Top 10 Philip Bailey Songs - ClassicRockHistory.com

Top 10 Philip Bailey Songs

Philip Bailey Songs

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Our Top 10 Philip Bailey Songs list will look at a legendary singer, songwriter and musician. He is best known as one of the members of Earth, Wind & Fire. He is known for his four-octave range and falsetto. If you are a fan of Earth, Wind & Fire as well as his solo work, you will recognize his voice instantly. As soon as you hear that impressive falsetto, you will know it’s him because there is no mistaking that voice. He is a Grammy winner. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame with Earth, Wind & Fire. Philip Bailey is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is not just a member of Earth, Wind & Fire. He has solo albums as well. When Earth, Wind & Fire took a break, he decided to record music on his own.

Philip James Bailey was born May 8, 1951. He got an early start in music after he left college. He was in a local r&b band called Friends & Love. Philip Bailey was influenced by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Sarah Vaughan and Dionne Warwick. He was also a fan of the Motown sound. He was a big fan of Stevie Wonder. In 1972, Philip Bailey joined Earth, Wind & Fire. The band went on to have several hit singles. You can hear his voice in most of their memorable songs. When band member Maurice White retired, Philip Bailey became the lead singer of the band.

In 1983, Philip Bailey released his first solo album Continuation. The album peaked at number 19 on the r&b charts. Continuation features the singles “I Know,” “It’s Our Time,” “Trapped” and “I’m Waiting for Your Love.” The album received good reviews from the critics. He switched gears with his second studio album. This is a gospel album. The Wonders of His Love was released in 1984. The album peaked at number 13 on the Christian charts and number 17 on the gospel charts. He was proof that an r&b singer could switch to gospel music successfully. The Wonders of His Love features the singles “I Want to Know You,” “God Is Love,” “I Am Gold” and “The Wonders of His Love.”

Chinese Wall was released in October 1984. This album helped establish Philip Bailey as a solo artist. This was one of the most successful albums in 1985. The album peaked at number 10 on the r&b charts and number 22 on Billboard 200. Chinese Wall features the singles “Easy Lover,” “Photogenic Memory,” “Children of the Ghetto” and “Walking on the Chinese Wall.” The album sold over 500,000 copies. Triumph was released in 1986. The album peaked at number 18 on the Christian charts and number 33 on the gospel charts. Triumph features the singles “Thank You,” “The Other Side,” “Triumph” and “Come Before His Presence.” This album won a Grammy Award for Best Male Gospel Performance.

Inside Out was released in 1986. The album peaked at number 30 on the r&b charts. Inside Out features the singles “State of the Heart,” “Welcome to the Club,” “Long Distance Love” and “Because of You.” Family Affair was released in 1989. The album peaked at number 37 on the gospel charts. Family Affair features the singles “Family Affair,” “No Compromise,” “Let’s Talk About Jesus” and “Lonely Brokenhearted People.” Philip Bailey was released in 1994. The album peaked at number 100 on the r&b charts. Philip Bailey features the singles “I’m Ready,” “Here with Me,” “Stay Right Here” and “Crazy Things You Do for Love.”

Dreams was released in 1999. This is a jazz album. The album peaked at number 43 on the jazz charts. Dreams features the singles “Waiting for the Rain,” “Moondance,” “Make It with You” and “Sail Away.” Soul on Jazz was released in April 2002. The album peaked at number 45 on the jazz charts. Soul on Jazz features the singles “My Indiscretions,” “Unrestrained,” “Nature Boy” and “Keep Your Head to the Sky.” Love Will Find a Way was released in 2019. The album peaked at number one on the jazz charts and contemporary jazz charts. Love Will Find a Way features the singles “Stairway to the Stars,” “Billy Jack,” “Once in a Lifetime” and “Love Will Find a Way.”

Philip Bailey may be best known for his work with Earth, Wind & Fire, but he proved that he is an excellent artist. He was able to maintain a career with the band as well as on his own. There aren’t too many artists that will stay in a band and maintain their solo careers. Philip Bailey proved that he was one of the artists who could accomplish this feat. Our Top 10 Philip Bailey Songs list will give you a chance to stroll down memory lane with his best songs.

