Formed in 1953, The Drifters have become one of the most iconic musical acts of all time. While they’ve released some timeless classics that are still loved to this day, their influence and sound has proven difficult for many up-and-coming artists to replicate. In order to truly appreciate how special The Drifters are, it’s important to turn a critical eye towards their entire discography – picking out both the good and the bad. So let's take a look at something criticizable yet also something praiseworthy about The Drifters' long history as a band!
Founded in 1953, The Drifters have become one of the most popular and influential musical acts of all time. Their sound has been mimicked, but never fully replicated, and their discography contains a mix of hits and misses. In order to appreciate their true genius, we must take a critical look at their entire history as a band. Join me as we explore the good and the not so good of The Drifters' music catalog.
Starting with the good, The Drifters have undoubtedly released some of the most iconic songs in music history. Songs like Under the Boardwalk, Up on the Roof, and Save the Last Dance for Me have stood the test of time, remaining mainstays in many people’s playlists. The way the band harmonizes and layers their vocals has influenced countless musicians to this day. Their signature sound is unmistakable and differentiates them from their contemporaries. It’s no wonder that The Drifters have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
On the other hand, there are some not so great moments in The Drifters' discography. During the 1970s, they made a foray into disco music, which didn’t resonate well with their fan base. Songs like Drip Drop and There Goes My Baby were remade with a disco beat, which received lukewarm responses from critics and fans alike. As a result, the band struggled to maintain their popularity and relevancy during this period. But it’s important to remember that this was during a time when many artists were experimenting with new sounds and genres, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected or out of character for them to try something new.
Moving on to the praiseworthy aspect, The Drifters have arguably one of the most impressive vocal lineups in music history. Some of the greatest soul and R&B vocalists of all time, including Ben E. King, Clyde McPhatter, and Johnny Moore, have been members of the band. These powerhouse voices brought raw emotion and soul into every performance, elevating even the most mediocre songs to greatness. Even after multiple lineup changes, the band managed to find talented and skilled vocalists to carry on their legacy.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that The Drifters' impact on music should not be understated. Their sound and vocal arrangements have influenced countless artists across multiple genres. Everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Mariah Carey has cited The Drifters as a major influence on their music. It’s no surprise that they are consistently ranked as one of the greatest vocal groups of all time.
In conclusion, The Drifters' music catalog contains both good and not so good moments. However, their sound and influence have left an indelible mark on the music industry. The band’s vocal arrangements and harmonies were revolutionary at the time and have continued to inspire new generations of musicians. While not every song in their discography may be a masterpiece, it’s important to appreciate the groundbreaking and historical contributions they’ve made to music as a whole. It’s impossible to talk about the most important acts in music history without mentioning The Drifters.
