soultrain.com gave it a positive review while celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011, stating ""Let’s Groove" has cinched such a nostalgic place in musical history that it is undeniably worthy of being honored [...]"[7] While reviewing Now, Then & Forever, Daniel Falconer said "Eager fans will want to indulge in the deluxe version of the compilation, which includes the timeless disco and soul anthem classics 'Boogie Wonderland', 'Let's Groove', 'September', 'After The Love Has Gone', 'Fantasy' and 'Shining Star'."[8]

"Let's Groove" was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.[9]

Commercial response

The song peaked at number three in the US and in the UK[10] It also spent eight weeks at number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart in late 1981 and early 1982 and was the second R&B song of 1982 on the year-end charts.[11]

The single sold over a million copies in the US and has been certified gold by the RIAA as until the RIAA lowered the sales levels for certified singles in 1989, a Gold single equaled 1 million units sold. "Let's Groove" was also certified silver in the UK by the British Phonographic Industry.[12][13]

Music video

The music video of "Let's Groove" was the first video ever to be played on Video Soul on BET.[14][15] The video, rich with vintage electronic effects, was created by Ron Hays using the Scanimate analog computer system at Image West, Ltd.[16]

The whole style of the music video later went on to influence Bruno Mars' Treasure.[17]

Personnel

Accolades

Year Publication Country Accolade Rank
1981 NME UK[18] Singles of the Year 16

Charts and sales

Chart (1981–82) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[19] 15
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[20] 9
Belgium (VRT Top 30 Flanders)[21] 9
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[22] 7
France (IFOP)[23] 2
Ireland (IRMA)[24] 5
Italy (FIMI)[25] 24
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[26] 5
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[27] 5
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[28] 2
South Africa (Springbok Radio)[29] 8
Spain (AFYVE)[30] 10
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[31] 3
US Billboard Hot 100[32] 3
US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play[32] 3
US Billboard Hot Soul Singles[32] 1
US Cash Box[33] 3
US Record World[34] 3
Chart (2012) Peak
position
France (SNEP)[35] 123
Chart (2013) Peak
position
France (SNEP)[35] 109

Year-end charts

Chart (1981) Position
France (IFOP)[36] 30
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[37] 67
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[38] 54
US Cash Box[39] 17
Chart (1982) Position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[40] 100
Canada (RPM Top 100 Singles)[41] 50
Italy (FIMI)[42] 66
US Billboard Hot 100[43] 33
US Billboard Hot Soul Singles[11] 2
US Top Disco/Dance Singles/Albums[44] 36

Sales and certifications

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[45] Silver 250,000^
United States (RIAA)[46] Gold 1,000,000^

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone

Preceded by
"Take My Heart (You Can Have It If You Want It)" by Kool & the Gang		 US Billboard Hot Soul Singles number-one single
November 28, 1981 – January 16, 1982 (8 weeks) 		Succeeded by
"Turn Your Love Around" by George Benson

CDB version

"Let's Groove"
Single by CDB
from the album Glide with Me
Released 1995
Format CD
Length 4:17
Label Sony Music
Certification Platinum (Australia)[47]
CDB singles chronology
"Hey Girl (This Is Our Time)"
(1994)		 "Let's Groove"
(1995)		 "Don't Stop"
(1996)

The song was covered in 1995 by the Australian R&B band CDB. In Australia the song reached number two and was certified platinum for shipment of over 70,000 units.[48] At the ARIA Music Awards of 1996 "Let's Groove" won the Highest Selling Single category.[49] In New Zealand it was their second number-one hit.[50]

Track listing

CD single[51]
  1. "Let's Groove"
  2. "You Will Be Mine"
  3. "Let's Groove" (Summer Groove)
  4. "Let's Groove" (Instrumental)

Charts

Chart (1996) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[48] 2
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[50] 1

Year-end charts

Chart (1996) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[52] 80
Preceded by
"How Bizarre" by OMC		 New Zealand number-one single
February 18, 1996 – March 3, 1996 (3 weeks) 		Succeeded by
"Wonderwall" by Oasis