# 10 – It’s Our Time ft. Deniece Williams

The first song on our Top 10 Philip Bailey Songs list is “It’s Our Time” from the Continuation album. “It’s Our Time” was released in 1983. This is a motivational song about the importance of having patience. Having patience is the best way to accomplish what you want. The narrators in the song are grateful that they overcame their obstacles and are together. They believe it is their time to shine. They realized that it was time to pursue their dreams. One of their dreams is to find love. They found it with each other. They have been in bad relationships before, but they were patient and true love found them. They are happy that they have found each other.

The song teaches you a lesson about patience. The lyrics inspire listeners not to give up on what they want. This song is ideal for anyone who felt they had to rush to get what they want. The lyrics let you know that it is better to take your time. If you take your time, it will be worth it in the end. Philip Bailey and Deniece Williams worked together on other projects in the past and came together for this song. Their voices are perfect with each other. They both sing in falsetto, so it was a battle between the two. They both win the vocal battle because they sound great. If anyone was going to keep up with Philip Bailey and his four-octave range, it is Deniece Williams. They both hold high notes in falsetto which will blow your mind. They are a musical match made in heaven.

# 9 – Children Of The Ghetto

The next song on our Top 10 Philip Bailey Songs list is “Children of the Ghetto” from the Chinese Wall album. “Children of the Ghetto” was released in 1984. This social song is about children growing up in the ghetto. They run wild because they don’t have any direction. The narrator talks about the children being miserable and not having anything to brighten up their days. He wants the kids to keep their heads up. The children are always in the news. They are tough and bitter about life. What the children have in common is sorrow. He wants them to know that someone is looking out for them.

This song teaches you that being from the ghetto doesn’t have to be a death sentence. You don’t have to live in despair because there is a way out. The lyrics inspire you not to give up and do more with your life. This song will hit home with you if you are from the ghetto. You will also feel the lyrics even if you aren’t from the ghetto. You will get an idea of the way people struggle in the ghetto.

The lyrics are deep and meaningful. Philip Bailey sings this song with the emotion needed to convey the message in the song. He sings this in his famous falsetto and it is just right for the music. He sounds like a vocal beast in this song. The music is soft and tender. It is a surprise that he chose a jazz and r&b sound. Songs like these usually have a funk or upbeat sound. There is a piano solo that is worth checking out. The song is well produced because it caters to his falsetto vocals. There is no way to listen to this song without being in your feelings.

# 8 – Here With Me

The eighth song on our Top 10 Philip Bailey Songs list is “Here with Me” from the self-titled album. “Here with Me” was released in 1994. The touching song is about a man who wants to be there for the woman he loves. He wants to prove to her that she is the only one for him. He is going to be there for her when she needs him. He wants to be with her. He lets her know that he will never let her go. He doesn’t want anything else. He just wants her there with him. The narrator compliments her after they spent the night together. He doesn’t want her to be afraid of the things he is telling her. He doesn’t want her to let what he is saying get in the way of them being together. He wants her to relax with him while they are together.

The lyrics are passionate. If you are hesitant about being with someone you love, you should listen to this song. It will encourage you to take a chance on love. It may restore your faith in love. This is a sexy song to listen to when you are spending time with your lover. It will put you in a romantic mood. Philip Bailey sings this song in a lower tone. He sings parts of the song in his famous falsetto, but he sings most of the song in his lower register. It gave him a chance to show versatility. It is nice to hear him singing in the lower register. Singer Brian McKnight wrote this track and it sounds like something he would sing himself. The music has a cool r&b vibe that will allow you to bop your head to the beat.

# 7 – Photogenic Memory

The seventh song on our list is “Photogenic Memory” from the Chinese WallI album. “Photogenic Memory” was released in 1984. The song is about someone who needs help moving on from the past. The narrator tells a woman to get over a past lover. She refuses to move on, but he thinks she is better off without him. The woman he is talking to wants to be back with her ex, but he wants her to think about how it was when she was with the ex. They fought all the time. He reminds her that she is only remembering the good times and forgetting about the bad ones. Photogenic Memory is making her think her relationship was better than it really was. He insists she is better off without her former lover.

