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“MACHINE GUN” (1974) WHY IT’S GREAT: At the dawn of disco, the band released this energetic R&B boogie instrumental, sizzling with synthesizers and galloping drums. It was the
Commodores’ first single from their same-named debut album and a reflection of the deep funk groove that characterized their early sound. “Machine Gun” was given its name by Motown honcho
Berry Gordy, who said Milan Williams’ clavinet sounded like gunfire. The beat has been sampled often by hip-hop acts; the Beastie Boys used it in 1989’s “Hey Ladies.” And for years, before
signing off each night, Nigeria’s TV stations played “Machine Gun” after the national anthem. PEAK MOMENT: “Machine Gun” peaked at No. 22. HEAR IT: “Machine Gun” “NIGHTSHIFT” (1985) WHY
IT’S GREAT: This moving and soulful tune pays tribute to R&B singers Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, who both died in 1984. Richie had left the band in 1982 and was replaced by J.D.
Nicholas, who shares vocals with Walter Orange. Songwriter Franne Golde, enlisted to assist with the lyrics, got the idea for the title from Ron Howard’s film _Night Shift_. It’s the only
hit the Commodores scored after Richie’s departure. After four weeks on the R&B chart, it was bumped off by Diana Ross’ “Missing You,” another Marvin Gaye tribute, penned by — who else?
— Richie. PEAK MOMENT: “Nightshift” hit No. 3. HEAR IT: “Nightshift” [embedded content] “THREE TIMES A LADY” (1978) WHY IT’S GREAT: A romantic waltz with none of the Commodores’ original
funk grit, “Three Times a Lady” was Richie’s valentine to his wife, Brenda. He was inspired by a loving toast his father gave his mother at their 37th wedding anniversary party. The song is
so soft and sentimental that Richie believed it was inappropriate for the Commodores and considered offering it to Frank Sinatra. But the group wanted to keep it, and the croon became a
global hit, garnered two Grammy nominations and influenced _Rolling Stone _and _Billboard_ to name the Commodores the R&B group of the year. PEAK MOMENT: “Three Times a Lady” was the
Commodores’ first song to reach No. 1. HEAR IT: “Three Times a Lady” [embedded content] “SAIL ON” (1979) WHY IT’S GREAT: A poignant ballad from the album _Midnight Magic_, “Sail On” brings
country and blues touches to the Commodores’ signature R&B. Richie wrote the song about a man who recognizes his marriage is irretrievably broken, and he’s too weary to fight for it. The
song’s pop sweetness belies its melancholy message. It wasn’t autobiographical: Richie did not get divorced until 14 years later. The song was covered by Destiny’s Child in 1998. PEAK
MOMENT: “Sail On” sailed all the way to No. 4. HEAR IT: “Sail On”
