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The song’s popularity amongst African American audiences further cemented its place as a funk classic that has stood the test of time. Brickhouse played a pivotal role in shaping the funk genre, becoming a blueprint for future funk compositions. Its infectious bassline and energetic horns became signature elements of the genre. The song’s success paved the way for other funk artists and solidified the Commodores’ status as pioneers of funk music.
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This is one of those phrases that started off as incredibly rude, and through sheer repetition (and dropping one key word) turned into a compliment. See, the original expression, from early 1900s slang, was built like a brick shithouse. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
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Brickhouse, the iconic funk song released by the Commodores in 1977, carries a powerful message that resonates with listeners even decades later. This infectious track is a celebration of self-confidence, individuality, and the beauty found within all body types. With its catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics, Brickhouse has become an anthem for embracing one’s true self and celebrating diversity. The song’s immense success not only solidified their place in music history but also opened doors for the band to explore and experiment with their sound. It served as a launching pad for their future chart-topping hits and established them as one of the most influential funk bands of the era.
How did Brickhouse influence the funk genre?
The song challenges societal beauty standards and encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness. Its empowering message resonates across generations, inspiring individuals to celebrate their individuality and find strength in their own skin. The song’s message of empowerment for Black women continues to resonate with fans of all backgrounds. In an era where movements like Black Lives Matter and the push for body positivity have gained mainstream attention, “Brick House” is a reminder of the power of self-love and acceptance.
What are the main themes portrayed in Brickhouse?
The song’s underlying themes are universally relatable, allowing it to transcend generations. Furthermore, its inclusion in various films, television shows, and commercials has helped cement its place in popular culture. As a funk band, Commodores were known for synthesizing elements of rock, jazz, and soul into a unique sound that was all their own.
Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag. The first US Top 10 hit with the word "hell" in the title was "Gives You Hell" by The All-American Rejects in 2008. The Commodores drew inspiration for Brickhouse from the experiences and emotions they encountered during their rise to fame.
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Brick House was the last song recorded for the Commodores album, and released after Easy. Yet, it was Easy – along with the success of Sweet Love and Just To Be Close To You in 1976 – that showed where the group was heading. Geffen Records made history on June 27, 1994 when Aerosmith's "Head First" became the first major label song made available for exclusive digital download. Download speeds at the time were so slow it took around 75 minutes to download the track.
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In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles. But the legacy of the song continues mainly through its status as a must-play on DJ's standard party set-lists from Birmingham to Boise. But according to Bailey and Commodores frontman Lionel Richie, it all began with an idea Commodores drummer Walter 'Clyde' Orange brought into the studio that charmed day. In a 1996 interview with a Swedish news outlet, Richie credited Orange with writing "most of the lyrics and most of the melody to" the track. As of 2021, “Brick House” remains one of the most recognizable funk songs of all time. Its infectious groove has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place in popular culture.
The Meaning Behind The Song: Brickhouse by Commodores
It reflects the band’s personal journey of embracing their individuality and celebrating their success, urging listeners to do the same. The song Brickhouse was written by the members of the Commodores, primarily William “Smokey” Robinson, Ronald LaPread, and Walter Orange. These talented musicians co-wrote the track, infusing it with their creativity and musical prowess. The advice to live each day to its fullest can seem like a cliché, but figuring out how to actually do that can be pretty challenging.
Written by Commodores band members Lionel Richie, Ronald LaPread, Walter “Clyde” Orange, and Milan Williams, the lyrics praise a woman who defies stereotypes with her curvy figure and unapologetic attitude. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs). This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne.
Brickhouse explores themes of self-confidence, body positivity, individuality, and the celebration of uniqueness. The song sends a powerful message that inner beauty and true confidence come from accepting oneself as they are, regardless of societal standards or norms. The song’s title, “Brickhouse,” is a metaphorical representation of a strong, confident, and attractive person. It compares the resilience and sturdiness of a brick house to the unwavering self-assurance and attractiveness of an individual. The Commodores use this metaphor to convey the idea that true beauty is not defined by societal beauty standards but is found in embracing uniqueness and authenticity. This odd yet evocative four-word string, backed by one of popular music's funkiest basslines, has long been ingrained deep in the psyche of even casual listeners.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. More than 800 people attended a 1982 Miss Brickhouse event in Indianapolis, according to the Indianapolis Recorder. Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.
In 2003, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural impact. Its funky groove and uplifting lyrics have secured its place as one of the greatest funk anthems of all time. The lyrics “She’s a brick house” act as a metaphor to describe a person’s physical and emotional strength. It implies that the person being referred to possesses a solid foundation and unshakeable confidence. The phrase highlights the importance of inner strength and resilience in the face of external challenges.
During this time period, many Black Americans were fighting for self-determination and cultural pride in the face of systemic racism and oppression. Brickhouse has inspired numerous covers and adaptations by various artists across different genres. One notable cover is by Rob Zombie, who infused his heavy metal style into the song, giving it a unique twist. Additionally, artists like Lionel Richie, The Supremes, and Kool & The Gang have also performed their own renditions of this funk classic. Brickhouse’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message of self-acceptance and its irresistible groove.
Brickhouse gained immense popularity due to its infectious rhythm, catchy lyrics, and the Commodores’ exceptional musical talent. The song’s fusion of funk, soul, and R&B elements created a unique and unforgettable sound that resonated with audiences worldwide. Additionally, its empowering message of self-acceptance struck a chord with listeners and established Brickhouse as a timeless anthem. Brickhouse carries significant cultural importance by promoting body positivity and self-acceptance.
Despite the rise to ubiquity of the classic tune, the story of its creation is a humble one that serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, musical chemistry and hard work, with a heaping serving of swagger. Old Time Music is proud to have such a passionate and talented team of writers who share their love for music with our readers. "And they sure enough did because that was the biggest commercial song ever been done by the Commodores, 'Brick House.' All that, right here in this building. This is where the magic happened." Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.