This is another track where he is teaching you a lesson. He is trying to warn someone not to focus on the past. He wants her to move on with her life. How many times have you had to tell a friend to move on with their lives? If you have been in the narrator’s position, you will be able to relate to the lyrics. This song is different because the protagonist isn’t asking the woman to be with him. He wants her to stop living in the past and move on with her life. Instead of being with her, he wants to give her advice. This is something you would expect from one of your female friends, so it was a nice change of pace for a song like this to be told from a man’s point of view.

The music should have been slower since the message is a heartfelt one, but it doesn’t hurt the song. The music is infectious and has a great 80s sound that doesn’t sound dated. Philip Bailey sounds unrecognizable in this track. He sings this in his lower register. He sounds like Maurice White in this track. This song gets overshadowed by “Easy Lover”, but it is something worth checking out. The message and Philip Bailey’s vocals are reasons to listen to this song on repeat.

# 6 – Twins ft. Little Richard

“Twins” is from the Twins soundtrack. “Twins” was released in 1988. Philip Bailey threw his hat in the soundtrack ring. He sang on the soundtrack for the movie Twins. The song is about twins who didn’t grow up together but are reunited when they are older. He talks about what it is like to be a twin. He discusses the magic of being a twin. The song fits the movie because the main characters are twins who have reunited with each other. He talks about how they get close and feel as if they are a part of each other. He thinks their reunion was meant to be. They are connected to each other even when they are alone.

The song puts a spotlight on the relationship between twins. Twins have a connection that is different from other siblings. You don’t have to be a twin to enjoy the song. You also don’t have to watch the movie to enjoy the song. The lyrics are catered for the movie, but you can still enjoy the song without having to see the movie. The music has an 80s dance beat. Once you hear the first couple of notes you will know that it is an 80s song.

Philip Bailey and Little Richard are from two different musical genres, but they worked well together. Philip Bailey sings this in his tenor vocals instead of his famous falsetto. Little Richard is singing in his normal baritone pitch. He does sing the song with grit in his voice. Philip Bailey and Little Richard sound as if they are having fun with each other. They harmonize well in the chorus. They give each other room to shine in the song.

# 5 – Trapped

The next song on our Top 10 Philip Bailey’s Songs list is “Trapped” from the Continuation album. “Trapped” was released in October 1983. We switched things up on the list. Philip Bailey is back to talking about love. He is thinking about being in love. He thinks about how deep love can be and how it will never end. The narrator has played games with women and now he is starting to care about someone. He feels “trapped” and he can’t escape the way he feels. He is happy to have finally found love in his life. She gave him a new lease on life. He feels they are “trapped” together and there is no escape from it. Love becomes a part of you once you embrace it.

In this instance, being “trapped” isn’t a bad thing. He wants to be “trapped” in love. This song is perfect for people who never thought they would fall in love. If you have played the field, the lyrics should make sense to you. You may find yourself nodding in agreement. The songwriters proved that players could settle down and fall in love. The music is soft and sensual. It sounds like baby making music. Philip Bailey sounds amazing in this song. He switches between tenor and falsetto vocals effortlessly. He knows exactly what he is doing to engage the listeners. He holds notes in the song that will blow you away. He cuts loose towards the end of the song and we are here for it.

# 4 – Walking On A Chinese Wall

“Walking on a Chinese Wall” is from the Chinese Wall album. “Walking on a Chinese Wall was released in March 1985. The symbolic song is about the narrator being in China and wanting to prosper. He wants his dreams to come true and he is waiting for his money to come. He has been searching for his fortune throughout China. The narrator also wants love. He believes that if he dreams, she will be there for him. The lyrics can be interpreted in different ways. It could be about achieving your dreams or finding love. The lyrics will have you thinking no matter how you interpret the song.

You shouldn’t let the title of the song fool you. It is an inspirational song about working towards your goals. It can also be a song about finding true love. What’s good about this song is that it doesn’t just have one meaning. The music is graceful. The acoustic and electric guitars sound amazing. The horn makes the music stand out. It adds grace to the song. Singer Phil Collins sounds great on the drums. Philip Bailey’s vocals are phenomenal. He mixes his vocals in this song. He sings in tenor and falsetto. The mix of tenor and falsetto vocals sounds great against the music. The song is worth checking out.