Asia's Got Talent judges version

"Let's Groove"
Single by David Foster, Anggun, Melanie C and Vanness Wu
Released 14 May 2015
Format Digital download
Length 3:32
Label Universal
Producer(s) David Foster

"Let's Groove" was covered by the Asia's Got Talent judges—David Foster, Anggun, Melanie C and Vanness Wu—and released as promotional single on 14 May 2015 by Universal.[53] It was released as charity single for Nepal earthquake and all the money raised was donated to the victims.[54] The version was produced by David Foster.[55]

Promotion

On May 14, 2015, the four artists performed the song in the final of first season of Asia's Got Talent.[56] On June 4, the Asia's Got Talent released the behind the scenes video of the recording.[57]

Track listing

  1. "Let's Groove" – 3:32

Release history

Country Date Format Label
Hong Kong[53] 14 May 2015 Digital download Universal
Indonesia[58]
Malasya[59]
Senegal[60]
Vietnam[61]

Appearances in other media

References

  1. 1 2 3 Smith, Ben (August 20, 2014). "Meghan Trainor Helps Count Down 10 Songs That Are All About That Bass". VH1 Music. Viacom Media Networks. Retrieved October 27, 2014. This post-disco pop funk epic is centered on a relentless, repeating bassline that really does make you want to, uh, groove.
  2. 1 2 "R&B » Contemporary R&B » Disco". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  3. ↑ Gregg, Robert; McDonogh, Gary W.; Wong, Cindy H., eds. (2001). Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Culture. Routledge. p. 217. ISBN 978-0-415-16161-9. In fact, by 1977, before punk spread, there was a 'disco sucks' movement sponsored by radio stations that attracted some suburban white youth, who thought that disco was escapist, synthetic, and overproduced.
  4. ↑ Hogan, Ed. "Earth, Wind & Fire – Let's Groove". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  5. ↑ Ruhlmann, William. "Earth, Wind & Fire – Raise!". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  6. ↑ Nelson, Maxine (December 29, 2009). "Top 10 Earth, Wind & Fire Songs". Yahoo! Voices. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  7. ↑ Ali-Coleman, Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman (August 22, 2012). "Turning 30: Earth, Wind and Fire's "Let's Groove"". Soul Train. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  8. ↑ Falconer, Daniel (October 15, 2013). "Earth, Wind & Fire - 'Now, Then & Forever' - Album Review". Female First. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  9. ↑ Bio - Awards at the Wayback Machine (archived March 7, 2009). Billboard. Earthwindandfire.com.
  10. ↑ Dean, Maury (2003). Rock N' Roll Gold Rush. Algora. p. 289. ISBN 0-87586-207-1.
  11. 1 2 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – 1982 at the Wayback Machine (archived October 11, 2007). Billboard.
  12. ↑ "RIAA – Gold and Platinum – Let's Groove". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Certified Awards". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  14. ↑ Bailey, Philip; Zimmerman, Keith; Zimmerman, Kent (2014). Shining Star: Braving the Elements of Earth, Wind & Fire. Penguin Group. ISBN 978-1-1016-0793-0.
  15. ↑ Prato, Greg (2011). MTV Ruled the World: The Early Years of Music Video. p. 184. ISBN 0578071975.
  16. ↑ Ron Hays Music – Image 1982 demo reel. YouTube. Retrieved April 11, 2010.
  17. ↑ Ron. Bruno Mars Represents Earth, Wind & Fire In "Treasure" Video at the Wayback Machine (archived October 19, 2013). iAmBoiGenius.
  18. ↑ "Earth, Wind & Fire – Let's Groove". Acclaimed Music. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – CHART POSITIONS PRE 1989". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Earth, Wind & Fire – Let's Groove" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  21. ↑ "Radio 2 Top 30 : 19 december 1981" (in Dutch). Top 30. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  22. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0460." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  23. ↑ "InfoDisc : Tous les Titres par Artiste" (in French). InfoDisc. Select "Earth, Wind & Fire" from the artist drop-down menu. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  24. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Let's Groove". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  25. ↑ "I singoli più venduti del 1982" (in Italian). Hit Parade Italia. Creative Commons. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  26. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Earth, Wind & Fire - Let's Groove search results" (in Dutch) Dutch Top 40. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  27. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Earth, Wind & Fire – Let's Groove" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  28. ↑ "Charts.org.nz – Earth, Wind & Fire – Let's Groove". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  29. ↑ "South African Rock Lists Website SA Charts 1969 – 1989 Acts (E)". Rock.co.za. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  30. ↑ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  31. ↑ "Archive Chart: 1981-11-28" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  32. 1 2 3 "Raise! – Awards". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
