My next featured song is "For the Love of Money" by The O'Jays. It was just many in a long line of hits by the writing/producing powerhouse Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, who along with writer/producer Thom Bell and a consistent lineup of seasoned studio musicians, helped craft the "Philly Sound" of the 1970s.
And speaking of studio musicians, Gamble and Huff even gave a co-writing credit on "For the Love of Money" to session bassist Anthony Jackson, whose phased bassline anchored the song's place in our pop consciousness. A wise and noble move on their part.
For as many times as the song has been sampled by rap artists, professing their materialistic desires over Jackson's bassline and "money, money, money, money...money!" refrain, you might think the song is one big paean to riches. (NBC's The Apprentice using it as a theme song hasn't helped that perception, either.) In reality, it's a stern warning about not letting money and greed change you.
The song also is sublimely funky. Few morality tales make you want to form a Soul Train line. But then, not all morality tales have Eddie Levert leading the charge and the MFSB orchestra putting down a bedrock groove beneath it all.
Beyond this one track, I encourage you to get the entire Ship Ahoy album. It is a classic album--deep, funky, with touches of psychedelia, and a deep social consciousness. For example, the title track, which reflects upon African American history and slavery, will send chills up your spine.
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