# 3 – State Of The Heart

Coming in at number three on our list is “State of the Heart” from the Inside Out album. “State of the Heart” was released in April 1986. The song is about a woman who can buy anything she wants. She is not happy because she doesn’t have love in her life. It doesn’t matter if you have money when you don’t have love in your life. Money can’t buy love. She has no one to turn to so she keeps her feelings inside. Material things don’t matter if you don’t have a good heart. The song tells an interesting story about a woman who can buy anything she wants in the world, but she can’t buy love. She is lonely because she doesn’t have anyone in her life to make her feel special and loved.

The lyrics have a good message about money not being able to buy everything. We all want money, but we also want happiness and love. Love and happiness are something money can’t buy. It doesn’t matter if you have fancy clothes if no one is there to see them. The music is contagious. It has a classic 80s r&b and soul sound. The music will get the party started. The music is something you can hear in the club in the 80s. The drumbeat is phenomenal. It drives the music. This beat is different from Earth, Wind & Fire songs. This song will help you separate Philip Bailey from the band. Philip Bailey sings in his tenor vocals, but he doesn’t ditch the falsetto vocals. He manages to hold notes on this dance track.

# 2 – I Know

“I Know” is from the Continuation album. “I Know” was released in October 1983. The song tells a story about a beautiful woman who men want. Other men want her, but the narrator feels as if he is the right one for her. He is confident that she will come to him. He knows that she is lonely. Love is the only thing that can cure her loneliness. He is going to tell her everything she wants to hear. She isn’t sure if they are meant to be. She isn’t sure if he is just talking or if he really loves her. She is trying to hide her feelings, but he knows that she wants to be with him.

It is not unusual for men to feel like they are the right ones for women. This song follows the same formula. He wants to prove that she can believe in love. He knows that she will come to him because no one will treat her the way he can. The narrator comes across very confident. He will be an inspiration for men who want to pursue the woman of their dreams. The music is smooth and rhythmic. The musical arrangement is flawless. They all do an amazing job with the beat. They are geniuses when it comes to instrumentation. Here is a fun fact. George Duke plays the acoustic piano and synthesizer on this track. Philip Bailey’s vocals are fantastic. He sounds soulful in this song. He gives the song the perfect buildup because he takes his time getting to the finale of the song. The famous falsetto does make an appearance in this song.

# 1 – Easy Lover ft. Phil Collins

The number one song on our Top 10 Philip Bailey Songs list is “Easy Lover” from the Chinese Wall album. “Easy Lover” was released in November 1984. There is no way we could have ended our list without adding Philip Bailey’s biggest hit. “Easy Lover” is about a woman who can’t be tamed. It tells the story about a woman who can have any man she wants. She will rip his heart out and not care about it. The man won’t feel her taking his heart out. The man wants to be with this woman, but there is no point. She is out of his league and will treat him badly. She will play around and leave him. The man won’t be able to change her into the woman he wants.

This duet is equivalent to two men warning each other about getting together with the wrong woman. They let each other know that the woman isn’t any good. If you are in a situation like the one described in the song, you will be able to relate to the lyrics. Everyone needs a friend to tell them when they are with the wrong person. The song is told from a man’s point of view, but women can relate to it as well. Men can break women’s hearts the same way the “easy lover” does in this song. This song is excellent. What makes this song a classic is the fact that it combines different genres. Fans of rock, pop and r&b will enjoy this song.

The music has something for everyone. Philip Bailey and Phil Collins are an unlikely pair because they are from two different worlds musically. Philip Bailey was in Earth, Wind & Fire while Phil Collins was in Genesis. It is Earth, Wind & Fire meets Genesis. Philip Bailey hits the high notes in this song effortlessly. His famous falsetto appears in the song. His falsetto was a great contrast with Phil Collins‘ baritone vocals. This song caters to both of their singing styles. Everything about this song is flawless from the singing to the music. This is a song that you will want to hear on repeat.

Top 10 Philip Bailey Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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