Right On cover

Right On

Wilson Pickett · 1970

37 min · 12 tracks · rock music

Soulful grooves blend with rock influences, showcasing vibrant rhythms and Pickett's dynamic vocal prowess throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You Keep Me Hangin' On — This track features Pickett's powerful delivery that transforms the original Motown hit into a gritty, soulful anthem, showcasing his vocal range and emotive style.
  • →
    Sugar Sugar — Pickett's rendition infuses the upbeat pop classic with a soulful edge, highlighting his ability to reinterpret familiar tunes with his unique flair and rhythmic energy.
  • →
    Lord Pity Us All — The song stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and poignant delivery, demonstrating Pickett's skill in conveying deep emotion through music while addressing social themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends soul and rock effectively, showcasing Pickett's vocal range and solid arrangements.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong mid-tempo groove in 'Groovy Little Woman' and maintains a consistent rhythmic energy through the first half.
  • Pickett's vocal delivery varies from powerful belting to softer, more nuanced moments, particularly evident in tracks like 'Sweet Inspiration' and 'It's Still Good'.
  • Several tracks feature prominent horn arrangements that enhance the soulful feel, while others incorporate rock elements, such as guitar riffs in 'Hey Joe'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • infectious grooves for dancing
  • steady pacing for social gatherings
  • heartfelt vocals for sing-alongs
  • vibrant energy during celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, introspective music
  • seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1970, Right On is Wilson Pickett's follow-up to his successful album Hey Jude from 1969. At this point, he was solidifying his place as a key figure in the soul genre while transitioning into more rock-influenced sounds that would broaden his appeal. This album marks a significant moment in his career as he continued to explore new musical directions.
Stylistic neighbors
Otis Redding· James Brown· Sam & Dave

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Groovy Little Woman 2:37
  • 2 Funky Way 2:28
  • 3 Sugar Sugar 2:55
  • 4 Sweet Inspiration 2:52
  • 5 This Old Town 3:22
  • 6 You Keep Me Hangin' On 4:54
  • 7 Lord Pity Us All 3:19
  • 8 It's Still Good 2:35
  • 9 Woman Likes to Hear That 2:51
  • 10 She Said Yes 3:12
  • 11 Hey Joe 3:03
  • 12 Steal Away 3:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata