TVD Class of '75 | "Kickin'" by The Mighty Clouds of Joy

On which gospel meets Philly soul and makes it all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard dance chart.

The Mighty Clouds of Joy came out of Los Angeles in 1960 as a traditional gospel group. By the early '70s, they started developing a more secular sound even as they kept the faith. This joyous, upbeat record, from 1975, is proof.


"Mighty High" is that dance hit. "Leanin'" clearly is inspired by the O'Jays' "Love Train." Then there's a funky, mashed-up cover of Kiki Dee's "I Got The Music In Me" and Stevie Wonder's "Superstition." Still not sure what to make of that.

The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Mighty High (Mp3)
The Mighty Clouds of Joy - Leanin' (Mp3)
The Mighty Clouds of Joy - I Got The Music In Me/Superstition (Mp3)