  33. ↑ CASH BOX Top 100 Singles – Week ending DECEMBER 12, 1981 at the Wayback Machine (archived September 17, 2012). Cash Box magazine.
  34. ↑ RECORD WORLD 1981 at the Wayback Machine (archived May 9, 2006). Record World. Geocities.com.
  35. 1 2 "Lescharts.com – Earth, Wind & Fire – Let's Groove" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  36. ↑ "TOP – 1981" (in French). Top-france.fr. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  37. ↑ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1981" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  38. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1981" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Hung Medien. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  39. ↑ The CASH BOX Year-End Charts: 1981 at the Wayback Machine (archived September 18, 2012). Cash Box magazine.
  40. ↑ "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – Top 100 End of Year AMR Charts – 1980s". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  41. ↑ "Top Singles – Volume 37, No. 19, December 25, 1982". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  42. ↑ "I singoli più venduti del 1982" (in Italian). Hit Parade Italia. Creative Commons. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  43. ↑ "Top 100 Hits for 1982". The Longbored Surfer. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  44. ↑ "Top Disco/Dance Singles/Albums". Billboard. 94 (51): 36. December 25, 1982. ISSN 0006-2510.
  45. ↑ "British single certifications – Earth, Wind & Fire – Let's Groove". British Phonographic Industry. Enter Let's Groove in the field Keywords. Select Title in the field Search by. Select single in the field By Format. Select Silver in the field By Award. Click Search
  46. ↑ "American single certifications – Earth, Wind & Fire – Let_s Groove". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
  47. ↑ "Australian Fun Countdowns – Accreditation Awards". Australian Fun Countdowns. April 7, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
  48. 1 2 "Australian-charts.com – CDB – Let's Groove". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  49. ↑ ARIA Awards 2007 : History: Winners by Year at the Wayback Machine (archived December 14, 2007). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  50. 1 2 "Charts.org.nz – CDB – Let's Groove". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  51. ↑ "Let's Groove by CDB". Rate Your Music. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  52. ↑ Australian Top 100 Singles 1996 at the Wayback Machine (archived November 2, 2015). The Australian Record Industry Association Ltd.
  53. 1 2 3 "Let's Groove – Single: David Foster, Anggun, Mel C & Vanness Wu". iTunes HK. May 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  54. ↑ Ho, Jovi (15 May 2015). "Asia's Got Talent Judges Release Charity Single for Nepal". Yahoo! News Singapore. Retrieved 13 June 2015.
  55. ↑ "Asia's Got Talent Judges Release Charity Single "Let's Groove" (Earth, Wind & Fire) For Nepal Earthquake Relief". Getmusic Asia. May 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  56. ↑ "WATCH: 'Asia's Got Talent' judges perform 'Let's Groove'". ABS-CBNnews.com. May 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  57. ↑ "Let's Groove". Asia's Got Talent. May 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  58. ↑ "Let's Groove – Single: David Foster, Anggun, Mel C & Vanness Wu". iTunes ID. May 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  59. ↑ "Let's Groove – Single: David Foster, Anggun, Mel C & Vanness Wu". iTunes MY. May 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  60. ↑ "Let's Groove – Single: David Foster, Anggun, Mel C & Vanness Wu". iTunes SG. May 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  61. ↑ "Let's Groove – Single: David Foster, Anggun, Mel C & Vanness Wu". iTunes VN. May 15, 2015. Retrieved June 13, 2015.
  62. ↑ Westwood, Wild Willie. "The Secrets of "That's My Bush"". Spscriptorium.com. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  63. ↑ "Let's Groove". Marketplace.xbox.com. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
  64. ↑ "Toujeo TV Spot, 'Daily Groove'". iSpot.tv. Retrieved September 10, 2016.
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